1: There are notable names beyond the headliners

Familiarity with the bands drops off steeply after Tool, Dave Matthews and those zany Oklahoma space-punks the Flaming Lips, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of talent. Faithful metalheads know Coheed & Cambria is a powerhouse on stage. Listeners of the Current (89.3 FM) have been getting a heavy, welcome dose of the Delta Spirit and local newbies Poliça of late. Dance-popsters Scissor Sisters, local Warped Tour vets Motion City Soundtrack, M.I.A.'s DJ pal Diplo, female indie-rapper K. Flay and grunge-y rock bands the Whigs and An Horse are all worth an early arrival, too.

2: There will be music after the 10 p.m. curfew

You just won't be able to hear it. Not without free wireless headphones that will be handed out for the so-called Silent Disco, a dance party led by such renowned local DJs/producers as Gigamesh and Jon Ackerman.

3: There will be shuttles

Access is one big drawback to Harriet Island for many people. To alleviate that, River's Edge is running two free shuttle bus routes out of downtown St. Paul, one from the Science Museum and the other from Mears Park. Or consult a map, or your St. Paulite cousin, on other ways of approaching the island. It's really not that hard.

Associated Press - Ap, Star Tribune
Claudio Sanchez of Coheed & Cambria.

4: There are no tickets

All concertgoers get newly branded radio-frequency wristbands that will be scanned upon entry and re-entry (yes, the latter is allowed). Exception: Ages 10 and under get in without a wristband with a paying adult.

5: There will be many more fests

Live Nation signed a five-year deal with the city to produce the event, and even has plans for country and electronic music offshoot shows next year.