I did not attend the inaugural Lockn Fest. They had some big time problems funneling traffic into the site that first year. People complained but, loved the festival. I went to sophomore event and had a great time. To me the Gold Standard for camping at a large festival is far and away Wanee. Lockn does not have the environs to meet that standard. Then again, most do not. The majority of the camping is out in an open field. Some limited cover, shade... but it's at a premium. The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful. Overall, I think the "organization" is as good as any other large festival. It was really hot and they had a tent with 4 mega screen tvs showing football on Sat. and Sun.. Nice and cool, plus you could take a break without walking back to your campsite. Some of the campsites are a hike to the main venue. Officially in my late 50's I too need some creature comforts.

No official seating in front of the stage. You could get there early and set-up your chairs for the daytime performance. Many did just that.

Not sure on the exit/entrance if you are not camping. They have a variety of camping options, some terribly expensive, others not so.

We are going again this year.

Hope that helped. Remember... Virginia is for Lovers!!!!

thanks

is anything covered or is it all out in the open?

If by "anything" you mean camping...there are a few primitive campsites in a wooded area. Most camping sites are in the open. If you are asking about the stage areas, nothing is covered at the three main stages. They have a small stage set-up in a wooded area that is way too small to accommodate crowds for the acts they have. Tedeschi-Trucks, Hot Tuna, Keller Williams played there and you could not get in after a certain point. They need to change that up, imo. It is covered, and probably impossible to have a chair.

Lockn' is about a 2 hour and twenty minute drive from my house. The first year I went for the Thursday show and drove back the same night. The traffic was terrible going in but I got lucky and was able to slip in the first lot. I had about a 3/4 mile hike into the festival but getting out was easy.

Last year I went for all 4 days. I'm 54 and am proud of the accomplishment. I didn't camp. I booked a room at one of the shuttle hotels in Lynchburg through hotels.com. I didn't buy the shuttle package. I figured I could bribe the bus driver for a lot less than the cost of the package. Sure enough I was given a shuttle pass at breakfast on Friday morning. I only ended up using the shuttle once but it was great. Met some nice folks and made some friends.

The drive in from the hotel was quick and easy. Parking a breeze but you will have that hike. I carried a small backpack and chair. I was on my own but met up with friends inside the festival site. We set our chairs up early and had darn good sight lines and great sound throughout the festival. Getting into the site early and setting up that base viewing area with a good group of friends is really important. You will want a solid base to return to because there is plenty to explore.

The food was really good. On par with the Jazz Fest in New Orleans? Not quite, but still some really good vittles from local restaurants.

There are reserved areas for VIP ticket holders. I went general admission and bought another general admission ticket for this year's shows. However VIP tickets do get you free food, special bathroom and covered lobby areas as well as semi private shows. I might upgrade this year but don't want to alienate my friends. 😉

This year I'll stay in Charlottesville instead of Lynchburg for two reasons. Number one it is closer to my house. Number two, when leaving the festival after the last act, all traffic is routed North toward Charlottesville. That little detour adds about 20 minutes to the commute back to Lynchburg.

The hotels in Lynchburg are cheaper. Charlottesville is a more hip town but you won't be spending a lot of time in town. You will be at the event. Lynchburg has a unique little downtown and I did have a really nice Sunday brunch down there.

The two stage set up is unique to festivals. One band stops and the next begins. Usually within minutes. Last year Del McCoury played just before the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He was joined on his stage by the PHJB and then they all "half-stepped" together to the adjacent stage. That is what is meant by "Lockn'" the music and stages are locked in to provide hours of seamless entertainment.

That is why your base viewing area is so important. You will know which bands play which stage. Park yourself in front of the stage with your favorites. You will still be able to see the other stage and the sound emanating from both stages uses the same sound system - so you will still have the same sound experience.

As far as cover - that was the one drawback last year. Phil and Friends were interrupted by lightning. We were all evacuated. That truncated the P&F set. Yet the following Panic and Winwood, then Tom Petty sets were complete.

Hope I didn't ramble too much. Bottom line, it is a completely doable festival with minimal hiking required.

thanks!!