Written by Molly Kish //
Treasure Island Music Festival //
Treasure Island – San Francisco
October 15th-16th, 2016 //
Setting its inaugural sail way back in 2006, Treasure Island Music Festival has earned its spot as one of the top boutique music festivals in the country. The two-day festival that takes place in the middle of the bay has assembled some impressive lineups over the years that has made it a gale force to be reckoned with.
With this weekend marking the fest’s 10-year anniversary, it faces some aesthetic changes, looming weather forecasts and lineup reconfiguration. Though some may view these factors as an unfavorable hindrance, festivalgoers shouldn’t fret.
Taking it all into consideration, including our previous years of experience covering what easily can be touted as one of our favorite events of the year, we have compiled a list of “pro tips” for you to navigate one final celebratory storm that marks TIMF’s final anchor on the island.
10. Complimentary Festival Transportation
Whether you’re commuting from east or west of the Bay Bridge, FREE shuttles will be picking and dropping off at convenient locations on both sides of the Bay.
There is absolutely NO PARKING options on the island, so avoid paying huge ride-share fares with massive surcharge rates and hop on one of these shuttles:
San Francisco: Located on Fulton St. between Larkin St. and Polk St., one block from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
Oakland: Located next to the West Oakland Bart station on 5th St., between Chester St. and Mandela Parkway.
There will also be a bike valet service at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for anyone wanting to store their chariot safely while visiting the island. For those coming from out of town, TIMF has partnered with Breez to make carpooling to the aforementioned shuttle stops hassle-free. If you’re looking for the VIP treatment, round-trip water taxi service from SF is also available via Tideline Marine Group with single-day passes starting at $45 per person and weekend rates at $85 here.
9. Embrace the Eastside
While it seems like most of the Bay Area “indie” culture has been relocating east, it was only a matter of time before our favorite boutique festival made the natural transition. Getting edged out by the massive construction efforts simultaneously happening on the “Great Lawn,” TIMF has a new location on the Oakland/East Bay side of the island, which also happens to be 20 percent larger than the festival’s previous site.
Though the iconic views of SF will certainly be missed, festivalgoers will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful, sweeping views of the Port of Oakland, Berkeley Hills and the majestically illuminated eastern expansion of the Bay Bridge.
For those still longing for their “mandatory SF skyline” photo, views to the west will still be accessible from the Century Ferris Wheel, which will be located alongside the Silent Disco on the pier (one of the festival’s new layout additions).
8. Organize Your Schedule/Stay Connected
One of the best parts about TIMF is that it truly is a festival that puts the emphasis on music. Curated by Noise Pop and produced by Another Planet Entertainment, it truly is a FUBU (“For us, by us”) festival experience for the unabashed audiophiles of the world.
TIMF remains one of the only festivals recognized on a national circuit that refuses to have overlapping set times. Even in its new location, the fairgrounds remain intimate enough to allow you ample time between sets to shift your location back and forth between both stages without missing a beat.
Still, with the insane lineup of talent this year, we encourage you to create your custom lineup and sync it with your friends’ schedule on social media here.
Be sure to let everyone know you’re attending here. Lastly, download the FREE DoStuff app to find out about everything in real time.
7. Bundle Up in Weatherproof Gear
Any local resident and TIMF veteran knows that Mother Nature has a flare for the eccentric when dealing with the weather patterns on the island. While the eastern side usually does boast higher temperatures and sun-soaked shores, the forecast for this upcoming weekend has hinted otherwise and everyone should be prepared for inclement weather.
Be conscious of the regional microclimates, anticipate some moisture and take a moment to realize the fact that you ARE in the middle of the Bay. Once that and the impending forecast sinks in, add layer upon layer upon layer.
Just think of this as a debut weekend for all your fun new autumn wear and allow yourself to succumb to the fact that this year’s lineup may actually be that much more enjoyable with a few storm clouds heightening the experience.
6. Deprivate Your Senses
If you need a break from the continuous back and forth between stages or have some open time slots in your schedule, be sure to stop by the Silent Disco at its new location on the pier.
A favorite feature among TIMF attendees, the incredibly entertaining Silent Disco has become a mainstay at festivals across the globe. Growing into somewhat of a mini stage within itself, this year’s lineup serves up talent across the TIMF’s 10-year legacy and showcases some of the best local and nationally recognized electronic artists on the bill. See the lineup here.
5. Store That “Booty”
Preparing for a weekend-long festival on an island is no easy feat. And especially when you consider all of the changes that TIMF is going through this year, you’re going to want to be prepared. But this can become a cumbersome task and even more so when extra layers of clothing, accessories and footwear may be part of the equation.
Fear not, TIMF has got you covered! For those who act fast, the festival is renting overnight lockers that even come equipped with a universal cellphone charger. Stay warm, happy and connected with you crew all weekend long. Exponentially heighten your overall experience with the convenience of a clean, dry, safe and fully charged phone by reserving a locker here.
4. Do Your Research
Whether you’re going to TIMF to catch your favorite band or are excited to jump right into discovering “the next big thing,” the 2016 lineup really has something for everyone. Known for its groundbreaking performances over the last decade, the festival has become a circuit staple for exposing talent on a local and national level.
While opinions vary on how much immersive preparation one should engage in, we always suggest perusing some festival previews (besides this one you’re reading right now, of course) and listening to the most current material from the artists listed on the lineup.
Following suit, here’s a TIMF 2016 playlist that samples the best of the fest and will get you hyped for the big weekend ahead.
3. Navigate the Fairgrounds
TIMF calls itself a “boutique” music festival not just because of its picturesque setting (which is hard to beat), smaller crowd capacity and meticulously curated bill, but also due to the fact that aside from the music, the festival highlights vendors, artists and independent craftsmen who are still on the up and up.
Between sets, you can visit the 60-foot Century Ferris Wheel or get down at the Silent Disco. Plus, this year includes a brand-new, iron installation called “Fire Triangle” and a 10-year retrospective “Memory Gallery” that will be on display.
From teriyaki and tamales to paella and raw/vegan food, the cultural influence of the Bay Area will be represented throughout the festival. With full bars and plenty of food trucks, there will be no lack of culinary delights to satiate even the most finicky foodie.
2. Go to a Night Show
If you can’t make it out for the full weekend of festivities or are among the dedicated few who want to continue dancing into the early-morning hours after the festival wraps up, the party doesn’t have to stop once the flood lights turn on!
For those who may be feeling a little deterred by the weather, TIMF has an amazing lineup for their “Night Show” series and you can win free tickets on us here.
1. Have Fun!
Most important, just remember: YOU’RE AT A MUSIC FESTIVAL! There can be far worse places and much less exciting things you could be doing than creating memories and taking in some incredible live music at TIMF’s 10th edition.
Music festivals are really all about what you make of them, and if you follow our 10 pro tips to maximize your experience, we guarantee you will have an unforgettable time participating in TIMF’s final docking on the island!
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