One of the biggest frustrations with festivals, next to long lines and clogged walking lanes, is the difficulty of parking. With none available on site and limited parking lots, the Voodoo Festival this year probably won't disrupt that tradition.

Still, be optimistic: chances are, it's not going to be as bad as Mardi Gras or Jazzfest.

But it is going to be a pain. You’re going to have to walk and walk and walk, just like at Mardi Gras and just like at Jazzfest. So just sigh, suck it up and move on – it’s not going to be as bad as you think.

If you’re totally against a hike, your best bet is to buy a LOA Lounge Pass. Those that buy one will get access to the festival for all three days, food, an exclusive bar and parking spots near the ground. The price is a hefty $450 at the door, but the perks may make up for it if you go all three days.

But if you’re a cheapskate like me, you have several options. Probably the easiest is to pay for parking at Delgado Community College on Saturday and Sunday. If you don’t want to pay a dime, then go either west of Marconi or south of City Park Avenue. Both are residential areas, so watch out for driveways, fire hydrants and meter maids.

Wisner, which is to the east of the festival, is a busy, thin street, so parking along that would not only be a hassle but will also fill up quick. Parking along Esplanade Avenue will fill up quickly too, but you can find some spots along the canal and within the residential area.

Another option is to ride a bike. There will be a section in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art dedicated to bike racks. That way you can get some exercise on the way there and then hitch a ride home with either a friend or a cab. Just make sure the bike will fit in the trunk.

Speaking of cabs, there will be plenty in line to pick you up after the festival. Over six different companies from around the city are dedicating cabs just for this event, so take advantage of it. They’ll be lined up in front of the museum.

The Regional Transit Authority will have plenty of buses and streetcars available. Streetcar and bus service will start at 9:00 a.m. and go through breakup each night. They will be marked “Voodoo Experience Transportation” at any stop along the Riverfront, or any stop on the line between the Mississippi River and Carrollton Avenue. You can ride it to the end of the line at City Park, near Beauregard Circle. If you’re coming in from the Metairie or Jefferson area, take the streetcar at the Cemeteries and transfer to the Carrollton streetcar at Carrollton and Canal Street. Streetcars will operate every 10 minutes. 

Shuttle buses will also be operating every 15 minutes. The shuttle will run down Canal Street to Carrollton.

But none of this matters if you don’t get there early. So brave that hangover, wake up around 9 a.m. and get there for 10 a.m. to see some of the best local music Voodoo has to offer.