It's time for Chattanooga's big summer party -- eight days of music on the riverfront, plus a chance to strut down M.L. King Boulevard, munching on barbecue and moving to blues grooves.

At the main site at Ross's Landing, visitors can expect an eclectic lineup of music, food and other attractions. More than 80 acts are scheduled to play during the nine-day festival, June 6-14.

Check the Times Free Press in print and online each day for a wrap-up of the previous night and previews of coming attractions. Today in ChattanoogaNow, we offer this list of things to know before you go.

COCA-COLA STAGE HEADLINERS

¦ Friday, June 6: Gary Allan, 9:30 p.m.

¦ Saturday, June 7: Widespread Panic, 9 p.m.

¦ Sunday, June 8: Buddy Guy, 9:30 p.m.

¦ Tuesday, June 10: TobyMac, 9 p.m.

¦ Wednesday, June 11: Boston, 9:30 p.m.

¦ Thursday, June 12: Justin Moore, 9:30 p.m.

¦ Friday, June 13: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, 9:30 p.m.

¦ Saturday, June 14: Young the Giant, 9:30 p.m.

ADMISSION

A wristband (a change from admission pins of years past) allows access to the festival every day activities are centered at the riverfront. See separate box on Bessie Smith Strut admission.

Wristbands will be scanned upon entry and exit. Failure to scan out could prevent your return into the festival.

General-admission wristbands: $35 if purchased today, June 5, at area Kangaroo stores; $50 if purchased at the gate.

One-night wristbands: $26 at the gate.

Children: Ages 10 and younger admitted for free.

ENTRY GATES

Gates open at 5 p.m. every night of the festival (except Monday's Bessie Smith Strut).

¦ Main gate: corner of Chestnut Street and Aquarium Way.

¦ Hunter Museum gate: Near the museum at the top of the stairs leading down to Riverfront Parkway.

¦ Riverside Drive gate: Lookout Street and Aquarium Way.

¦ Walnut Street Bridge gate: Under the south end of the bridge.

¦ Marina Gate: On Riverfront Parkway west of the Olgiati Bridge.

Boaters may enter through the Walnut Street Pier Gate, provided they already have wristbands.

NEED TO KNOW

¦ Performances are rain or shine.

¦ Shirt and shoes are required for admittance.

¦ Outside food and drink are prohibited.

¦ Camcorders and audio equipment are not allowed.

¦ Cameras are permitted but may be restricted in some areas.

¦ No pets, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, inline skates, laser pointers or weapons of any kind are allowed.

¦ All lawn chairs, blankets must be removed each night.

FOOD AND DRINK

¦ Tokens: Festival tokens, worth 50 cents each, must be used for all food and drink purchases. Token Centers are located throughout the site. They are good all days of the festival. They are nonrefundable but can be used at next year's festival.

¦ Alcohol: Age verification wristbands, available at all token and beer locations, are required for all alcoholic beverage purchases and consumption. A valid driver's license verifying age of 21 or older must be shown to acquire the wristband. All alcohol sales will cease 15 minutes before the final show is scheduled to end.

BESSIE SMITH STRUT

This block party along M.L. King Boulevard takes place Monday, June 9, with entertainment by blues and R&B artists on two stages.

Admission is $7 in advance (through Friday, June 6) without a wristband, $10 day of festival without a wristband, $7 with a wristband. Purchase at https://strut2014.eventbrite.com or at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.

¦ Trestle Stage: Big James & The Chicago Playboys, 5:15 p.m.; Rusty Wright Band, 6:45 p.m.; Boukou Groove, 8:15 p.m.

¦ Bessie Smith Hall: Nikki Hill, 5:30 p.m.; Andy Allo, 6 p.m.; Bobby Rush, 8:35 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Friends of the Festival may be reached at 423-756-2211 or info@riverbendfestival.com.

The website is www.riverbendfestival.com.