As I've said in previous years, if I don't create this thread, I don't think anyone will lol.
July 17 this year. Here is a copy and paste of some info from last years thread:
Directions from NYC by train:
Take the LIRR from Penn station to Wantagh. There is a cab stand outside of the train station. Grab a cab to the theater. It should be fairly cheap. Its a very short drive. Uber is also on Long Island if you wish to go that route instead of a cab. You can also take the train to Freeport and take a cab from there.
Map of area:
http://imgur.com/pbnZi39
Red depicts best methods to enter the main lot. There are two ways to get to the venue if you are coming from the west (which I suspect most of you are), and for those who aren't, it means you live on Long Island (coming from the east end) and you don't need to be told how to get in.
The first way in is to take the Wantagh Parkway south (the redline in the center of your screen running top to bottom). Eventually you will get to a roundabout with a large structure in the middle. You need to wrap around and head east on Ocean Parkway (to the right on the map). You will pass the lot on your left. You need to head down and make a U-turn, and head back west for a few seconds where you will be able to turn into the lot.
The second way in is if you end up taking Ocean Parkway from the west (you'd probably take the Meadowbrook parkway south and merge onto Ocean Parkway east, not depicted on the map). If you are coming in on Ocean Parkway, you simply continue heading east through the round about, then make the u-turn and head into to the lot.
Jones Beach labels their parking lots by field numbers. The two fields designated for parking for the shows are 5 and 4. I cannot stress enough that 5 will be where the tailgating will be. It will eventually fill up. Try and get into 5. 4 is where the few cars that cannot fit into 5 go, and not much goes on there.
The VIP lot is marked in purple on the map. There is a separate entrance for the VIP/Premier Parking. Parking in this area is completely unnecessary for this show, as traffic flows naturally and quickly after the show. One thing to note is that when coming down the parkway to the lot, you will see a ton of signs for venue parking. Just ignore them and take the routes I suggested above.
If you are trying to go to the beach during the day, park in either lot 4 or 5 and walk the blue lines on the map. There is a tunnel that will take you under ocean parkway and right to the beach. Concert parking is free, and you should be able to get onto the beach free if you park in the concert parking lots and follow the blue lines on the map. Note, what Long Island considers the beach is the ocean. The venue is in Zack's Bay. You cannot swim in Zack's Bay. If you want to swim go to the beach.
Also, there is a snack stand and real bathrooms available, but be prepared, lines are very long. I believe they also have some porta potties sprinkled throughout the lot as well.
UPDATE 2018: Last year they were charging for parking if you arrived a certain amount of time before the show (I do not recall how much time).
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