A survivor’s guide to Made in America: What to do, eat, download

Yes, Made in America is a music festival. But it's so much more than that. It's a sonic marathon. It's a two-day stretch of strategies on how to keep your phone alive for 10-plus hours. It's a mission to stay hydrated and fed without breaking the bank.

Here, we provide some helpful bits of info on how to achieve complete festival euphoria during the fourth-annual concert on the Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.

Who's playing?

We're not going to judge if you don't know this answer by now. Headliners include Beyonce (Saturday) and The Weeknd (Sunday). While these folks are, in fact, superstars, don't miss out on the other talented acts — like Metric, Earl Sweatshirt, Santigold and Axwell/Ingrosso — waiting for your loving eyes and ears.

To eliminate any indecisiveness, here's an hour-by-hour guide to both days of the festival to make sure no moment is wasted. And here's the complete schedule with stage and set time information.

Give me the lowdown on the festival grounds.

First off, doors open at noon both days. Performances start at 1:15 p.m. both days as well.

Festival grounds lay within secure boundaries lasting from 20th Street, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Park Town Place; Pennsylvania Avenue, from 20th to 25th streets;  the south side of  Eakins Oval, from Martin Luther King Drive to 24th Street, and  Park Towne Place, from 24th to 20th streets.

To get in, you'll have to enter at 21st Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or at 23rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. But be aware, once you're in, you should stay in — there's no re-entry. 

There are five stages, Rocky, Liberty, Freedom, Tidal and Skate stages.

What can I bring?

You'll be subject to search upon entry so best be sure to leave these items at home: weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, hydration packs, food and non-water beverages (including alcohol), pets, posters, flyers, stickers, chairs, glass containers, skateboards, coolers, professional cameras, glow sticks, laser pointers and view-obstructing items (like kites, flagpoles, large signs).

On the bright side, here are some goods you can take in: sealed water bottles (one per person, up to one liter), empty plastic water containers for refill stations, one small, non-framed backpack, blankets, towels, hand-held umbrellas, phones, sunscreen.

What am I going to eat and drink?

That's a good question. Luckily, there will be over 40 food trucks and tents on site offering a wide array of options, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Make sure you've got cash or plastic on you because this stuff won't come free.

Here's what you can expect to eat: Arancini Bros, Ben & Jerry's, Bonjour Creperie, Calle Del Sabo, Captain Cookie and the Milk Man, Crescent, Four Boys, Gigi's & Big R Caribbean Soul Food, Hippie Dips, Hebros Kitchen, Jalapeno Cornog, Jeet? Mobile, King of Pops, Landhaus, Laughing Crab Catering, Lil Pop Shop, Lil Trents, Local 215, Luscious Bakery, Mama's Meatballs, Mexi Grill, Oink and Moo BBQ, PB and U, Phat Daddies, Philly Fry, Philly Pretzel, Pizza Nova, Seoulfull Philly, Southernmost Falafel, Stella Jeanne's Festival Foods, Sum Pig, The Big Cheese, The Cow and the Curd, The Ice Cream Experiment, Vernalicious, Victoria's Kitchen and Yankee Doodle Dandy's.

For drink, you can purchase bottled water and please take advantage of the free water refill stations. Adult beverages will be of the Budweiser variety.

But my phone battery might not last.

A millennial once asked, "What if my phone dies while I'm Instagramming all of these great performances?" To that, Made in America answered with charging stations. You'll be able to rent a locker for both days of the fest with phone chargers inside. 

While we're on the subject of technology, download the Made in America app for updates, build-your-own schedule, festival map and more.

How am I getting there?

Naturally, some roads will be closed this weekend and with some changes to public transit. For the latest on road closures, no-parking areas and SEPTA impacts, click here.

Stay up-to-date on all Made in America happenings with our complete festival coverage.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.