The lineup for the festival changes every year, as does the number of stages, which can range from one to three. Programmers generally try to include a wide mix of bands to appeal to fans of various ages and tastes. In 2013, for example, headlining sets included classic heavy metal act Anthrax, post-hardcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan, old-school skate punks Suicidal Tendencies, as well as a slew of lesser known acts spanning genres from black metal to crust punk.
Typically, the festival sells tickets for single days as well as package deals for all the days, usually at a discount. Prices for tickets are somewhat cheaper than for most music festivals. For the 2013 festival, its 15th anniversary, prices ranged from $35 to $40 dollars in advance and $40 to $45 for tickets the day of the show. A three-day pass could be purchased for $90. In addition, a three-day VIP pass -- which includes an invitation to the Thursday pre-party, exclusive meet-and-greets with the artists and a bunch of festival-themed schwag -- could be had for $165.
Worcester is an hour's drive west of Boston. If you're flying in, Boston's Logan International Airport will have the most options for flights, although Worcester does have a small, regional airport served by Jet Blue. If you're driving from Boston, take the famed Massachusetts Turnpike -- Interstate-90 -- until you hit Exit 10. You can also take a commuter train to Worcester from Boston, which has stations in South Station and Back Bay.
The festival recommends three hotels in Worcester: the Hilton Garden Inn, at 35 Major Taylor Boulevard; the Courtyard Worcester, at 72 Grove Street; and the Hotel Worcester, at 110 Summer Street. All are within walking distance of the festival's venue. There are also numerous hotels in Boston if you don't mind commuting into Worcester.