2021 Made in America festival: Everything you need to know

The Made in America music festival is back for 2021 after a one-year hiatus because of the pandemic (and, yes, 2020 festival tickets are valid for this year’s event).

Lil Baby headlines on Saturday and Justin Bieber headlines on Sunday. More than 20 other performers, including Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Roddy Rich, Kehlani, A$AP Ferg, and Young Thug, also will perform. The two-day event featuring multiple stages runs along the Ben Franklin Parkway, turning the normally busy street into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare.

Going to the festival? Here’s what to expect, including COVID-19 precautions, the full lineup, how to get to the festival, the designated ride share drop-off area, and more.

» READ MORE: Made in America festival will require vaccines, not just masks

No. According to MIA organizers on Thursday, the festival will be going ahead as planned. The storm walloped the region with heavy rains, tornadoes, and massive flooding, and many parts of the city have been affected by floods and power outages. Delays and service disruptions could last into the weekend, which could make it harder to get where you’re going. While organizers say everything is happening on schedule, it remains to be seen if there will be lineup changes since getting to Philly may be tougher for some artists, some of whom may be traveling from other affected areas.

» READ MORE: Complete Made in America festival lineup

To enter the festival, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 48 hours via the CLEAR health pass. Made in America will be using the CLEAR health pass app, a digital way to show your vaccination card or negative test result, for all festival attendees.

Guests are asked to download the free app and complete the COVID-19 prescreening (where you’ll be asked to upload your proof of vaccination or test results) prior to the festival. Those who complete the screening before the festival can enter the gates quickly through the CLEAR fast lanes.

It can take up to two hours for uploaded vaccine cards and test results to appear in the app, so you won’t want to wait until you’re approaching the festival to complete this step.

If you don’t have a smartphone, you’ll be asked to show your physical proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results.

Rapid COVID-19 tests will be available at the entry gates if you do not have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, however wait times will likely be long. It’s strongly encouraged that you use the app.

Note that per the city’s outdoor masking guidelines, all guests (vaccinated or unvaccinated) must wear masks when they are not eating or drinking. In other words, you’re welcome to sing along to Doja Cat and Lil Baby, just do so behind your mask.

The festival goes on rain or shine. In the instance of extreme weather, announcements will be made via free text alerts. To sign up for the free emergency alerts, text READYPHILA to 888-777.

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SEPTA subway service will operate on a normal weekend schedule, including Saturday overnight service, throughout the weekend. The Broad Street and Market Frankford Owl buses will offer normal overnight service.

SEPTA will run additional trains on select lines, including the Chestnut Hill East, Fox Chase, and the Trenton lines, from Jefferson, Suburban, and 30th Street Stations. Additionally, several lines will operate later than normal. See the SEPTA website for more information on expanded and late-night regional rail service on Sept. 4 and 5.

Keep in mind that parts of SEPTA have been affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida (including the Manayunk/Norristown line), so there may be delays that last into the weekend. If your route is impacted, plan alternate travel on the SEPTA website.

» READ MORE: Made in America 2021: Road closures and transit for the festival

Designated drop-off and pickup locations for taxis, Uber, and Lyft are along the 2100 block of Spring Garden Street.

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While outside food isn’t allowed into the festival, there are plenty of booths and food trucks serving snacks and meals as part of the Made in America culinary experience.

Find local food vendors like French Toast Bites, Dre’s Water Ice, Pretzel Factory, Caribbean cuisine from Gigi’s and Big R’s, fried chicken and smoked meat sandwiches from Chewy’s, Mexican from El Tlaloc, cheesesteaks from Lil’ Trent’s, barbecue from Sum Pig, and ice cream from Curbside Creamery, among others.

There is free filtered water throughout the grounds. Empty Bota and camelbacks are allowed. Empty aluminum, factory sealed water bottles are also allowed.

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