It's Outlaw Roadshow Eve! Nearly 30 bands are headed to the Big Apple to play a weekend full of free music that has been personally curated by popular radio show host and music blogger Ryan Spaulding and Counting Crows' frontman Adam Duritz. What makes the Outlaw different? Besides the fact that it's completely free to attend, it's an event that places a heavy importance on both the artists and the fans.

"The Outlaw has become more than just a music event for most of us, it's certainly greater than that for me. We're helping people find each other. We're recharging our batteries, finding focus and purpose. It's the best music and people- all in one place!" Ryan Spaulding, Executive Producer and Co-Creator of the Outlaw Roadshow, explains.

Straight from the executive team, here are some tips that will help you have the best Outlaw weekend ever!

1.) RSVP! "The shows are free but access is limited to legal venue capacity. Advanced RSVP will gain access over walkups at the door," Spaulding says.

"RSVPing helps create this beautiful energy online for bands and fans. It's not a money driven which sets us apart from most music endeavors. It's supportive and RSVPing is a great way to show your support for the Outlaw," said producer Barbara Rappaport.

But wait! There's more....

"Additionally we will contact fans who have RSVP'd with surprises and updates. Past examples include free swag, pizza, secret sets and schedule updates," added producer Lindsay Dolph Nie.

2. Arrive early, so you can catch all the acts! This isn't the kind of festival that only saves the best for last. "There will be significant rewards for early arrival all three days. That's all I can say at this point," Spaulding hinted. Consider us there!

And for the bands that kick off the evening, going on early doesn't make these bands any less energized to be there.

"All these bands are hungry. Every single band wants to put on their best show, play their best songs, and make an impact because it is New York City and this is the Outlaw Roadshow," says fine artist Felipe Molina, a fellow producer of the Outlaw.

3. Plan to stay late. It might be October, but the Outlaw Roadshow does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight. In fact, some of the festival's greatest moments and surprises have happened in that last hour before closing down.

"Friends from one band may join another on stage for special performances or covers. Spontaneous sing-alongs and impromptu parades around the venue have been known to happen. And very special, unannounced guests may take the stage! Every one of those things have happened before, and you truly just never know what special brand of crazy the day will inspire. And if you leave — you just might miss one of the coolest musical moments of your life," Frank Germano, long-time poster artist for the Outlaw Roadshow, says.

4. Download the festival app on your iPhone or Android. "The app is a great way for fans to learn about artists both before the show to figure out who they want to see, and after the show to go back and remember who they loved. Not only does the app have schedule information by day and stage, but each artist has a bio/intro, audio track, and links to Facebook, Twitter and their website. Fans can view Outlaw alumni from past years as well as listen to the podcasts from the Outlaw Radio Show," says Dolph Nie, who designed the app and updates it regularly.

5. Follow along on social media for news, band insight or even surprises! Ryan and his team do an amazing job keeping fans informed via Facebook and Twitter. Adam also loves to tweet out his favorite sets. Don't forget to share your experiences and give a shout out to the bands you loved!

Artwork by Man on Fire Design