JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville is the place to be this weekend, or not to be if you're trying to avoid traffic.
At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Garth Brooks returns to the stage in Jacksonville at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Just across the way in the shipyards, Jaxtoberfest opens at 4 p.m.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood to Jacksonville to witness the return of one of the most popular performers of all time.
Jaxtoberfest attracted 25,000 people last year and is expected to draw even more people this weekend.
"The biggest issue for tonight is trying to get folks out of downtown that want to get home, and then get people into downtown that want to come to the events," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office spokesman Christian Hancock said.
People like Katina Lewis, who works downtown, already have a strategy.
"Well, my plan is to make sure I leave as early as possible so I won't be part of any traffic or hangups," Lewis said.
Electrician David Salette saw this was coming.
"I heard about the bridges shutting down and stuff like that," Salette said. "I knew it was going to be a mess. (So my plan is) go camping. Get out of town."
Construction on the Main Street Bridge has complicated downtown traffic, but the Florida Department of Transportation announced Friday afternoon the bridge will be open before and after the Garth Brooks concert.
Still, police say it's a good idea to avoid that part of town.
"Utilize the Hart Bridge, utilize the Mathews Bridge and utilize the Acosta Bridge," Hancock said. "That'll bring you away from the events that are happening out here on Bay Street."
And try to be patient. FDOT said the construction is for the good of commuters.
"Construction has to go on," FDOT spokesman Ron Tittle said. "If we don't do construction now, then we're going to really be backed up and congested years ahead."
If you have a Garth Brooks ticket in your hand, you can get into Jaxtoberfest free.
Those going to the concert or Jaxtoberfest are urged to park at the stadium. Jaxtoberfest organizers said there will be lots of taxi service.