VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The 5th Street main stage is set, and visitors from across the country are arriving in Virginia Beach.
Victoria McGill is visiting the area from Los Angeles, California just for the inaugural event.
“I’m super pumped and ready to go. We got about three hours of sleep last night,” said McGill. “We’re just ready to hit the ground running. This is the first ever something in the water. So, we’re really looking forward to it.”
Festival festivities kick off hours from now, but the organizers are making sure they’re ready for an estimated 70,000 people to take over the boardwalk for all three days.
Overnight, they tested the main stage lights, in anticipation for 2 p.m. festival start time on Friday. That's when the star-studded lineup will bring the stage to life for people in the crowds.
“I think it’s really good for the area,” said Norfolk resident, Chad Clark. “I think that the area needs something like this. Somewhat like a Coachella.”
It may not be Coachella, but artist and mastermind, Pharrell Williams wants it to be the East Coast version of South by Southwest.
“This is a great thing for the city of Virginia Beach,” said Randy Harris. “awesome to see all of our southern hospitality come together and just welcome all of these people to our city.”
Local Randy Harris said the city is ready to welcome the visitors with open arms, as the final countdown is on for Something In the Water.