Country Thunder Saskatchewan gets underway in Craven today, but there are a few things you should know before heading out to the popular country music festival. 

The campgrounds opened for early arrival on Wednesday. The front gate and Will Call will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival opens with entertainment in the beer gardens today, opening at 4 p.m. 

A clear bag policy is in effect. Festival goers will be allowed clear plastic bags up to 14” by 14”14, standard one-gallon freezer bags and small clutch purses. Backpacks, large purses, camera bags and coolers will not be permitted. 

You can read a full list of Country Thunder policies here. 

When it comes to purchasing tickets, everything has gone digital this year. 

“The Axis app is going to be your way into the gate. Everything is digital now and convenient. You’re not going to forget your phone at home, so it's just going to be really simple,” said Megan Benoit from Country Thunder.  

“Download Axis, you’ll log in with the e-mail address and password that you use to buy your tickets, have it scanned at the gate, and you’ll get your wristbands.” 

Headlining this year’s event are Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. Looking for a schedule of everything taking place this weekend? All that information can be found by just downloading an app. 

“We want to make everything as easy as possible for everyone. If you download the Country Thunder Saskatchewan app, which is a different app from the Axis ticketing app, it’s going to give you the schedules every day. It’s going to give you all your choices for live entertainment and fun entertainment and it’s going to give you the opportunity to pre-order your drinks from the comfort of your campsite,” said Country Thunder’s Nikki Harris. 

New this year is the Craven Show Lounge which will include a songwriters’ showcase and a hypnotist.  

On Saturday, Country Thunder is expected to make a major announcement in regard to next year’s headliner. Those in attendance will also get a pre-sale code for next year’s event. 

You can find more information about Country Thunder Saskatchewan on their website.