The 2008 Download Festival at the Shoreline Amphitheatre is the biggest ever and spreads 24 rock & indie bands over 10 hours, two stages, a comedy stage (with Brian Posehn) and peppers the day with tons of activities to fill any downtime. The festival, which runs non-stop from 1pm to 11:30pm, features The Jesus and Mary Chain, Brand New, Gang of Four, Mute Math, Yeasayer, M83, RJD2, Cut Copy, Datarock, Flosstradamus, The Duke Spirit, Blitzen Trapper, Louis XIV, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Ferocious Few, Mates of State, Elephone and more. Normally $20, use password “SPECIAL” to purchase $10 tickets. Seats are general admission so arrive early and you can snag a seat close to the stage.

Other on-site activities include roving bands, Q&A, autograph and photo sessions with several of the bands, contests and raffles and an if you need a break from music and winning free stuff, a third stage features an all-day comedy festival with Brian Posehn, Chris Hardwick, Louis Katz, Kris Tinkle Drennon Davis and Dragon Boy Suede.

Please note: unlike most events at Shoreline, parking for the download festival is $15 per car, though we’ve been told there are options for free parking (with a short walk) near the venue.

Full lineup: The Jesus and Mary Chain, Brand New, Gang of Four, Mute Math, Yeasayer, M83, The Whigs, Tapes n’ Tapes, RJD2, Cut Copy, Datarock, Flosstradamus, The Duke Spirit, Blitzen Trapper, Louis XIV, Alberta Cross, The Airborne Toxic Event, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, Vedera, William Fitzsimmons, De Novo Dahl, Parlor Mob, The Ferocious Few, Mates of State and Elephone.

Lucky’s Comedy Club Stage: Brian Posehn, Chris Hardwick, Dragon Boy Suede, Louis Katz, Drennon Davis, Kris Tinkle