Nice. So much for America being the land of the free...here you are forced to buy overpriced booze from the on-site vendors. That goes for pretty much everything. Amusement parks, movies, etc.

The particular festival in question in the OP wouldn't have cops searching cars since its in one of the largest cities in the US and I doubt many people would drive. Actually, that said, I've never heard of them searching a car at any much event anywhere I've ever lived in this country. You definitely get patted down at the gate though, by and large.

Ahh okay, I see. Over here most music festivals are camping ones where you have to drive, mainly because they are in the middle of nowhere and mainly because you need your car to transport your tent etc. So as you drive through the gates you hop out, they pat you down, have a quick squiz at your car, and then you continue driving through the gates and find a spot to park your car and pitch your tent. It seems logical to check everyone's car.

For music festivals that aren't camping ones, no cars are checked, that would be silly. They just pat you down.

Thats exactly like Rhythm and Vines in NZ. Its in Gisbourne so you have to drive all the way there. Alcohol ban is pretty lax, but they serious if your underage. Like rip up your ticket and your out serious. The booze has always been easy to sneak in, just hide it in your bulkiest bag and do the doe eyes. Works every time :D