Tens of thousands of boaters are heading into Austin to launch in Lake Travis for 'AquaPalooza.' It' is a series of on-water concerts created by Sea Ray Boats.

AquaPalooza will hold celebrations in more than 100 different locations around the World over the month of July.


It is the 5th annual series of events. The water-themed concerts are stopping first  in Central Texas on Lake Travis along the shoreline of "The Reserve." A temporary floating stage is in place to host games, concerts and contest from Friday through Saturday night. It will be AquaPalooza's 2010 signature event.

At least 30,000 people have registered to attend the free festival. The crowd comes from across the nation prepared with floats or a boat. That is the only way to get access to the festival. There is no parking available near the stage.

The event begins Friday afternoon with a battle of the bands and continues on into the evening with a concert by Jerrod Neimann. Country music singer Brad Paisley closes it out Saturday night. The musicians are sharing their favorite recipes with the food-loving Austin community and others who attend through a company called Nibbledish.com. The two will be joined by musicians Lee Brice, Joanna Smith, and Matt Stillwell. There will also be a performance from the winner of the AquaPalooza Battle of the Bands.

Boats began launching on the lake at 7:00 a.m. Friday morning. There are six public boat ramps available including: Mansfield Dam, Cypress Creek, Windy Point at Bob Wentz Park, Pace Bend, Sandy Creek Park and Arkansas Bend Park. Availability at the stage area is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Law enforcement officials from multiple agencies including the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the LCRA, Travis County Sheriff's Office will be out on the lake in extra patrols.