Opening weekend would be the best time to go. After that,,most of the deals have already been picked over. I don't know how much it is to get in. I'm an NMLRA member and my card always gets me in. I believe it's around $5 or less.

I've been attending for close to 20 years now. It's worth the drive,,which for me is less that 2 hours.

Early Saturday would be best, on opening weekend.