Jazz Fest: Facts, Tips & Foods to Eat

Plan Ahead

Check the official Jazz Fest website for the most up-to-date information on dates, lineup, tickets and other details. Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially if you plan to attend multiple days or want access to special VIP areas. Jazz Fest goes for four days on the first weekend and another four days for the second weekend. Tickets go on sale a couple of months prior, and you can buy a one-day ticket for any day for either the first or second weekend, or you can buy a multi-day ticket for all of the first or second weeks. Download the app to review the festival schedule and lineup to plan which performances you want to see. Keep in mind that there are 12 stages with simultaneous performances, so you may need to prioritize your must-see acts.

Pack Accordingly

Dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather, as Jazz Fest takes place rain or shine. Consider wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes and a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. When I went this year, it was 84 degrees with a nice breeze. In a previous year, my husband went, and a torrential storm dumped four inches of rain while Paul Simon played on through his set.

Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. There are water stations available on-site where you can fill up your bottle for free. Be mindful of drinking alcohol in the sun and heat. It can wipe you out!

Consider bringing a small backpack or tote bag to carry essentials such as sunscreen, hat, snacks, a portable phone charger and any other items you may need during the day.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive early to Jazz Fest to avoid long lines at the entrance and secure a good spot for performances. Or go in the middle of the day when the entrance quiets down. Gates typically open in the morning, and the festival runs throughout the day into the early evening, finishing at 7 pm.

Explore the Festival Grounds

Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which features multiple stages, food booths, craft vendors and cultural exhibits. Be sure to visit the Cultural Exchange Pavilion, where you can learn about the history and traditions of New Orleans through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and performances. When you’ve had enough heat or sun, find a covered stage with seats, which is a welcome relief. I particularly love the Gospel Tent, which is incredible!

Enjoy the Music & Performances

Don't be afraid to wander between stages and discover new music. You never know what hidden gems you might find! The festival grounds are at the Race Track/Fair Grounds, which is large with a wide variety of musical styles.

We went to see a local group named Silver Synthetic that our friend Ben Jones played the bass for. Go Ben! We then wandered around and heard Herbert McCarver & The Pin Stripe Brass Band, followed by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles. For the finale, we split our time between the two headliners: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals and Heart! The variety is impressive.

Bring a Credit Card or ATM Card & Cash

Jazz Fest has transitioned to a non-cash system, so bring your credit card or ATM card. However, on the first day of the festival a few days ago, the system crashed for about an hour, and cash was good to have on hand, too. ATMs are available on site if needed.

Parking & Transportation

If you plan to park your car in a private lot nearby, plan to spend $40 to $50 to park. Other options are to park at various pickup places that are listed, and they will shuttle you over. I would advise not counting on Uber or Lyft for pickup because the festival is in the middle of a residential neighborhood and the streets get really backed up. Your driver, if you can find one, will find it impossible to find you, unless you are able to just walk offsite for half a mile or more. Make your plans in advance so you don’t have to walk a few miles to your hotel at the end of the day.

Jazz Fest in New Orleans is not only a celebration of music but also a culinary extravaganza, featuring an array of delicious food options that showcase the city's renowned culinary heritage.

Here are some must-try foods at Jazz Fest:

• Crawfish Monica: A signature dish of Jazz Fest, Crawfish Monica is a creamy pasta dish made with crawfish tails, pasta, cream, garlic and seasonings. It's rich, flavorful and a favorite among festivalgoers.

• Crawfish bread: Another popular crawfish dish at Jazz Fest is crawfish bread, a savory bread filled with a mixture of crawfish tails, cheese and seasonings. It's baked until golden and gooey, making it a satisfying and indulgent treat. We tried it and it’s like a delicious Hot Pocket but much better!

• Jambalaya: No visit to New Orleans is complete without trying jambalaya, a hearty Creole dish made with rice, sausage, chicken, vegetables and Cajun spices. It's a staple of Louisiana cuisine and a favorite at Jazz Fest.

• Gumbo: Warm up with a bowl of gumbo, a flavorful stew made with a rich broth, seafood or meat and vegetables. Whether you prefer chicken and sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo or a vegetarian version, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

• Po'boys: Sink your teeth into a classic New Orleans po'boy, a sandwich made with French bread and filled with fried seafood, roast beef or other savory fillings. Po'boys are a beloved street food in New Orleans, and you'll find a variety of delicious options at Jazz Fest.

• Beignets: Indulge your sweet tooth with beignets, a New Orleans specialty. These fluffy, deep-fried pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and served hot and fresh. Pair them with a cup of chicory coffee for a quintessential New Orleans treat.

• Pralines: Treat yourself to a sweet and nutty praline, a traditional candy made with sugar, cream, butter and pecans. Pralines are a beloved New Orleans confection, and you'll find them in various flavors and sizes at Jazz Fest.

• Alligator sausage: For the adventurous eater, try alligator sausage, a unique and flavorful sausage made with alligator meat and Cajun spices. It's a tasty and unconventional option that showcases the diversity of Louisiana cuisine.

• Local gelato: We had homemade ice cream sandwiches and affogatos, which are a shot of hot espresso over vanilla ice cream. I boosted my affogato with butter pecan ice cream.

• Snowballs: Cool off with a refreshing snowball, a New Orleans-style shaved ice treat flavored with syrup. Choose from a variety of flavors, including traditional favorites like strawberry, lemon and cherry, or try unique combinations like wedding cake or nectar cream.