Jazz Fest, New Orleans
For us as music lovers (we went to over 20 concerts this year), Jazz Fest was incredible. It is a mix of massive headliners, music mash ups, upcoming artists, legends, jazz, rock, blues and more. People of all ages attend (but mostly is an older crowd). We thought it was absolutely brilliant and plan to go back. That said, I'm not sure most people our age would love this event. You need to be at one with heat, crowded spaces, possible rain and mud, and some lines. You need to accept that you might not see that headlining band unless you sit around all day saving a spot (which to me kind of misses the point in my opinion). But, if you love music and a well run festival, read on.​
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Length of time: 5 days (Wednesday plus 4 festival days)
Dates: May, 2024​
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Our Itinerary
Wednesday
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Dinner at Columns (Recommend) This was a recommendation from my friend Emily who grew up in New Orleans. It was pretty fantastic. They have a fabulous bar, restaurant, and courtyard.
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Concert at Tipitinas. (Recommend) Tipitinas is a local gem and world famous musical venue. It is relatively intimate and an incredible place to see music. I recommend seeing any band there. But get tickets early! We went to the second weekend of Jazz Fest and saw The Daze Between Band - which was absolutely incredible. We went early and got front row in the standing room only area (it might all be standing room only). The Daze Between Band was a mash up of famous musicians hopping on stage. For a list of events mid week - visit dazebetweennola.com.
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Thursday
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Jazz Fest runs 10:30am -7:30pm. We caught the bus at 10:30am and had no line. We spent the entire day shuffling in and out of the different concert areas. Sometimes we just went inside to get out of the heat.
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The larger concert areas host more well-known, popular bands. It can be difficulty to find a small spot to sit or stand when the concert starts.
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We got home around 8:00 from the festival. We popped decided to just walk around and pop into bars. We were able to get a seat at the bar of a great restaurant without reservations. We were only two people so we were pretty nimble. If you have a group, I recommend making a reservation. Here are some iconic eats.
Friday
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We caught the bus at noon and stood in line for about 30 mins.
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We stayed the entire day.
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There are all sorts of events near and around Bourbon Street. You can watch street performers, marching bands, tuck into bars and see live music. Half the fun of Jazz Fest is experiencing the bars full of live performers.
Saturday
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Saturday is the busiest day
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We left a tad early because we had tickets to the Black Pumas at the Saenger Theatre -- a beautiful theatre in the heart of New Orleans.
Sunday
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Full day again. :)
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Again roamed the streets at night.
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Hotel & Tickets
We stayed at the JW Marriott on Canal street. We wanted to be central, get Marriott points, and be near the bus pick up and drop off. We bought a 3 day pass to Jazz Fest that included bus transportation. The pick up for the bus was just around the corner from the hotel.
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We opted for general admission tickets. If you really have your heart set on seeing the headline band, opt for a VIP package. The VIP packages grant elevated, private seating areas with sight lines over the general admission crew that have presumably have access to cleaner, less used bathrooms. We had seen each headline band before so we didn't stress about needing a sight line. The fairgrounds has multiple screens showing headline bands and we opted to watch the Rolling Stones at an uncrowded viewing area. If you really want to have a decent seat for a headline band, you need to wait around all day in one spot. To me, this misses the point of Jazz Fest. I feel your first time, just relax, see what you can see, and enjoy the experience.
The Weather
It is hot in New Orleans in May. When the direct sun hits you, you can feel the burn immediately. When its dry, there is a decent amount of dust. Expect to get a bit dirty -- embrace it. Don't wear white or anything difficult to clean. Expect to sit on the ground. It is also pretty common for it to rain this time of year. There are some epic photos of mud in years past.
Take the Bus
Busses/shuttle. We bought a 4 day shuttle pass. The busses were pretty slick. We planned on drinking at the festival so driving wasn't an option. There isn't much event parking around the festival. You are essentially parking in local driveways and streets. From the bus driving out, it didn't seem that safe either. I think parking is fine close to the festival, but as you get out, I'm not so sure. Taking a bus from New Orleans was great. The festival really has the system down. There are dozens and dozens of busses shuttling people all day long. We didn't have to wait very long in line. Maybe a half hour tops all 3 days. We did learn that the earlier you go and earlier you leave, the less wait time you endure. Some busses are school busses, some busses are charter (with a bathroom). It is luck of the draw. If you aren't a local with tricks on how to park, take the bus.
Concert Grounds Packing List
We opted for traveling light. You are allowed to bring an insane amount of stuff into the grounds (note this was in 2024 -- check the list Jazz Fest FAQ). As someone who is used to bringing plastic purses to Seahawks games, this seemed a bit unnerving, frankly. Blankets, chairs, backpacks, coolers, umbrellas were all allowed. I think the only things you really need are below.
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Sunscreen or light shirt to cover your shoulders
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Sunglasses
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Hat
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Sarong/light towel to sit on (this also helps establish your space at busy events)
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I might bring a small umbrella to protect from the sun when concerts aren't going. You can't have this open during a concert of course.
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Wear sneakers not sandals. I don't really think sandals are great for Jazz Fest unless that is your jam. It is really quite dusty and I was glad to have sneakers.
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If rain is in the forecast
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Plastic rain poncho or light jacket​
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Rubber boots
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