Hi! My husband and I will spend three glorious weeks in New Orleans this spring. Our reason for going is to finally go to Jazz Fest. We’re big jazz fans, and going to the Fest has been on our list of things to do forever. We’re so excited to finally be going!
This will be our first time back in the city in decades, and I’m sure a lot has changed since the last time we were there. Have you been there recently? Do you live there? Have you ever been to Jazz Fest? I’d love to hear your tips and recommendations for things to do, places to go, things / places to eat, and, of course, how to make the most of the festival.
TIA for your help 
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@Karen-Moderator How exciting!! 
…. Make sure you share lots of pics! 
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Hi @Karen-Moderator
I can’t offer you any tips as haven’t been but am very excited for you both. As @Samox24 says, share lots of photos and you can then offer future visitors tips! I’m sure you’ll find a lot of info researching online but no doubt some forum members will have been.
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Karen: I hope you have a great time. I am a New Orleans native and have been going to Jazz Fest for decades. We will miss this one. Lots of things have changed in recent years. While it is still a wonderful event, it has gotten very crowded, so most people stake out a space by the stage where the act that they most want to see is performing and stay there most of the day. I prefer to wander about and focus on lesser known acts and smaller stages, but in doing this, I know that if I want to see any headliners, I will be way in the back. Jon Batiste is playing on 5/5 and he is amazing. Here is a link with some great tips. Jazz Fest: Tips and tricks we learned from week one. We always bring a small soft cooler with some frozen water bottles, a small plastic tarp to sit on, sun screen, hats, etc. Feel free to PM me with specific questions. Without knowing what part of the city you are staying in or your eating preferences, it is hard to make restaurant suggestions. Have a great time.
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Thanks @Southernsitter for your insights and the link. I’ve just sent you a DM. I appreciate your help.
We start our next sit in New Orleans tomorrow. Will post recommendations for restaurants, sightseeing etc. very envious about the Jazz Festival
Oh, thanks @ElsieDownie. That would be a great help. How long will you be in NOLA? I hope you have a grand time.
@Karen-Moderator this doesn’t relate to the Jazz Fest, but a really great breakfast in town can be found at Daisy Dukes…best pancakes I have ever had and wow…wow…wow…awesome Bloody Mary’s
@ElsieDownie I hope you have a great time on your sit. There is lots going on this week in NOLA, even though you will miss Jazz Fest. Here is a link to the gambit that has the run down of happenings, including the Tennessee Williams Literary Fest. Events If you are still in town on 4/13-16, make sure you check out the French Quarter Fest. It is a free music fest in the French Quarter. Have fun!
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I’m gluten intolerant but we will go and I’ll watch hubby munch his way through a stack.
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Yummm! @Debbie-Moderator that sounds delicious! It’s on my list. Thanks!
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Have been to Jazz Fest twice and loved every minute. The food is wonderful and anywhere you try is better than the last thing you just ate! If you’ll be there for both weekends, it is advisable to make a schedule to see as much as you want without feeling rushed. I usually pick out the artists I don’t want to miss, see what else if playing in a venue close to them so we are on time for those favorites. Southernsitters recommendations are great, would take them up on all their tips. We haven’t been since '09, but we love NOLA. The Historical Society also has some great walking tours of the quarter and other parts of the city. Have fun, more good food and music than you imagine.
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Hi @Pclarkfla. Welcome back to the forum. Thanks for your words of encouragement – I’m so excited! Thanks especially for your tip about the Historical Society tours. I’ve added that to my list of things to do while I’m there.
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