The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of local music and culture held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jazz Fest attracts thousands of visitors to New Orleans each year.
The New Orleans Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is a short 10-minute drive from the French Quarter. This massive venue features numerous stages that offer continuous musical performances throughout each day of the festival.
Musical genres ranges from jazz, blues and zydeco to folk, rock and rap. There’s even a kid’s tent for the little ones. Past headliners have included Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Dave Matthews, Earth Wind and Fire and Tower of Power. And as more musicians stream into New Orleans, you’ll find more street performers in the French Quarter. In short, everywhere you look there’s music.
Additionally, there’s also a wide range of tasty vittles available at the fairgrounds — from crawfish and alligator to vegetarian plates and even the standard burgers and brews. And don’t miss the crafts area, where artisans from around the world demonstrate and sell their wares. All in all, it’s a very full day.
Access Details
Even though it’s a huge event, access hasn’t been overlooked. Accessible parking is available near the front gate on Gentilly Boulevard. There is a daily fee for these limited parking spaces, which are only available to folks with an accessible placard or plates.
If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, then buy a ticket on the Jazz Fest Express bus, which is operated by Gray Line Tours. These buses run continuously from the Sheraton Hotel, the Wisner Boulevard parking lot and the Steamboat Natchez Wharf to the Fair Grounds Race Course. Lift-equipped transportation is available upon advance request.by calling (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628.
Alternatively, you may be able to arrange for accessible transportation through RTA Paratransit Service (504-827-7433); however advance reservations are a must and the demand is usually quite high during the event.
Reserved accessible seating is available in all tents and stages, and Access Program ushers are on hand to help folks find those seats. Additionally, there’s also an Access Center at the venue, which offers maps that indicate the locations of the accessible porta-potties, and include their combinations. Additionally, free loaner wheelchairs are available for folks who can’t manage distances.
The festival grounds have a variety of surfaces, including grass fields, a dirt track and paved pathways in the infield. Reinforced surfaces are also installed across the dirt track to increase accessibility. The accessible routes are clearly marked, so be on the lookout for these signs. And don’t hesitate to ask the folks in the Access Center if you need any assistance.
So plan ahead for next year to enjoy the New Orleans Jazz Fest — a Big Easy tradition.
BIG CHIEF VIP EXPERIENCE
The Big Chief VIP Experience is the most luxurious way to enjoy the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. A limited number of tickets are sold (first-come, first-served). The Big Chief VIP Experience often sells out – patrons are encouraged to purchase early! Each ticket includes the following:
• Unlimited re-entry at pedestrian gates
• Access to Big Chief Viewing Stands – Enjoy raised and covered private viewing areas at Acura, Shell Gentilly and Congo Square Stages as well as front-of-the house bleachers at the Jazz Tent and Blues Tent.
• Private beverage stands (with beer, wine, water, and soft drinks for purchase) and Restrooms at the Acura and Shell Gentilly Stage viewing areas.
• Access to an indoor, air-conditioned Big Chief Hospitality Lounge with restrooms, full-service cash bar, and complimentary light refreshments and snacks.
• Souvenir laminated ticket
• Express VIP entrances at Gentilly and Sauvage pedestrian entrances
