Dress || Sandals || Hat || Crossbody Bag || Sneakers (not shown)
This past weekend, I popped down to my favorite city for a quick little vacation. While New Orleans has so much appeal, from the architecture to the history to the food, this particular trip was all about the music. Every year, during the last weekend in April and first weekend in May, the city hosts their annual Jazz Fest and this year was the big 5-0! Cheers to 50 years of Joy! Four years ago, David and I had our first big trip together to Jazz Fest and it will always have a special place in my heart.
As far as music festivals go, I cannot recommend this one enough! I’ve heard so many friends and other bloggers talk about how festivals aren’t really their scene or style. I absolutely get it. If you think about the grunge of Burning Man or the pomp of Coachella, music festivals can seem really high maintenance and a whole lot of work. Consider Jazz Fest to be right in the middle, the sweet spot where you can come as you are and enjoy good music and food in the process. Being able to visit one of our country’s greatest cities is just a huge bonus.
Even though Jazz Fest is an extremely laid back affair, there are still some tips for you to make the most out of your visit. This was my second and David’s sixth trip and we’ve both learned a lot of tricks along the way from our own experiences and, simply, talking to other Fest-goers.
- Expect Rain: It’s not really a Jazz Fest season if you don’t have at least one day of rain. My first year of going was probably the rainiest on record and I found myself wading through shin deep water. That being said, don’t forget to bring your rainy day gear. This could include a rain jacket, umbrella, or rain boots. At the very least, you should definitely wear water proof sandals or worn out sneakers that you don’t mind parting with when it’s all over. Even on the sunniest day, mud can and will be a factor.
- Shade is Your Friend: On sunny days, the heat and humidity in Louisiana is nothing to mess with. Each day this year, we were greeted to 80 degrees and cloudless skies. It was gorgeous, but it’s a lot to be out in the sun from 11 am to 7 pm. Be sure to find some shady spots, especially during the hottest parts of the day. My biggest piece of advice is to spend some time in the tented stage areas. They give you a taste of great local music and relief from the heat. My personal favorite will always be the Gospel Tent. If you choose to stay outside a big sunhat and layers of SPF 30 or more can go a long way.
- Cash is King: Almost everything about Jazz Fest runs on cash and it can be a pretty miserable time if you come light-handed. Essentials, like a bottle water, are around $3 and the prices just go up from there. A proper lunch typically starts at around $8, but there are other snacks for a little bit cheaper. To save a few dollars, you also bring in your own reusable water bottle to fill up when you get inside. Just in case, ATMs are scattered around and a handful of food vendors do accept card. You’ll probably want to buy some fun souvenirs, like their annual poster or eye-catching official shirt. Again, cash!
- Come Hungry: Not only is Jazz Fest a music event, but it’s a food one as well. In every corner, you will find the best food that Louisiana and the New Orleans area has to offer. I’m extremely partial to the Crawfish Monica and Shrimp Po-Boys, but there are tons of other cuisines to try. New Orleans, surprisingly, has a strong Vietnamese incluence with food to match. The city’s famous sno-balls are a great cool treat for a hot, Southern day.
- Pace Yourself: This tip is more for how you handle yourself in the French Quarter versus at Jazz Fest. Having an all-nighter out on Bourbon Street sounds like a blast, I would know because I’ve had several, but it could really ruin your next day at Jazz Fest. Nothing is more miserable than having to spend all day in the hot sun when you’re sleep deprived and hungover. Have your fun, but save the crazy nights until after Jazz Fest is over. The same is true for while you’re at Jazz Fest. With all sorts of wines, beers, and daiquiris offered, it’s very easy to go too big too soon.
- The More the Merrier: If you can round up your fun, music-loving friends, I would definitely say to travel to Jazz Fest in a group. Once you get there, you will see a city of camping chairs and umbrellas for groups of people who have claimed their territory. Sets of flags make everyone’s spot unique. There’s a pretty genuine honor system amongst Jazz Festers and it’s almost a guarantee that no one will touch your space. From there, you and all of your friends can venture out to see the several shows that are going on at any given time, but still have a point to rendezvous at when the headliners come on at the end of the day.
- Just Be Yourself: This is not the kind of festival to just be still and listen. The music featured is the kind that dives deep into your soul and will have your toes tapping in seconds. Embrace that urge to cut a rug and then dance it out. The happiest people at Jazz Fest are the people who are living in the moment. No one will judge you for how loud you sing along or how crazily you dance, but someone may join in with you in the process.
If it were up to me, I would go to Jazz Fest for both weekends each and every year. There isn’t a happier bunch of people who all come together to celebrate the joys of life. No matter where you’re from, good food and good music are the ultimate unifiers. This may have been the 50th, but I’m ready to book my trip for the 100th and beyond. An event this good will always stand the test of time.
If you are feeling inspired to go yourself, I hope to see you there! Until then, I’ve rounded up all of the little things that you should definietely remember to pack. That way, you can have as great a time as I did!
Love from NYC,
Katie
1: Ear Protection || 2: Rain or Shine Umbrella || 3: Low Budget Crossbody || 4: Rain Jacket || 5: Large Sunhat || 6: Linen Shirt Dress || 7: Worn Sneakers || 8: Summery Scarf || 9: Durable Backpack || 10: Trusty Rainboots || 11: Local Sunglasses || 12: Comfy Tank Top || 13: Linen Shorts || 14: Waterproof Sandals || 15: Phone Battery || 16: Reusable Water Bottle || 17: SPF 30+ Sunscreen || 18: Large Picnic Blanket || 19: Wallet and Cash || 20: Comfy Camping Chair
