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What is the Jazz Festival?
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, is a 7 day cultural and music festival. The Louisiana Heritage Fair showcases over 600 musicians on 11 stages, an amazing array of authentic Louisiana cuisine, crafts and art displaying the talents of artisans from around the state and world, a series of educational workshops, and as always, second-line parades happening each day of the festival.
When and where is the Jazz Festival?
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, takes place over the course of 2 weekends. It usually falls on the last weekend in April and first weekend in May. This year, the Jazz Festival begins on Friday, April 24, 2009 and runs through Sunday, April 26, 2009. The second "weekend" begins on Thursday, April 30, 2009 and ends Sunday, May 3, 2009. As usual, the festival takes place at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course, located at 1751 Gentilly Blvd, about 3 miles northeast from the French Quarter. The gates to the Fair Grounds open at 11:00 a.m. with the first act starting at 11:15 a.m. and ends with the last act playing until 7:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Unofficial concerts or other music around town happen nightly at most clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Could you tell me who's playing at Jazz Fest and on what days and times?
The schedule or "Daily Line Up" of musicians performing at Jazz Fest are announced in mid January/February. The exact times and stages (a.k.a "the cubes") are announced in Mid March/April. Take a look at our Local Artists page to catch a glimpse of the great musicians who played at Jazz Fest last year.
So, how many stages are there at Jazz Fest?
The Jazz Fest musicians perform on a total of 11 stages, 7 stages and 5 tents with stages in them, throughout the Fair Grounds. They are as follows: Acura, the largest and hosts the bigger name acts, the Allison Miner Music Heritage stage, the Gentilly stage, the Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do stage, which usually has Louisiana music performers, Congo Square/ “My Louisiana” Stage, where international performers play, the Lagniappe Stage, or a "little something extra" and the Native American Village Stage. The tents are as follows; Southern Comfort Blues Tent, WWOZ Jazz Tent, AIG Gospel Tent, Economy Hall Tent presented by People’s Health, Jazz & Heritage Stage, and the Chouest Family Kid's Tent.
Could you tell me how long each performer plays?
The musicians usually play anywhere from 50 to 75 minutes depending on the act with a 20-30 minute lag time between each act.
What are these "cubes" I keep hearing about?
The "cubes", which are released in Mid March/April, are the schedule of performance times and stages of all the musicians. The format of the schedules look like blocks, hence "the cubes".
What about all the great crafts that are available at the Festival. Where can I see them?
There are five main areas to see traditional and contemporary crafts from Louisiana artists and from artists around the world. The Louisiana Folklife Village which displays magnificently decorated Mardi Gras Indian Costumes. The Louisiana Marketplace which houses the state's finest in hand painted art, jewelry, and hand woven baskets. Congo Square where a marketplace for African crafts and jewelry are displayed. The Native American Village where authentic art from tribes such as the Navajo and Creek are displayed, and the Heritage Square where an array of hand crafted items such as clothing, leather goods and musical instruments are all available for viewing or to purchase.
Is the festival kid friendly?
Yes, there is a Kid's Tent with plenty of cultural activities, food and crafts for the little one's to enjoy. It's also a great place to stay cool.
How should I dress for the Fest and what other kinds of things should I bring?
Weather dictates how to dress at Jazz Fest. Generally it's warm to hot and there is little or no shade, so wear light comfortable clothes that can be easily shed in the warm afternoons. Most people will also bring protection from the sun, such as sunglasses, sunblock, hats, or bandanas. You will also need comfortable shoes to walk from stage to stage throughout the day. You can bring folding chairs as well, but can't rope off or fence off any space.
Could you let me know what I can not bring with me?
The festival does NOT allow bicycles, wagons, carts, or other vehicles (except to carry handicapped persons or infants), pets, tents, canopies, large umbrellas, video or audio equipment, or drinks from outside. The following policies reflect new security measures:
- Everyone and everything is subject to search, including vehicles.
- You can't unload oversized vehicles (RVs or buses) on the Fair Grounds.
- Maximum bag size is 17" x 12" x 10".
- Hard-shelled coolers are not allowed. Only 12-pack soft-coolers or smaller will be allowed.
Give me the low down on all the great food at the Fest. What'cha got?
The best in Louisiana cuisine, what else? You can select from all types: shrimp etouffee, crab cakes, jambalaya, oysters...well, the list goes on. If you can't wait 'till you get to the Fest, take a peek at the list that we will post on our site once it becomes available. The beverage booths sell beer, wine and champagne, soda, lemonade and water.
What do they cost?
The cost for food at the Fest ranges from $4.00-$6.00. Beverages range from $2.00-$3.00.
What does "Meet ya at da flag pole!" mean?
Back in the day, before cell phones, the only way to meet friends at the Jazz Fest was at the flag pole in the very center of the infield at the Fairgrounds. So for example when making plans to meet friends at the Jazz Fest, one would say "Meet ya at da flag pole at 12:00 PM ... I will be da one wit a Parrot on my head and a beer in my hand!"
What are the other poles?
Dozens of people bring long poles to mark where their group has set up. These serve as some of the only landmarks in a massive sea of people. Locals call these "spirit poles" and decorate them with everything from inflatable sheep to Mardi Gras flags to wind-chimes made of Barbie doll parts.
I'll need to meet up with my friends somewhere at the Fest. Where are some good meeting places?
A good meeting place should be relatively easy to find and accessible. For example:
*The Pedestrian Entrance
*The Contemporary Crafts area in Heritage Square close to the Pedestrian entrance.
* Information Booths
* Flagpole at the center of the Fairgrounds
* Bring your own pole
* Native American Village which is relatively close to the Food Booths located in the center of the Fairgrounds
What is the layout of the Fairgrounds? Where are the stages, the food area, and all those arts and crafts? Could I get a map....please?
To view a map of the Fairgrounds or to print one click here.
Now, that I've spent the whole day at the Fest, what else is there to do in New Orleans?
PLENTY! Start at NewOrleans.Com to prepare for your trip to New Orleans. From guided tours to the world's best restaurants to finding accommodations, we have the scoop on the Crescent City.
Any good restaurant recommendations for after the Fest?
There are a number of great restaurants near the Fairgrounds and of course throughout New Orleans, in general. For great recommendations ask New Orleans' best critics, it's locals, on our Talk Food with the Locals message board. During Jazz Fest, they have generous reccommendations of the best local Restaurants that Jazz Fest goers should check out.
I'm ready to buy tickets. When do they go on sale?
Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are available through any Ticketmaster outlet, or you can charge by phone by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 (if you are outside Louisiana) or at 504-522-5555 (in Louisiana). Tickets are also available at the gate.
How much do they cost? And where do I get them?
1st Weekend (April 24, 25, 26)
Advance adult ticket: $40 through April 24 (each ticket valid for one day only)
Gate Price: $50
Child's ticket: $5 (advance or gate, ages 2 - 11)
2nd Weekend (April 30, May 1, 2, 3)
Advance adult ticket: $40 through April 30 (each ticket valid for one day only)
Gate Price: $50
Child's ticket: $5 (advance or gate, ages 2 - 11)
You can purchase them at the gate, or through Ticketmaster at 504-522-5555 (in Louisiana) or 1-800-745-3000 (outside Louisiana).
Does the Festival sell out?
The festival is general admission, and has not sold out in the past. However, tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance. Luckily, New Orleans has the best local music in the world, so you can see many of the same performers at local bars. Check our schedule of other music around town for shows of interest during Jazz Fest.
What about group rate tickets or multi-day passes to the Festival?
Weekend packages are available until February 18 - see www.nojazzfest.com for details. The Jazz Fest Ticket Office may offer discounted tickets for groups purchasing 50 or more tickets. Call (504) 410-4100 for more information. There are a number of all day passes that can be purchased by making a donation to the official radio station of Jazz Fest, WWOZ. This will give you both unlimited entrance and exit privileges into the Festival. For more information call (504) 568-1238.
What about Jazz Festival parking and transportation? I don't wanna get a ticket.
Parking in nearby neighborhoods is frowned upon (in other words, is likely to get you a parking ticket).
Bicycles get some free parking near the Gentilly Boulevard gate, but bikes are not allowed into the festival. The best bet may be taking a taxi or public transportation. For special events like this, taxis are usually a $3 per person flat fee to most locations in the city. The Canal Streetcar project will be completed on April 18th, just in time to help you get to the fest. Contact (504) 242-2600 for more information.
Official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Transportation
GRAY LINE NEW ORLEANS IS THE OFFICIAL OPERATOR OF THE JAZZ FEST EXPRESS.
THE ONLY SHUTTLE THAT CAN TAKE YOU INSIDE THE GATES OF THE FESTIVAL!
RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
(800) 535-7786 (504) 569-1401
Festival Dates are: 1st Weekend – 4/28, 29, & 30 (Fri-Sun)
2nd Weekend – 5/5, 6, & 7 (Fri-Sun)
•Festival times are 11:00am – 7:00pm. The Festival gates do not open until 11:00am.
•Gray Line/Hotard Destination Services will operate the Jazz Fest Express, continuous round-trip shuttle transportation from 10:30am – 7:30pm between the departure points and the Fair Grounds. A special entrance will be used only by Jazz Fest Express vehicles to avoid traffic and bring patrons inside the Festival gates. (All other transportation to and from the Fest will have to drop off and pick up passengers on the streets outside the gates of the Festival.)
Departure Points
•Steamboat Natchez Dock/ Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office - at Toulouse St. & the River, next to Jax Brewery
•Sheraton Hotel – 500 Canal St.
•City Park (Marconi Meadows) – near Marconi & Harrison Ave. (follow the signs)
•Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (Hall D) – Convention Center Blvd.*
*Due to the lack of streetcar service on St. Charles Ave. & cab service in town, we will have mini-busses continuously transport guests (at no charge) between two pick-up points - 1319 St. Charles Ave. (Quality Inn-Maison St. Charles) & 2020 St. Charles Ave (NOMCVB.) and the Convention Center (Hall D) shuttle departure point. The shuttle will begin at 10:00 am on each day of the Festival.
PRICES
JAZZ FEST EXPRESS SHUTTLE
$15 round-trip per person per day from the downtown locations
$12 per person per day from City Park (which includes parking)
SINCE WE DROP THE PASSENGERS OFF INSIDE THE GATES OF THE FESTIVAL, EVERYONE WHO RIDES THE SHUTTLE MUST HAVE A JAZZ FEST ADMISSION TICKETS. FESTIVAL ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL DEPARTURE LOCATIONS.
FESTIVAL ADMISSION & SHUTTLE TICKETS MUST BE SOLD AS A PACKAGE BY GRAY LINE. ADMISSION TICKETS CANNOT BE SOLD BY THEMSELVES BY GRAY LINE. However, if a person already has an admission ticket, then they may purchase a shuttle ticket. All shuttle riders will be required to show both their admission & shuttle tickets as they board the vehicles at the departure points.
Day of sales will begin at 9:30am at the departure points on the days of the Festival.
Do you advise making a hotel reservation in advance?
The festival is very popular and there is a huge demand for hotel rooms, so we advise making reservations as soon as possible.
Where should I book my hotel room?
There are no hotels near the Fair Grounds. Therefore, the best places to book a hotel in the order of proximity to the Fairgrounds are: French Quarter, Marigny, Downtown/CBD (Central Business District) and the Convention Center and Arts District, all of which are appropriate areas of the city to make a reservation. For those traveling by car to the fest accommodations can also be found in surrounding areas such as Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans East and the Westbank.
What should I expect to pay for a hotel room?
Hotel rooms in the French Quarter usually range from $150-$400. Areas outside the French Quarter such as the Downtown/CBD, Convention Center and Arts District, Metairie, and Uptown range typically from $150.00-$200.00.
Find more information at the Official Jazz Fest site.