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Book a French Quarter hotel for Jazz Fest! Get the best rates on New Orleans hotels on NewOrleans.com.

JAZZ FEST AT-A-GLANCE

• Book a hotel in New Orleans early! Hotels in the French Quarter and around New Orleans sell out.
• Jazz Fest is always held the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.
• Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the third oldest racetrack in America.
• The festival features 13 stages and more than 60 food vendors spread across the Fair Grounds' 145 acres.
• The "heritage" celebration includes fairway marketplaces with indigenous handcrafts and cultural exhibits.
• See the complete list of performers and dates in the Music Lineup tabs.
• Local tip: New Orleans turns into a hotbed of musical activity around Jazz Fest time. The schedules at music clubs and bars across town are jammed with great local and touring musicians who aren't on the Jazz Fest lineup. ChazFest, a local music festival featuring New Orleans musicians, is held between Jazz Fest weekends.

Think of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (a.k.a. Jazz Fest) as the Mardi Gras of music festivals. For two weekends every year, New Orleans transforms into mecca for musicians and music lovers – a place where fans flock to pay respects to an incredible lineup of musicians, from international headliners to local legends.  

Jazz Fest has grown from a humble 350 attendees in 1970, when the festival was held in Congo Square, to record-breaking crowds year after year. Hundreds of thousands of music fans head to New Orleans the last weekend in April and first weekend in May for what Life Magazine called "the country's best music festival" and Wall Street Journal described as "a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation." The festival features 13 stages and showcases music from just about every genre you can imagine, including jazz, gospel, folk, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R & B, rock, funk, African and Latin Caribbean.

And, because this is New Orleans, food is a major draw at Jazz Fest. The festival stretches far beyond the typical carnival fare in every way. A select group of more than 60 vendors sell heritage eats and local favorites, from the famous cochon de lait po-boy and Crawfish Monica to regional favorites jambalaya and jama-jama.

Jazz Fest stages

FAQ

2011 Jazz Fest FAQ's

What is the Jazz Festival?
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a.k.a Jazz Fest, is a 7-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. The Louisiana Heritage Fair showcases unforgettable music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work. The Louisiana Heritage Fair is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course over the course of 2 weekends. They are April 26, 27, 28 & May 2, 3, 4 & 5 2012.

When and where is the Jazz Festival?
pril 26, 27, 28 & May 2, 3, 4 & 5 2012. The Heritage Fair takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, centrally located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, 10 minutes from the French Quarter. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Is Jazz the only music featured at the Jazz Festival?
The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional.

When is the performance schedule released?
The complete list of musicians performing at the Jazz & Heritage Festival has been announced. A more complete schedule in grid form, known as "the cubes," is available closer to the Festival, usually around the first week of April. Check back to view the entire schedule.

How should I dress for the Fest and what other kinds of things should I bring?
The springtime weather in New Orleans can range from pleasantly warm to uncomfortably hot, so you'll want to dress in cool, unrestrictive clothing. Lightweight cotton is never a bad idea. There are a few shady trees scattered here and there throughout the Fair Grounds, but the infield is, for the most part, wide open to the sun. Therefore, most people consider sunglasses to be essential, not to mention sunscreen or sunblock. A hat with a wide brim or visor is also a good idea. Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be doing a lot of walking. You'll want to keep hydrated, too: there are beverages available throughout the Heritage Fair, and cold drinking water can be found in the Grandstand, which is also a good source of shade and air conditioning, not to mention many of the Festival's hidden treasures. Also, several stages on the infield and in Heritage Square are under tents that offer relief from the sun.

What can I bring to the Fest?
All bags will be searched; all vehicles will be subject to search.

Small bags and backpacks (17''x12''x10'') only and twelve-pack soft coolers are permitted.

Absolutely no large or hard coolers, including thermoses, whether carried or in vehicles.

Wagons, carts, pets, glass, personal tents, metal poles, shade canopies, beach or pole-style umbrellas and athletic games are not allowed.

Single, collapsible chairs are permitted.  Large chairs with rockers,foot rests, side tables etc. are not permitted.

Bicycles or other wheeled personal transport devices (e.g. skateboards, Segways, go-peds, etc.) are not allowed on Festival grounds. Wheelchairs and medical Scooters are permitted. Push-Strollers for children are permitted.

Blankets and ground tarps may not exceed 6'x8'. Inserting stakes, poles, or any other objects into the ground, or use of ropes, cords, tape, etc. to reserve space is prohibited.

Video and audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

No unauthorized vending.

Weapons, illicit drugs, and other contraband are strictly prohibited.

No outside beverages whether carried or in vehicles except factory sealed water (up to 1 liter).

NO TAILGATING.

Re-entry allowed only with WWOZ Brass Pass, Foundation Gala Pass or BIG CHIEF VIP Pass.

Festival reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the Festival anyone in violation of these policies.

There are two Standing Room Only areas – one in front of the Acura Stage and one in front of the Gentilly Stage. Setting up of Chairs and ground tarps will be prohibited in these dense audience areas at all times.

The Festival's open seating policy at all stages is not compatible with the use of ropes, cords, tape, etc. to reserve space. Movement throughout the Festival without impediment is essential to audience flow, safety and comfort. As always, sitting or standing in aisles inside tents is not permitted. Please keep all aisles and access to those aisles clear. Ushers are available in each tent to assist you.

Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?
For information about Festival attendance by people with disabilities. Please either call (504) 410-6104, e-mail access@nojazzfest.com, or fax (504) 558-6121

Are there ATMs available if I run low on cash?
Yes, there are ATMs onsite.

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. You won't go hungry. The beverage booths sell beer, wine and champagne, soda, lemonade and water.

What about vegetarian items?
There are always a number of tasty vegan/vegetarian-friendly items on the menu as well.

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
* Native American Village which is relatively close to the Food Booths located in the center of the Fairgrounds

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. The easiest way to keep up with all the events happening in the Big Easy is to regularly check the NewOrleans.com calendar.  Also check out our hotel section for special rates and packages!

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale after the talent has been announced.

How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at the New Orleans Arena Box Office.  All Jazz Fest tickets are subject to additional service fees and handling charges.

How much do tickets cost?

1st Weekend Discount Ticket Package (April 26, 27 & 28)
Adult ticket package: TBA per day x 3 tickets (TBA)
(a limited number of ticket packages are available)
Includes three date-specific tickets, one for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

1st Weekend Single Day Tickets (April 26, 27 or 29)
Advance adult ticket through February 29: TBA
Advance adult ticket starting March 1: TBA
(each ticket valid for any single day of the weekend)
Gate Price: TBa

Child's ticket: $5 (available at the gate only, ages 2 – 10, adult must be present with child)

2nd Weekend Discount Ticket Package (May 2, 3, 4 & 5)
Adult ticket package: TBA per day x 4 tickets (TBA)
(a limited number of ticket packages are available)
Includes four date-specific tickets, one for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

2nd Weekend Single Day Tickets (May 2, 3, 4 & 5)
Advance adult ticket through February 29: TBA
Advance adult ticket starting March 1:  TBA
(each ticket valid for any single day of the weekend)
Gate Price: TBA

Child's ticket: $5 (available at the gate only, ages 2 – 10, adult must be present with child)

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at the New Orleans Arena Box Office.  All Jazz Fest tickets are subject to additional service fees and handling charges.

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.

How do I get to the Fair Grounds?
The Fair Grounds Race Course is located in a residential part of the city; parking in the surrounding neighborhoods is not recommended.

Gray Line Tours will operate continuous round-trip transportation – the Jazz Fest Express - from the Sheraton Hotel, the Gray Line Lighthouse at the Steamboat Natchez Dock (Toulouse St. at the River – next to Jax Brewery), and City Park (next to Marconi Meadows) daily from 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

A special entrance will be used only by Jazz Fest Express vehicles to avoid traffic and bring Festival-goers inside the gates of the Festival. Add $17 ($14 City Park) to the price of a Festival admission ticket for this round-trip transportation service. Admission and Jazz Fest Express tickets are available for sale on the days of the Festival from these locations or in advance through TicketMaster. A one way ticket from the Festival to downtown will be available for $10.

For more information, call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 535-7786.

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. Check out our NewOrleans.Com hotel section for special rates and packages!

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.