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Is Jazz Fest Family-Friendly?

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival rivals Mardi Gras as one of the most legendary annual events that the city puts on. And while it may seem like large music festivals and kids don’t mix, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Jazz Fest is absolutely kid-friendly. With a music schedule that wraps up by 7 p.m., specially priced kid tickets, plenty of snacks, tons of different types of music, and a dedicated kid zone, it’s an excellent way to introduce children to a wide variety of cultural experiences that make New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana so unique.

Like any outing with kids, you’ll want to do some extra planning and think through logistics, but it’s certainly all very doable and–dare I say enjoyable?–to share an experience like Jazz Fest with children.

Do Kids’ Tickets Cost the Same as Adult Tickets?

Here’s where you’re in luck if your kids are under 10. For festers under the age of 10, you can buy kid tickets for just $5. Once kids are older than 10, you’re looking at the standard ticket pricing, but for young kids, it’s super affordable to attend. The only catch is that a child must be present when purchasing the ticket–so while parents and other adults can pre-buy tickets online, you’ll still need to physically go to the ticket window to purchase your child’s entry.

What Can/Should I Bring to the Fest?

Strollers

For younger kids (or any kids who will still tolerate it), a stroller is a must. They can be annoying if you’re trying to make your way through a crowd to get closer to a stage, but they can also do double duty as a makeshift table and drink holder, plus they’ll hold the other essentials I’ll outline below. There can be a lot of walking involved, so it’s nice to have the option to give little legs a rest. Please note, however, that wagons are technically not allowed. You’ll still see them around the fairgrounds somehow, but I’ve also seen people be turned away at the gate for trying. ,So it’s better to be safe than sorry and opt for strollers over wagons.

Snacks and Water Bottles

Snacks and water bottles are definitely a good idea. Even if you have a kid who you know will want to try some of the signature foods, having snacks on hand is a great way to buy yourself some time while you wait in a food line or try to catch a few more minutes of a set. For water, Jazz Fest rules say that you’re only allowed to bring in factory-sealed commercial water bottles. I would never advocate for breaking any rules, but I’ve personally never had an issue bringing a child-size refillable water bottle and/or sippy cup into the festival for my kids. Either way, there are multiple water-filling stations throughout the fest–which is key to keeping kiddos (and yourself) hydrated.

Blankets

If you have a blanket that folds compactly and a method to carry it, I highly recommend bringing it along. You’ll likely be grabbing food from a number of vendors, and there are plenty of places where you can lay out a blanket for a picnic-style meal. Blankets are also great for anyone who is committed to seeing a certain artist and festing with at least one other adult–get there early with your blanket, set up shop, and take turns with the other adult going out to explore, do bathroom runs, grab food, etc.

Weather-Preparedness Supplies

There can be a lot of sun at Jazz Fest – apart from tents and the grandstand, almost everything else is more or less in direct sunlight. You’ll want sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. If you forget a hat, you can buy Jazz Fest-branded hats at multiple spots throughout the fest, and sunscreen is available for purchase if you want a whole bottle. There are also self-serve stations for free at various points around the fairgrounds.

Either way, you’ll want to check the weather before heading out­–grab ponchos or rain jackets if it looks like rain. Portable fans are also never a bad idea–the ones that clip on strollers are great for younger kids, and those genius ones that hang around your neck like a resting pair of headphones can be shared between kids and adults as needed throughout the day. Just don’t forget to charge ‘em before (or bring batteries).

Diaper Bags and Accessories

You can absolutely bring a (normal-sized) diaper bag into the fest. I’ll cover diaper changes and bathrooms later, but I recommend bringing diapers/pull-ups, a change of clothes for smaller kids, a changing pad, and plenty of wipes. Think of it almost as how you’d pack a diaper bag for the airplane­–you want to keep things streamlined, but also make sure you have more than enough supplies for any…emergencies… that may occur. Sinks are also not always convenient, so wipes are great to keep accessible for any messy hands or spills.

See the official Jazz Fest FAQ for more info on what is and isn't allowed for entry.

Is There Kid-Friendly Food at Jazz Fest?

Yes­–and tons of it. For smaller kids or those that are picky, you can find easy bites such as PB&Js and fruit salad, macaroni and cheese, or a panéed chicken po-boy (rebrand it as a chicken finger sandwich if you have to) at food area 1. Over in food area 2, fried catfish po-boys are a good option for fish stick-loving kids, or you can opt for hummus and pita, and the Congo Square food area has Poulet Fricassee (chicken on a stick). You’ll also find Lucky Dog vendors throughout the fest for those kids who like hot dogs.

Now for kids who are more open to trying new foods, your options are endless. Of course, some dishes are spicier than others, but everything from fried shrimp po-boys to muffulettas, fried chicken, jambalaya, gumbo, and more awaits. Give ‘em bites of whatever you’re trying–I had no idea my seven-year-old would be so into crawfish pies until I shared mine with him last year. This year, it was our first stop.

And for sweet treats, you’ll find everything from the famous Mango Freeze (my kids pine for it all year), ice cream, sno-balls, beignets (both traditional and then praline- or chocolate-stuffed versions), strawberry shortcake, and so much more. Call me a bad mother, but I use treat pitstops as bargaining chips for patience throughout the day.

Aside From food, what are the Best Things to Do with Kids at Jazz Fest?

Smaller Music Stages

Obviously, music is a huge part of the festival. While bigger names take to the three larger stages (Main Stage, Congo Square, and Gentilly), there are many smaller stages that have smaller crowds and even seating and shade. The Blues, Jazz, and Gospel tents are all good places for a rest and a snack, and I’m also really fond of swinging by the Lagniappe Stage (located in the paddock within the grandstand building) with kids. It’s laid back, a little quieter, and nicely shaded.

Craft Areas

The craft marketplaces are also a lot of fun to explore, both with and without kids. Some vendors sell more fragile or delicate items, so you’ll want to use discretion before entering certain booths with kids. But aside from items for sale, there are also several cultural heritage areas that feature demonstrations from craftspeople and makers throughout the state, providing kids with an opportunity to learn more about local and regional traditions.

The Kids Area

Last, but certainly not least, the Kids Area is the real MVP for festing with children (obviously). The space features its own stage with programming throughout the day ranging from dance and puppetry to musical performances, plus a silent disco area, a tent with arts, crafts, and face painting, an interactive technology tent, STEM activities, opportunities to chat with local makers and artists, and tons of space to just spread out, run around, and play. It’s a genuinely good time.

What are Some Other Helpful Tips for Festing with Kids?

Bathrooms

The majority of bathrooms at Jazz Fest are port-o-potties. It’s an outside festival, so they get a little…weathered… throughout the weekend, and that can prove challenging with kids–especially younger ones. The grandstand does have two actual bathrooms though–one on the first floor and one up on the third floor. There will likely be long lines, but with careful planning and maybe some light begging to cut if it’s about to be an emergency, these bathrooms will be your best bet.

When it comes to diapers at Jazz Fest, I recommend bringing a changing pad and finding a quiet area to do quick diaper changes outdoors. For more involved diaper changes, there is a changing station in the first-floor bathroom in the grandstand, and there’s also a lactation area on the third floor that offers some privacy.

Embrace the Chaos

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, bringing kids to the fairgrounds is going to mean some degree of chaos. When meltdowns, complaints, weather challenges, or exhaustion pop up, just take deep breaths, and remind yourself that you’re *making memories*. Truly, though. There have been more than a handful of moments when I’ve told myself that I’m never bringing a kid to Jazz Fest again, only to five minutes later find myself swept away in the magic of it all, declaring that there’s no one I’d rather share Jazz Fest with more than my children. Prepare as much as you can, and then let the chips fall where they may from there. I promise it’ll be worth it in the end.