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Get Your Groove On at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Published by Katie Cappello, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

As you follow the crowds into the Fair Grounds Race Course, site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the first thing you'll notice is the eclectic population. Known for its vibrant musical history and culture, New Orleans draws both old and young to the Jazz and Heritage Festival. Locally branded as Jazz Fest, the Festival occurs on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May each year. Grandparents and grandchildren, teachers and students, locals and visitors, those who play music and those who just like to dance to it, are all welcome at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

There are many themed music stages at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. At the gospel stage, you'll get the chance to hear some of the best choirs from Louisiana's churches. The cajun and zydeco stages feature traditional Louisiana music that will set your feet a stompin'. A visit to the jazz stage will give you access to some of the best acts from New Orleans's vibrant jazz scene, as well as nationally renowned musicians. Other stages showcase R&B, Funk, Folk, Rock, African, Carribean, and Latin acts; so you can dance to your heart's content.

The food court at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is as eclectic as the music. Feast on traditional Louisiana fare, such as gumbo, boiled crawfish, muffaletta sandwiches, and alligator sausage. Too much cajun spice for you? A frosty beverage will soothe your tongue and cool you down from all that moving and shaking.

If you need a break from the music, visit the Louisiana Folklife Village for a taste of the state's heritage. Here you can watch local craftsmen create musical instruments and papier mache Mardi Gras masks. Mosey over to the Native American Village and you'll find the history of Louisiana's native people kept alive by drumming and dancing demonstrations. Finally, spend some time at the Congo Square stage, which celebrates the famous New Orleans landmark, known as the birthplace of jazz.

As day becomes night, the big acts take the stage. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival features the world's best musicians on its main stage, including Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, The Neville Brothers, Harry Connick, Jr., Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Van Morrison, and Dave Brubeck. The line-up is staggering, and the talent is unmatched. You'll be hard pressed to resist dancing to the world class music of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

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When to Go to New Orleans Jazz Festival

The best time to visit New Orleans is in the spring before the weather is too hot and humid. How advantageous for travellers that the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival falls on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May of each year! For the best Jazz Fest experience, stay the whole week and indulge in the many musical performances that take place in conjunction with the Festival.

Odds n' Ends

Tickets for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival are US$45 per day in advance, or US$60 at the door. Remember to bring the essentials for a day at a festival, including cash, cell phone, sunscreen, a hat, and some comfortable dancing shoes. In addition, it would be a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain poncho, as afternoon showers are likely in New Orleans.

Places to Eat

The Jazz and Heritage Festival food booths
Traditional cajun and creole fare including gumbo, etouffe, boiled crawfish, dirty rice, alligator sausage, begniets, fried catfish, and po-boy sandwiches.
Cafe Degas
Fine classic creole fare, fresh seafood, and exotic ingredients are found at this elegant and romantic restaurant on Esplanade Avenue, a short walk from the New Orleans Race Track.
Fair Grinds Coffeehouse
For a jolt of caffeine before a day of music, visit this lovely, locally owned coffee shop, dedicated to supporting New Orleans' artists and musicians.

Recommended Places to Stay

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
This hotel, located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, offers special rates for Jazz Festival-goers as well as a shuttle to the fairgrounds.
Marquette House
This hostel is a piece of New Orleans history and a budget-friendly alternative conveniently located on the streetcar line.

More Experiences Nearby

Join The Party at Mardi Gras Festival
Maybe it's the allure of a party. Or maybe it's the shiny beads. Either way, since 1857, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has a way of drawing visitors from around the world to experience nothing like they've ever experienced before. Along Canal Street you'll find an interactive world full of colourful Mardi Gras characters, music, and fun as the boisterous parades stream by. Each Mardi Gras parade is represented by a krewe (or club) with each procession beginning with the presentation of the float for their King and Queen. Trinkets (or throws) of purple, green, and gold (representing justice, faith, ...0 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Trumpet around the Corner: The Story of New Orleans Jazz
Frommer's New Orleans 2010
Historic Photos of New Orleans Jazz

Elsewhere on the Web

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Language Guides

French , Hindi , Indonesian , Italian , Japanese , Lao , Malay , Mandarin , Portugese , Russian , Spanish , Thai , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in United States. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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