New Orleans is a city like no other, with a rich history of food, culture, and music. So it makes sense that the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest is a music festival that should be on every music lover's bucket list. I just returned from Jazz Fest 2024, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere, food, and music were incredible.
Stepping onto the festival grounds, you are immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of color, sound, and energy. From the moment you arrive, it's clear that Jazz Fest is more than just a music festival – it's a cultural extravaganza. Even before you get to the fair grounds, the streets of New Orleans are full of food vendors and crowds participating in the excitement of the weekend.
One of the best things about Jazz Fest is its diverse lineup of performers. From jazz and blues to funk, soul, and everything in between, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're a die-hard jazz aficionado or simply looking to discover some new sounds, Jazz Fest has you covered. This year, the main event was The Rolling Stones; they performed on a special Thursday addition to Jazz Fest weekend. Their set included performances with New Orleans and Louisiana stars Irma Thomas and Dwayne Dopsie. Their musical collaborations were just awesome. Other performers this year included Jon Batiste’s only-in-New-Orleans set that paid homage to the city’s piano legends, including Professor Longhair, Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint. The Foo Fighters also returned this year, as well as appearances by Chris Stapleton, the Killers, Queen Latifah, Earth Wind and Fire, and Vampire Weekend. And while the big acts are truly fantastic, my favorite performances tend to the be the local bands on the fais do-do and jazz heritage stages. I usually spend a whole day at those stages listening to Cajun zydeco, jazz, and R&B.
No description of Jazz Fest is complete without talking about the food and drink options available. Some of the best restaurants in New Orleans have food booths there, and the food is AMAZING. From traditional Creole cuisine like gumbo and jambalaya to mouthwatering po'boys and beignets, the food at Jazz Fest is a feast for the senses. And let's not forget about the drinks – from ice-cold beers to frozen daiquiris in a variety of flavors, there's no shortage of libations to keep you cool as you soak up the music.
Jazz Fest is crowded, but it's a mellow crowd. I've been several times, and I've never seen a fight or bad behavior there. Everywhere you look, people are dancing, laughing, and sharing in the joy of the music. Whether you're chatting with fellow festival-goers between sets or joining in a parade, there's a sense of togetherness that permeates the air.
On the practical side, there are plenty of porta-johns that are well-maintained, including accessible toilets for those who need them. (The accessible toilets are locked and codes are given to those who need them.) Speaking of accessibility, the festival grounds are flat, and hard plastic mats create pathways to stages and vendor tents. These make it easier to navigate in wheelchairs, walkers, and for anyone with other mobility issues. There are also tents with raised platforms that offer accessible viewing for disabled attendees and one companion. Another nice thing is the organizers' commitment to reducing waste. They don't use paper maps (downloads and QR codes only) and there are plenty of recycling bins for cans and bottles. They even offered mesh bags to festival-goers so they can collect their recycling (I also collected cans and bottles for those around me) and dispose of them all at once on the way out.
All in all, Jazz Fest isn't just a music festival – it's an experience. So if you ever find yourself craving a taste of the extraordinary, I highly recommend making the pilgrimage to New Orleans Jazz Fest. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
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