The New Orleans Jazz&Heritage Festival is a two-weekend production that draws tens of thousands of people to the city's Fair Grounds Race Course. With up to 80 musical acts performing daily on more than a dozen stages, complemented by art and craft exhibitions and a variety of food booths, it's no wonder that the festival has become so popular. From traditional jazz to rap, there is something for everyone. The festival organizers announced the number of fans who attended the festival over the course of two weekends (seven days in total) held this year on Tuesday.
While the price of tickets for the JazzFest continues to rise, the fact is that you can still see some Grade A headliners for a bargain price compared to similar (or even smaller) festivals. But is the JazzFest crowded? The answer is yes, but not as much as other days like New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Mardi Gras. The festival generally draws around 500,000 more people than the entire population of New Orleans to the fairgrounds over the two long weekends. So if you're coming from out of town, you might want to prioritize seeing big-name acts over smaller local acts, which often occupy less crowded stages.
In addition, don't forget that during the “days off” between the two weekends of the festival, many small and medium-sized artists will play concerts around the city. If you miss them at the Festival, you might see them on Frenchmen Street. If you're planning on attending the JazzFest, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, bike rentals will fill up quickly as the festival date approaches, so make sure to plan ahead if you're planning on bringing a bike.
Second, everyone enjoys a break from the boiling masses, so if it's your first time attending, consider coming on a quieter weekend. The New Orleans Jazz&Heritage Festival is an incredible event that showcases a dizzying array of Louisiana talent, styles and musical genres. With its amazing variety of acts and delicious food, it's no wonder that it has become so popular. So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience with great music and good vibes, then make sure to check out this year's JazzFest!.