My wife and I attended both weekend 1 and 2 this year, for the first time. It was absolutely incredible, but also punishing (to our bodies and bank account)!

I've been to Jazz Fest before, but only for one weekend. Seeing both weekends this year, it was striking how many more people were at weekend 2 vs weekend 1.

My question is - is it always this lopsided? Is weekend 2 always busier? Or was it driven by the Rolling Stones kicking off weekend 2?

Just curious, because I don't know if we'll be up for two weekends next time!

I can't take credit for this- a friend of mine wrote this and I thought it was special, so I'm sharing here with permission...

Finally, Jazz Fest

Finally, Jazz Fest, once again. It’s a carnival atmosphere as we head to the gates of the Fairgrounds. Hallowed grounds. We follow Monica, our festival totem, our purple haired muse. A stop for a bloody at Liuzza’s. A greeting from the smiling NOPD officer at the same intersection every year. Bottled water from Miss Linda. Always Linda. I love Jazz Fest for these small traditions.

Slow to go from last night’s merriment, the sun is already oppressive as we enter the gates. The humidity clings like a second skin. We’re greeted by the joyous choirs of the gospel tent. My back end automatically kicks in and I’m suddenly feeling the spirit. Oh Lord! Funk music and zydeco ooze from stages that makes your hips move in ways they don’t seem to move at home. I don’t care about the heat and humidity anymore.

Jazz Fest is a glorious mess. Cochon de Lait drips down my chin as the sweat flows freely to the rhythmic chants of Mardi Gras Indians. The dark roux and spices of pheasant, quail and andouille gumbo hit my tongue with same intensity as the brass band’s blare from the passing second line parade. I’m fueled by softshell crab po-boys and the sweet relief of the occasional breeze.

As the sun sets and the crowds disperse, exhausted but fulfilled, the atmosphere changes and the festival transforms. The nightclubs become the heart of Jazz Fest. Frenchman Street becomes a river of revelers, flowing from music club to music club. Small venues with divey charm. Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf, Blue Nile. Packed rooms thick with anticipation of funky music and the smell of stale beer. “Only at Jazz Fest” musical mashups of national acts connecting with New Orleans’ deep reservoir of musical talent and local legends. The music is intimate and personal.

The nights are long during Jazz Fest, moving from club to club, band to band, each a little taste of New Orleans’ musical heritage. FOMO is real. It’s exhausting, this relentless pursuit of joy, a marathon not a sprint, but it’s also exhilarating. There’s an intense camaraderie amongst my fellow festers, a family reunion, a shared understanding that we’re part of something special, a much needed reminder that humanity is fundamentally good.

Dancing all night, I feel every note in the soles of my feet. My legs are sore but my heart is full. I feel alive in ways that I don’t feel anywhere else. My best self. Stumbling home I vow to sleep for days, but I know deep down that tomorrow I’ll be back at the Fairgrounds. I know I’ll be back next year and the year after that. I'll dance until my legs beg for mercy and then I'll dance some more.

For me I had two night (well, afternoon) highlights. One was Stanton’s Zildjian thing at Tipitinas at 3pm on midweek Tuesday and the other was Frequinauts at Toulouse Theater. I can never pick a favorite at the fairgrounds, unless, of course, you count the Fried Chicken. Oh, and the empanadas at the Colombian exhibit.

And counting.

Haven't been to the Fest in 14 years and in the past I could pick up a shirt afterwards.

Couldn't get to the merch stand this year so I didn't get my shirt.

If y'all know of a link to buy the Official T shirt, please post.

Thanks!

I am looking for unused wrist bands, one for each weekend. If you have one and are willing to part with them, let me know. Thanks!

The sound for Bonnie Raitt was shit. Heard the same about Earth Wind and Fire.

Other than that, the festival was great.

I didn’t get out to the Fairgrounds this year, but for the past few years I’ve noticed that the bleachers in the back of the tents have gone away.

Does anyone remember when - and why - that happened?

Another one in the books. It was a great time!

Not sure what is at the fairgrounds that causes me to have a runny nose entire day after.

Wed i spent all day in french quarter. No symptoms next day.

Woke up late thurs after attending fest and nose completely closed and super sneezy.

Didnt go fri.

Went sat and felt great all day, then same thing sat night and so bad on sunday i skipped fest.

Only able to attend 2 of 4 days i paid for.

Went last year no issues.

Weird it only seems to happen after fest and extends into next day.

Back to San Diego.

Remarkably better with distance.

My favorite Jazz Fest moment ever was The Rolling Stones & Irma Thomas performing "Time is on My Side" - I feel so fortunate to have been there (and have a great view) - here is a link to the video that I took - enjoy!

https://youtu.be/ngA4Ca0g-xg?si=elVKj_AhAg97hshe

Shuttles (to Sheraton) seem super slow tonight. It’s 8:11p and I’m still not close to getting on a bus. Been the last 2 years, multiple days, but never seen anything like this.

It was a shit show trying to leave at closing time today, walked a good amount but still couldn't get enough cell signal to call an uber. What's the best way to leave the festival grounds? Is there a spot where you can hail a cab?

So rude.

Thousands of people standing in their pizza box sized spot and next to me was 8 or so people obviously together, who were laying down with arms stretched out and eyes closed, each taking up the space for 4 people.

Selfish assholes. Bad parenting prob to blame.

Such a big difference in kindness between Stones crowd and Dead crowd last year. So many rude people.

I love Jazz Fest, but I just started a new job, so I was only able to go to the first weekend. I had an absolute blast.

I forced myself not to look at merch, because I’ve bought a couple things in years past and convinced myself I didn’t need anything else… that was a mistake.

Sunday night after the fest was over, I was in line for Maurice MoBetta Brown’s Afterparty, and saw a very nice lady in a camo jazz fest bucket hat. I instantly knew I NEED THAT HAT. Then, on my flight home Monday afternoon I saw another nice man with the same bucket hat on. It’s following me. I NEED IT.

So here’s the ask. If I pre-order the merch I’d like, would any kind soul out there be willing to pick it up from the rhythmpourium and mail it to me? I would happily send money for postage!

Please please pleaseeee let me know if that sounds like something you’d be interested in. I’m hoping for a Jazz Fest miracle!

Thanks in advance!

Hey all! We will be at the fest on Sunday. I’m a vegetarian and my mom doesn’t like seafood. What’s good?

Hello, I was wondering if there is any spot, outside or inside festival area, where I can buy Rolling Stones or Foo Fighters merch here?

I know very little about gospel music but I’d love to see some live.

For those who know some of the artists, any suggestions as to which acts a noob shuld try to catch at the gospel tent 2024 weekend 2?

First-timer here, will be going with some friends on Friday. As we are all native Louisianians, obviously the most important thing to us is the food. What are the must-haves? How much can we expect to pay? Do they take cash payments because I read somewhere they switched to card-only? Lastly, how big of a deal would it be if I snuck in a couple of granola bars?

We can bring and empty metal water bottle to refill? I was looking at what you can or can't bring and didn't see that in there. I know there are refill stations. Thank you!