New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Weekend 1) Parking at Fair Grounds Race Course

If you're heading to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2025, you're in for a treat! This vibrant event celebrates the rich tapestry of New Orleans' cultural heritage through music, food, crafts, and more. Most importantly, you'll want to ensure that getting to and from the festival is as seamless as possible. In this guide, we’ll explore the best parking options at the Fair Grounds Race Course, so you can enjoy every moment of the festival without the hassle of transportation woes.

Festival Overview

The Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends, with Weekend 1 scheduled for April 24 - 27, 2025. This annual festival attracts about 400,000 visitors and showcases a plethora of performers and artists, offering everything from blues to zydeco—making it a can't-miss event for both locals and tourists. You can find out more about what to expect from the festival here.

General Information

• Location: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA
• Festival Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Tickets: General Admission tickets range from $50 for Louisiana residents on "Locals Thursday" to about $369 for a weekend wristband, available for purchase here.

  How to Get to the Fair Grounds Race Course

1. Parking Options

Finding a parking spot during Jazz Fest can get as tricky as a jazz solo, but there are several options available for you. Let’s break it down:

On-Site Parking

Limited on-site parking is available at the Fair Grounds but sold only through select VIP packages like Big Chief, Grand Marshal, or the Krewe Jazz Fest VIP Pass. These tickets allow for parking access on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about VIP passes, check this link.

• VIP Parking Cost: An additional $300 per VIP Pass.

  Note: Parking for oversized vehicles, RVs, or charter buses is NOT permitted on-site.

Nearby Parking Lots

While on-site parking is limited, there are several nearby options you can take advantage of:

• Cabrini High School: Located at 1400 Moss St., this school offers parking for $60 per day. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during festival days. More details can be found here.

• Lady Rosary Church: Located at 3368 Esplanade Ave., this offers parking for $30 starting at 8:30 a.m.

• Langston Hughes Academy: This school provides parking for $30 starting at 9 a.m. and also accepts credit card payments.

Additionally, Deutsches Haus offers parking at 1700 Moss St. for $20 starting at 10 a.m., perfect for grabbing a drink at their bar while you wait.

Jazz Fest Official Shuttle Lots

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of parking altogether, the official Jazz Fest shuttle service is a stylish alternative. Parking is available at the following locations:

• French Quarter: Steamboat Natchez Dock, 400 Toulouse St.
• Sheraton New Orleans Hotel: 500 Canal St.
• Hyatt Regency: 601 Loyola Avenue.
• City Park: Wisner Lot, 5700 Wisner Blvd. (free parking included)

Shuttle tickets for a single day cost about $24 plus fees. You can check availability here.

2. Public Transit to the Fair Grounds

For those who prefer not to drive, public transport is a convenient option that gets you to the Fair Grounds without the parking hassle. The RTA (Regional Transit Authority) offers bus services that can take you straight from different parts of the city to the festival. For detailed routes and schedules, visit RTA's official site.

3. Rideshare Services

If you're considering using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, be prepared for some minor inconveniences. The city has designated areas for rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups, keeping things organized. However, rideshare services may not be allowed to drop off passengers directly at the Fair Grounds. Instead, check the Rideshare Map for guidance.

4. Bicycles

Looking to pedal your way to the festival? The Jazz Fest is bike-friendly! Designated bike parking areas are available near the Gentilly Boulevard and Sauvage Street pedestrian gates. Just make sure not to lock your bike to fences or private property.

Tips for a Smooth Parking Experience

• Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving at least an hour before festival gates open. This not only ensures better parking options but also gets you ahead in line for that first drink!

• Plan Your Route: Make sure you have a navigation app handy and familiarize yourself with the area beforehand. Knowing the best routes for entry and exit can save tons of time.

• Use Cashless Payments: Jazz Fest has gone cashless! All vendors will accept credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay. If you feel cash is essential, be prepared to use the two cash exchange booths at the festival.

• Hydrate & Dress Appropriately: The New Orleans sun can be quite intense. Wear comfortable clothing, a big floppy hat, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen—multiple times!

• Keep Your Items Light: Don’t burden yourself with too many unnecessary items. Bring only what you need for a day of fun in the sun!

Where to Eat Inside the Festival

As you prepare for your festival experience, don’t forget about the epic food offerings! The Jazz Fest is famous for its variety of food stalls serving everything from gumbo to jambalaya. Make sure to check out the food offerings on the Jazz Fest food page.

The Festival Experience

Once you're at the Jazz Fest, lose yourself in the rhythm of world-class musicians, discover unique Louisiana art & crafts, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Don't worry about the parking when you're grooving to the beats; you're now ready to soak in what the festival has to offer.

So, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Jazz Fest veteran, planning ahead for parking at the Fair Grounds Race Course will help ensure you have the BEST experience possible. Enjoy the tunes, cuisine, and unique culture that make New Orleans feel like home. Find everything you need to know here, and let the festivities roll!