New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Weekend 2) Parking at Fair Grounds Race Course

Ahh, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival! It's that magical time when the French Quarter comes alive with the sounds of jazz, blues, and everything in between. The vibrant atmosphere, the food, the culture—it's like a feast for the senses! While planning your visit to this iconic festival, you totally need to sort out your parking situation at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Trust me, you don’t want to end up stranded or stressed out about where to park. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details, so you can focus on enjoying the MUSIC and CHARMS of the festival.

Event Dates

The jazz fest is set to take place over two weekends in 2025:

• Weekend 1: April 24 - 27, 2025
• Weekend 2: May 1 - 4, 2025

For full details on the festival’s schedule, you can check out the official festival site.

Location, Location, Location

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is held at the stunning Fair Grounds Race Course, located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard. This venue is just 10 minutes from the French Quarter, making it a central place for all the jazz fest fun!

Parking Options

On-Site Parking

If you’re looking to park at the Fair Grounds Race Course, your best bet is to pre-purchase parking passes. There are limited parking spots available, particularly for those with disabilities as they will have designated spots near Horseman’s Gate. The parking for VIPs and persons with disabilities is limited, so you'll want to secure your parking early.

Rates for parking at the Fair Grounds Race Course vary:

• General Admission parking: Prices typically range around $50–$65 per day depending on which day it is (Saturdays & Sundays tend to be pricier).
• All parking must be paid for with a credit card because, let's face it, who carries cash these days? No cash accepted on-site!

If you want to snag a VIP parking pass, you'll need to purchase the Big Chief, Grand Marshal, or Krewe Jazz Fest VIP packages, which include special parking arrangements for those passes.

Off-Site Parking

If you can't get parking at the fairgrounds (or if the prices make you gulp), there are several local schools & churches that offer parking options near the venue:

1. Cabrini High School (1400 Moss St.): Parking for $60 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on festival days. You might even want to reserve a spot in advance by checking their website.

2. Lady Rosary (3368 Esplanade Ave.): Opens at 8:30 a.m., parking costs $30.

3. Langston Hughes Academy (3519 Trafalgar St.): Starts at $30 from 9 a.m., they accept credit card payments.

4. St. Raymond St. Leo Catholic Church (2916 Paris Ave.): Pricing and availability can vary, so check their website for the latest.

5. Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St.): Starts parking at 10 a.m. for $20. They have a bar opened early too, which is a nice perk!

Jazz Fest Shuttle Service

One of the BEST ways to get to the festival without the hassle of parking is by taking the Jazz Fest Express shuttle. This is a super convenient option. Here’s how it works:

• The shuttle operates from April 24 - 27 and again from May 1 - 4, 2025.
• It departs from several locations: the French Quarter, the Sheraton Hotel, and City Park—which offers free parking.
• Round-trip tickets are $24 per person or $82 for a 4-day festival pass. You can book your tickets via the Jazz Fest Express shuttle site.

Public Transport

If you prefer good ol' public transit, New Orleans offers streetcars and buses that can take you to the festival:

• The 91 bus travels from Rampart Street and drops you off just a few blocks from the Fairgrounds.
• The 48 streetcar goes directly to City Park, which is nearby the entry points.

For public transit, you can find the latest schedules and routes on the NORTA website.

Rideshares and Taxis

If you're leaning towards rideshares, be aware that the city limits these services from dropping off or picking up within certain areas near the Fair Grounds. You can check out the designated rideshare pick-up zones in this map.

Taxi stands are located near:

• Stallings Playground (Gentilly Blvd across Festival entrance)
• Walter Wolfman Washington Memorial Park (Esplanade Avenue & Mystery Street)

GRAB YOUR PARKING PASS ASAP!

It's worth noting that parking at Jazz Fest can fill up FAST—especially during the second weekend. I mean, no one wants to be the one searching for parking at the last minute, right? Make sure to grab your parking passes well ahead of time to avoid getting stranded, and check out local offerings.

So what’s that old saying? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That definitely applies here. You’ll want to enjoy the incredible music, food, and culture waiting for you!

Don’t Forget the Essentials!

• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be walking a lot.
• Bring sunscreen: It's HOT out there!
• Stay hydrated: Don't forget your water bottle!
• Pack cashless options: Remember, it's a cashless event—your card is your best friend at this festival.

So, get excited for Jazz Fest Weekend 2! Whether you opt for on-site parking, off-site lots, or jazz it up on a shuttle, you’re geared for a fabulous time at one of the most electrifying festivals in the country. Feel the rhythm, taste the joy, and soak in all the vibrance of New Orleans!

Make sure to check out the official FAQ for the latest info, tips, and updates as the festival approaches. Happy festing, ya’ll!