Paul Simon, Nick Jonas, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and Snoop Dogg make up only a small part of the lineup for New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, one of the country’s most diverse music festivals.
The 47th annual Jazz Fest, held on two consecutive weekends, kicks off April 22 and continues until May 1. Celebrating the indigenous music and culture of Louisiana, the festival includes blues, jazz, folk, rap, country and everything in between.
Follow this survival guide to make the most of your time at Jazz Fest.
Walk this way:
There are 12 stages and tents, so you’ll be doing more than your fair share of walking around. Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals might look cute, but fail to offer protection. Lightweight boots or sneakers, like Converse, might be your best bet. Socks are a good idea because they not only absorb sweat, but also cushion the feet.
Five finger discount:
Follow the long-standing rule that if something doesn’t fit in your pocket, you don’t need it. While the festival is mainly positive, sticky fingers are always at work. Don’t tempt them.
Hello sunshine:
Check the weather before heading out. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, and it’s always best to be prepared. Bring a windbreaker or poncho in case of rain.
The unofficial Jazz Fest uniform is a loose fitting top and shorts. But the nicer the weather, the more festival-goers dress up. The most important thing, however, is to stay cool and comfortable.
Acting shady:
It doesn’t matter if they’re aviators, Wayfarers, or Clubmasters. Sunglasses are a must. If you’ve got ‘em, wear ‘em.
Plan it out:
Stick to your schedule, and see who you planned to see. But if someone isn’t doing it for you at one stage, don’t hesitate to move on to another.
Meetup:
The average attendance for Jazz Fest is well over 400,000. Totems and flags serve as landmarks in the search to find your friends in the crowd.
Less waiting is more:
To avoid the dreaded lines, try going for food at a less popular time. Lines seem to be shorter between 2-4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to closing time. Tempting as it may be, stick to small servings. Use moderation everywhere except in hydration and sunscreen.
SPF protection:
Don’t be that person who claims to never burn, but ends up looking like a lobster the next day. Bring along plenty of sunblock, at least SPF 15, and reapply throughout the day.
Smaller surprises:
Big rewards come from small stages. Do yourself a favor and stray from the headliners to explore the lesser-known bands and performers. These off-the-wall acts are what Jazz Fest is all about. They showcase Louisiana’s roots and ever-plentiful diversity.
Take a breather:
With the endless variety of music, food and crafts, Jazz Fest can quickly become overwhelming. Focus on the music, and remember that slow and steady wins the race. Pace yourself. Overdoing it too early will only wear you out. You’re there to enjoy the music — concentrate on that.