“If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” 
― Louis Armstrong

 

 

Novel Blondes Prep for 2018 New Orleans Jazz Fest

 

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2018 is a bucket list item that wasn’t even a bucket list item! This trip is a spur of the moment decision; a look at the musical line up, and a sure, why not?  It happens to coincide with someone special’s birthday, and the fact that his favorite Zydeco singer, CJ Chenier, is performing helped shape the plan. I’m sure there are bound to be some new favorites after two solid days of the best music New Orleans Jazz Fest and the world have to offer.

Part of the prep for any trip is doing the research to know what to expect and what to pack. No exceptions here for our first New Orleans Jazz Fest experience, so I started digging around. Novel Blonde Jenn has been to the Fest many times, so she had a few tips to share. My favorite Jazz Fest tip came from my new friend Rachel, who I met through a eBay transaction. See below for her contribution!

 

Top Ten Tips for New Orleans Jazz Fest 

 

What to Wear:

1. SUNSCREEN! I can’t emphasize this one enough. Just imagine how ruined your second day will be if you get fried to a crisp on the first day! Make sure to choose your shade of choice, be it baseball cap, floppy hat, or funky stylish chapeau.
2. Comfy shoes are a must. Plan your footwear based on comfort and weather forecast. Flip flops, converse and even rain boots may work best, just be prepared.
3. Dress appropriately! No, not like your mother expects you too, like you got some sense in yo’ head! If you’re wearing that little strappy number, that’s fine, just slap the sunscreen on! Comfort is key, so wear what’s gonna feel good in rain or shine, and will keep you looking and feeling fresh for about 12 solid hours of partying with 65,000 very close friends.
4. Don’t bother with expensive jewelry or fancy hairdos, not worth the trouble. So rock a hair scrunchie and hat and you’ll be gorgeous. Enough said.

 

What to do:

1. Stay hydrated. “Nobody said it has to ONLY be water but make sure you’re getting enough,” so pronounced my new friend Rachel. (Sealed bottled water is allowed)
2. Hit the ATM before entering the gates. The ATMs inside charge ridiculous fees and they always, always run out of cash about halfway through the second weekend. (Again, my thanks to Rachel)
3. Use the Jazz Fest app to set up a flexible plan of acts to see. This app will also provide a map, news and info and food vendor locations and menus. I’m already hungry just scrolling through that list.
4. Agree on a meeting place if your group plans to split up. Be sure to make a mental note of where you parked your gear and your group if you wander off. You can always head back to your home base. 

 

What to bring:

1. Carry in collapsible camp style chairs, but a towel or blanket works too. Due to crowding, you can set up your space with a blanket no larger than 6 ft by 8 ft.  Use it for home base while you or your group check out the sites and stages. Full list of what’s allowed HERE
2. You’re limited to carrying a small backpack, so pack it WISELY. I’ve read suggestions for wipes and/or hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and other essentials. Pack in a large Ziploc to keep paper products and such dry. 

 

 

 

BONUS TIPS FOR NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FEST

 

1. Also, if and when it rains, please do not swim in the water. No matter how much fun it looks. That’s how people get worms. Wise words from my eBay friend, Rachel. Check out these photos from the 2016 Jazz Fest to see exactly what she’s talking about.
2. Finally, do your souvenir shopping online before you go! I snagged a sweet deal (from Rachel, the aforementioned eBay friend) so that my guy will show up already decked out in the traditional Hawaiian style button up shirt.

In addition to snagging the shirt deal, I got all that great advice from Rachel, some of that Louisiana lagniappe I love. She’s working the festival at Patton’s caterers, known for their Crawfish sack. You better believe I’ll be dropping by for a visit, to put a face with the name. So let the good times roll, or as they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”

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