The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a.k.a. JazzFest is one of the premiere music festivals in the United States. We in New Orleans are proud to be the home of Jazzfest, celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana which attracts some of the best Louisiana musicians in the genre, and also a number of the super stars of many other kinds of music.
This year, some of the NOLA Jazz artists included are Aaron Neville, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield, Little Freddie King, Kermit Ruffins, James Rivers, Dukes of Dixieland, and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters.
The internationally known acts are amazing this year. Among them are Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Cristina Aguilera, Santana, Phish, John Fogarty and Vampire Weekend. This is music for all ages and inclinations! There are twelve different stages within the fairgrounds.
Music is the main thing, but not the only thing- you will be able to see the famous Mardi Gras Indians, with their fabulous costumes and headdresses, as well as crafts and other items available at three different areas; Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, and Louisiana Marketplace.
And of course, the food. No festival in NOLA would be complete without it. This year there are NINE different places to get sustenance: Food Area I, Food Area II, Congo Square, Cultural Exchange 2013, Heritage Square, Around the Grounds, Folk Area, Grandstand, and even Kids’ Food. You can get everything from barbecue to Cha Gio (Vietnamese Egg Roll) and Sno Balls, and much, much more. Tempting sweet treats compete for your attention with African specialties, Mexican street food and Japanese grill items.
Make sure to get your lodging reservations booked early. This festival draws over 650,000 people from all over the world. 1896 O’Malley House has the distinction of being very close to the festival. The event is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is less than three miles from the inn. You can leave your car here and take the Canal Streetcar line to the festival. Buy your opens in a new windowJazzy Passes in advance for only $3 and ride all day. Return after a day and night of incredible music and food and enjoy our free beer and wine, available 24 hours a day, rest in the courtyard, and sleep in your comfortable bed before partaking of your breakfast, which is included in your room rate. We’d love to be your host for Jazzfest!
opens in a new windowLarry Watts