When discussing New Orleans Jazzfest, many people say to us "I do not like Jazz".

Enough people have recently said that, that we thought a quick description of what Jazzfest really is would be helpful.

The event is one of the top music festivals in the world.  During the days, it is all about the Fairgrounds, which has 12 stages of music continuously going with performers from 11AM to 7PM each day.  The stages have a huge range, from blues to Congo, from jam bands to gospel, from jazz to classic rock.  Personally, one of my favorites is always the Gospel tent.  It is like nothing you see north of the Mason Dixon line.  Besides the music, the Cajun food being served is 100% authentic.  I know some people that come down just for the cookin. This year, you will even see Dave Matthews on Saturday.

For those that do not want to see music each day, you are in New Orleans.  You can sight see, take a swamp tour, chill by the pool, shop, etc…. After all, you are in New Orleans.  And let’s not leave out the weather.  With an average high of 85 degrees, you are almost guaranteed sunshine.  Shorts all day and night!

At night, there is always Bourbon St.  And for those that want more music, the local clubs, bars, and theatres all have night shows starting at 10PM.  And many have late night shows that start at 2AM.  Venues can range from the standard House of Blues or a theatre like Philadelphia’s Tower Theatre to a large bowling alley.  They are unique to New Orleans, with plenty of personality.

In terms of crowds, this is the second busiest weekend in New Orleans, so finding people who want to party is not a problem.  The first being Mardi Gras.  Where Mardi Gras is all about getting drunk on Bourbon Street, Jazzfest, with all the music venues, spreads out the crowds nicely.  So, although the party is always on Bourbon, the party stretches throughout the city.  Also, the crowd is typically a bit older at Jazzfest, which means you do not have tons of idiots there ruining your good time.