How to Fest in New Orleans Like a Local (Festival Survival Guide)

The One and Only Jimmy Buffet at Jazz Fest

Essentials You’ll Actually Use

• Small crossbody or backpack (hands-free is everything)
• Some cash (not much - most, if not all, booths are cash-free)
• Refillable water bottle
• Portable fan (this is not optional in New Orleans)
• Chair or festival blanket

Nice-to-Have Items

• Sunscreen (and reapply—seriously)
• Sunglasses you don’t care about losing
• Hand sanitizer (festival reality)
• Portable phone charger
• Toilet paper in case you gotta go and there is none

What Not to Bring

• Expensive anything (you will regret it)
• Large bags (you’ll be annoyed all day)
• Anything you don’t want to carry for hours

Cotton Clothing for Me

Best Fabrics for the Heat

• Cotton
• Linen
• Anything breathable (avoid polyester at all costs)

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

• Sneakers or supportive sandals only (like Birkenstocks)
• No flip flops (you already know why 😆 - 🎶 I blew out my flip flop 🎶)
• Expect to walk…a lot

Accessories That Actually Help

• Hat for sun protection
• Crossbody bag again (yes, repeating for a reason)
• Minimal jewelry

If It's Rainy or Just Rained...

• Bring a poncho or rain jacket
• Wear rain boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy
• Know you will be soggy and try to have good humor
• Consider not going (this is me)

For a full seasonal guide on what to wear in New Orleans, I have you covered.

Stuffing My Face and Likely Not Pacing Myself

How to Choose the Right Food

• Follow the long lines (I wish it weren't the case)
• Don’t stop at the first booth you see - make a round to scope out what looks good to you
• Look for dishes unique to that specific festival
• Do some research beforehand

How to Maximize How Much You Eat

• Share food so you can try more (my favorite)
• Pace yourself
• Make sure all the dishes you get are ones you absolutely want

What Makes New Orleans Festival Food Different

• It’s actually good (not just “festival food”)
• Top food places in the city participate in this
• You’ll find things you won’t see anywhere else (think crawfish dishes!!)

French Quarter Fest

Timing Matters

• Earlier = more enjoyable (I like to get in, enjoy, and get out)
• Peak hours = chaos (plan accordingly)

Where to Stand (or More Importantly, Sit)

• Edges = more space, easier movement for more food, drinks, or bathroom
• Middle = packed and harder to move around

Moving Through the Crowd

• Go with the flow, not against it
• Bring your patience (something I am still learning)

Bathroom Strategy (My Most Important Festival Requirement)

• Go before you really need to
• Know where they are early
• Mentally prepare (and have your spare TP ready to go if needed)

Stay Hydrated!

Smart Drinking Strategy

• Alternate alcohol with water
• Eat before and during drinking
• Pace yourself (heat and humidity hit differently here)

What People Get Wrong (Visitors and Amateur Locals Alike)

• Drinking too fast too early
• Not hydrating
• Mixing everything in sight (stick to one thing)

Relaxing with Fest Food 

Personal Safety 101

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep your bag zipped and close
• Don’t flash valuables

Getting Around Safely

• Know how you're getting to and from the festival ahead of time (and preferably without parking a car)
• Avoid wandering too far off the main areas
• Stick with people when possible (if you're solo, you know not to venture into the abyss)

Enjoying a Day at the FQF

The Big Ones

• Wearing the wrong shoes (this also goes for New Orleans walking in general)
• Not hydrating
• Overpacking for the day
• Trying to do too much (know when to call it)
• Not considering the New Orleans culture and how we do things

The Smaller Ones

• Not taking breaks
• Eating foods too fast and drinking too much booze too fast
• Not scoping out where you want to eat, hang out, and what you want to listen to if it's a music fest
• Getting there too late

A Random Day in the French Quarter

How to Have a Better Experience

• Sit down when you need to
• Don’t try to cram the day with too much
• Be a wanderer (but also be careful about your surroundings)

The Secret to a Successful Fest

• Talk to your festing neighbors
• Slow down and relax
• Let the day do its thing - no forcing fun

Mardi Gras

• French Quarter Festival
• Jazz Fest
• Mardi Gras (its own beast) - if you're visiting check out my guide to how to experience Mardi Gras like a local
• Creole Tomato Festival
• Po-Boy Festival
• Greek Fest
• Beignet Fest
• Fried Chicken Fest
• Essence Fest
• Satchmo Summer Fest
• Oktoberfest

To fest in New Orleans is no amateur’s game. It takes preparation and thoughtfulness as to what you are doing and where you are heading. These are just a few of my items that I have found help me enjoy a New Orleans festival. This guide will help you maximize your time here while you're at one of our many festivals. You're ready to go, and now it's time to get festive.

If you thought this was helpful, you may also find my guide on what to wear in New Orleans especially helpful.

To book your trip, check out my list of favorite hotels where you can walk everywhere.

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