Unlike other festivals that are all about the attire, Jazz Fest is about the music, so it’s much easier to figure out what to wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest.
One thing I absolutely love about New Orleans is that you can dress up, dress down, or get as funky as you want and no one will bat an eye. In NOLA here’s a great mix of southern genteel with the vibrant arts and music scene. So when it comes to fashion anything goes.
When it comes to New Orleans Jazz Fest attire, it’s not important to focus on how instagrammable your outfit is. While you can choose to look as cute as you want, functional and comfort will reign supreme.
The only “festival” attire you’ll see are an assortment of brightly colored BayouWear Jazz Fest shirts and dresses from over the years. Otherwise the Jazz Fest attire is made up of everyday wear and official festival merch.
What to Wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest
The main focus of what to wear is for comfort and heat. You will be walking, standing or sitting for anywhere from a few hours to 8-9 hours. The climate and weather in Louisiana can be unpredictable, you might have a beautiful 80 degree day one day and full rainstorms the next. Or it could be 90+ degrees and extremely humid. You never know exactly what type of jazz fest weather you’ll get.
What to bring to jazz fest:
- Bring light layers that you can easily add or remove
- Comfortable shoes
- Have a hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun
- keep a travel poncho on hand if the forecast calls for rain
- Have a small bag or backpack to carry sealed water, snacks, sunscreen, blankets, tarps, ponchos etc.
What not to wear to Jazz Fest
Unless there is a real turn of events with the weather, leave the bulky clothes at home. No sweatshirts or jackets are needed, you’ll be too hot. Also, ditch the pants and jeans, you’ll be more comfortable in shorts, skirts or dresses.
What to wear to Jazz Fest: Sets
If you don’t have any fun BayouWear Jazz Fest shirts, but want to get in the spirit order a fun colored matching set.
Comfort is key, you’ll be moving around a lot and it will get hot. I love tanks and biker shorts if i’m not wearing a full set, or to mix and match.
Here is one of my New Orleans Jazz Fest outfits:
Shop the look
Shoes to wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest
No matter what you do, bring shoes you can comfortably be in for a FULL day. Between entering and exiting the venue, walking between stages, going for food, etc. you will be on your feet and moving A LOT.
We stayed a 30 minute walk from the venue, and I averaged 7 miles of walking for each day at the festival.
The two options I suggest are either sneakers or supportive sandals. Each has pros and cons. Sneakers are generally very comfortable, but can keep you hot. While sandals will keep you cooler on hot days, but may not provide as much support. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring shoes that you have broken in and not wearing anything new.
One other thing to keep in mind, if it’s raining or has rained prior to the show you will experience mud. The event is held at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course. The outer track is a horse race track, which is just a packed down dirt track. Most of the festival occurs on the inner lawn, but with any high rain volume it can and will become muddy. Check the forecast and prepare in advance.
My personal favorite sneakers right now are my Vessi waterproof sneakers. They’re lightweight, legitimately waterproof, and easy to rinse off if things get muddy. I have a few styles linked below.
Sneakers to wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest
Sandals to wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest
Rain boots to wear to New Orleans Jazz Fest
Must have at New Orleans Jazz Fest: Hats or Visors
One thing you should always have to wear at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a hat or visor. If you plan to be at the festival all day, that is 9 hours out in the sun, plus the extra time to get in and out of the fair grounds. Avoid the sun damage and wrinkles, and bring a hat along.
There will also be merch tents at the festival where you can get New Orleans Jazz Fest t-shirts and hats. Like any festival, they have come with festival pricing. A Jazz Fest hat in 2024 costs $40, but I love my new hat, so it is worth it.
FAQs
What to bring to jazz fest?
- Small bags or backpacks (17” x 12” x 10” or smaller)
- Sunscreen – it gets HOT, don’t get burned while enjoying the show
- Sealed water bottles – NO LIMIT! Pack your bag/backpack full of water. There are limited refill stations inside the fairgrounds
- Coozie – you can never go wrong with a coozie
- Blankets and tarps – for setting up on the lawn
- Portable chairs, must be collapsible
- Snacks – there are a ton of food vendors inside, but if you’re saving money, bring your own snacks
- Umbrellas and parasols – personal sizes only
- Flags – this is a big part of Jazz Fest for large groups. You establish your location and flag, then the group can find you later in the day
What not to bring to jazz fest?
- Cash – the festival is cashless or tap and go. Yes, even the beer wagons.
- Wagons and carts
- Any chair larger than a collapsible camping chair
- Tents or large beach umbrellas
Find information on what you can and can’t bring to jazz fest here.
Additional posts on New Orleans
- Why New Orleans Jazz Festival is a Must Visit Festival
- Where to find the Best New Orleans Jazz Brunch
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