What You Can and Can't Bring to Jazz Fest
If you're planning a trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, knowing what to pack and what to leave at home can define your experience.
With large crowds, tight security, and Louisiana weather, Jazz Fest has clear rules about what guests are allowed to bring inside the Fair Grounds. Knowing the guidelines ahead of time will help those looking to go through security quickly and focus on enjoying the experience.
What You Can Bring
Jazz Fest allows a number of personal items that help guests stay comfortable throughout the day. Since the festival runs for hours in the New Orleans heat, many of these approved items are geared toward convenience and safety.
One of the most important items you can bring is water. Guests are allowed to bring factory-sealed bottled water for personal consumption. This is useful due to the long days and warm temperatures.
You can also bring small bags, backpacks, and purses, as long as they meet size limits. Other allowed items include blankets or tarps that are 6' x 8' or less. Additionally, as collapsible chairs are permitted, which are useful for longer sets. Attendees can also bring snacks for personal consumption, umbrellas, strollers, and diaper bags. Service animals are also permitted, in addition to wheelchairs and medical scooters.
These items are meant to make your festival day more enjoyable, especially since Jazz Fest is held outdoors and often involves hours of walking, standing, and sitting between performances.
What You Can't Bring
While Jazz Fest is fairly relaxed when it comes to bringing some items, it is strict about larger items. These include wagons, pull-carts, or rolling backs, as well as large chairs with rockers, footrests, or side-tables. Athletic games such as hula hoops, frisbees, and kites are also not allowed. Additionally, drones, glass, inflatable items, personal tents or canopies, pets, and playpens or cribs are not allowed. Promotional items are prohibited, in addition to transport devices including skateboards, scooters, Segways, and hoverboards. Video and recording equipment is also prohibited, in addition to weapons, illicit drugs, and other contraband.
Other prohibited items include large, hard-sided coolers and outside alcohol. Anything that is oversized and potentially unsafe, such as non-collapsible furniture, will likely be turned away at the entrance. In general, if an item could disrupt other guests or pose a safety concern, it is best to leave it at home.
A full list of permitted and prohibited items can be found online.
Bag Policy
Jazz Fest's bag policy is fairly flexible compared to many large festivals, but there are still limits. Bags and backpacks must be no larger than 17" x 12" x 10". Unlike other events, clear bags are not required, giving attendees more flexibility.
Despite this, all bags are subject to search upon entry. To make the process smoother, it is best to pack on the lighter side and keep items organized. Smaller bags not only help you get through security faster but also make it easier to move through crowds.
Smart Packing
Beyond official guidelines, smart packing will make a difference. The weather at Jazz Fest can range from warm to extremely hot, with an occasional rain shower. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended, and light rain attire can be beneficial. It is advised to bring only what you will need. A small bag is ideal with essentials such as water, sun protection, and something to sit on. By following Jazz Fest's guidelines, attendees will spend less time dealing with security and more time enjoying the music, food, and culture.
