Festing in New Orleans could be an Olympic event. You could even break it into categories: who excels at transportation, who wins at food and beverage, and who navigates crowds with ease. But if you want to score the overall gold, here’s what you need to know about going to festivals in New Orleans, straight from locals who know best.

Be Prepared for Festing in New Orleans

Bring sunscreen and plenty of it, a hat, sunglasses, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and toilet paper (yes, toilet paper). An insulated tumbler keeps beverages hot or cold, and a few plastic baggies or food storage containers make it easy to carry food around the fest (and bring home some leftovers).

As one local put it, “It’s either going to be hot, or it’s going to rain.” Wear shoes you don’t mind ruining in case it gets muddy.

Rain boots come in handy if it ends up being wet and mucky, but they also get heavy and hot when it isn’t raining. Think about what makes you the most comfortable, and if you end up wearing socks, bring an extra pair. 

Think about how you plan to spend the fest and who you’re going with. Will you be with a group of people, likely hunkered down in one spot for most of the day? Or do you plan to go solo or with a partner and move around?

A camp chair works if you plan to claim a spot. But if you’re circulating around the festival all day, consider bringing a picnic blanket or even a towel instead of toting around a chair.

Other essentials include travel packs of ibuprofen or similar meds, in their original packaging, a portable phone charger, a fan, and some cash. Many festivals, like Jazz Fest and Beignet Fest, are cashless, but it’s still nice to have some cash on hand for tips or just in case.

What You Need for a New Orleans Festival Checklist

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Small umbrella
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toilet Paper
• Insulated plastic tumbler
• Food storage containers or zip bags
• Proper footwear (flip-flops, rain boots, etc., your preference, but don’t be surprised if they get ruined)
• Extra socks
• Camp chair, blanket, or towel
• Travel packs of medication
• Portable phone charger
• Some cash
• Portable fan

Plan Transportation and Logistics

Decide how you plan to get to the fest. Will you bike? Drive? You could rent a blue bike or use your own, or if you drive, remember you likely have to pay for parking. Other options are using a rideshare service or hopping on public transportation.

If you’re going with a group, claim a spot as soon as you arrive so everyone knows where to meet up throughout the day and when it’s time to leave. Before you start enjoying the fest, get a quick lay of the land. Take note of bathroom locations, first-aid tents, etc.

Larger festivals typically have security checks, so make sure you’re aware of the specific rules and be prepared for bag checks.

Stay Healthy and Hydrated When Festing in New Orleans

New Orleans festivals are all about having a good time and enjoying a lot of food, music, and fun. But too much of a good thing could make you feel awful. Don’t overdo it.

Avoid overdrinking (and overeating). Space things out, drink plenty of water and hydration liquids (alcohol doesn’t count). Reapply sunscreen every two hours and take breaks when you need them.

When you make either The Eleanor or The Theodore your home away from home, you can come back after the festival to relax with family and friends and share your memories. Above all else, stay safe and be kind, because everyone is there to have a good time.