Surviving the NOLA Jazz Festival: Tips from a Local

The New Orleans Jazz&Heritage Festival is just around the corner, and if you're looking for advice from locals on how to make the most of your experience, you've come to the right place. From taxes and gratuities to where to stay and what to bring, here are some tips on how to survive the NOLA Jazz Festival. First and foremost, remember to consider taxes and gratuities when budgeting for your trip. The streets of New Orleans are always crazy, so if you can swing it, ride your bike. It's much easier and more practical to find a place for your bike than to find a place to park your car.

If you're staying at a hotel, take a taxi. When it comes to food and drink, make the most of your experience. You are allowed to bring a soft-sided cooler (size of 12 cans or smaller) into the festival grounds, so don't forget it. Having a cooler also allows you to keep your place in the audience when you're thirsty, instead of having to wait in line and lose your spot for the show. While there will be ATMs throughout the festival venue, remember to bring your own money to avoid ATM and vendor fees for card transactions. Folding chairs, blankets and floor tarpaulins are ideal for sitting and enjoying concerts throughout the fairgrounds.

Other than factory-sealed water bottles, no outside food or drinks are allowed upon entry. Drink plenty of water while you're at JazzFest - not only will you quickly become dehydrated in the heat of the sun, but you will also be tasting lots of food at the festival. When it comes to where to stay for the NOLA Jazz Festival, don't stay alone on the main stage. Buy tickets the same day and invite your neighbors if you're going to boil a crayfish or just sip a beer on your porch while watching the crowd go by. And last but not least, don't forget that the most important thing is that you enjoy the Festival.

All the cool guys do it - so make sure you have fun!.