A Guide to Parking at Jazz Fest
With Jazz Fest coming up fast, the crowds, the chaos, and the fun are officially commencing. At the same time, you may wonder what outfit you should wear, what performers to see, or what shoes will be the most comfortable. But amidst all the excitement, don't forget the age-old question: where am I going to park?
At Jazz Fest, there's intense competition for street parking. So to ensure you secure a spot and do it legally, here's a guide to where to park for Jazz Fest. You don't want to head back to your car and find it's been towed after a long day of culture, dancing, and good music. Note that parking in the surrounding neighborhood near the Fair Grounds is restricted during Jazz Fest, so steer clear of parking on those residential streets to avoid a ticket.
Shuttle Service
The Jazz Fest Express shuttle service provides continuous round-trip air-conditioned transportation from multiple city departure points to the Fair Grounds during both festival weekends: April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2025. With festival gates open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., shuttles operate from 10:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. (or until all patrons have departed).
You can access the shuttle from these convenient locations: Steamboat Natchez Dock (French Quarter), Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (Canal Street), South Market District (Poydras Street at Loyola Avenue), and the Wisner Lot at City Park (free parking available). Advance admission and shuttle tickets are only available through Jazz Fest.
VIP & Paid Parking
For those seeking convenience, on-site parking is exclusively available through pre-purchase with Big Chief, Grand Marshal, and Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP packages. Accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities are available first-come, first-served at $50 per day at the Horseman's Gate on Gentilly Boulevard.
Several nearby venues offer paid parking options that support local organizations:
- Our Lady of the Rosary (3368 Esplanade Ave.); just a third of a mile from the Sauvage entrance
- Cabrini High School (1400 Moss St.); offers both reserved and drive-up spots
- Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St.); about two-thirds of a mile from the Sauvage entrance
- Langston Hughes Academy (3519 Trafalgar St.); convenient to the Trafalgar entrance
For those considering metered parking, Sunday parking is free. Other days, rates are $3 per hour in the French Quarter, Marigny, CBD, and Warehouse District, while other areas charge $2 per hour.
With these options in mind, you can plan your parking strategy for Jazz Fest 2025 with confidence. Rather than stressing about where to leave your car, you can focus on enjoying the music, food, and festivities that make Jazz Fest special!
