Wheelchair Access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest
As the official site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (www.nojazzfest.com), as well as the legendary birthplace of jazz, the Big Easy beckons music-lovers from around the world every spring. Jazz Fest celebrates the music and culture of Louisiana, while more than 460,000 visitors converge on New Orleans for a huge jazz party, complete with second line parades, food and lots of live entertainment. And the good news is, this massive jazz party also offers good access for folks with a mobility disability. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Getting There
At the top of the list for wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is getting there. Jazz Fest takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is located 10 minutes from the French Quarter. Accessible parking is available near the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard. There is a $50 per day fee for these limited parking spaces, which are only available to folks with an accessible placard or plates.
If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, then buy a ticket on the Jazz Fest Express, which is operated by Gray Line Tours. The buses run continuously from the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street and the Steamboat Natchez Wharf in the French Quarter. They drop passengers off at the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard, which is the accessible entrance. The roundtrip fare from downtown is $22. Not all of the buses are lift-equipped, so call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628 to make advance arrangements if you need accessible transportation.
Accessible public transportation to Jazz Fest is also available on RTA buses and on the red streetcar line. Alternatively, you may be able to arrange for accessible transportation through RTA Paratransit Service (504-827-7433); however advance reservations are a must and the demand is usually quite high during Jazz Fest. This option is only available if you are unable to ride public transportation due to a disability. A valid paratransit card is also required.
Jazz Fest Access Center
The Jazz Fest Access Center is also an integral part of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. It’s conveniently located in front of the grandstand. That’s where you can pick up an access map of the grounds, which includes the locations of the accessible porta-potties. Additionally, the combinations to the accessible restrooms are available there.
The festival grounds are comprised of a variety of surfaces, including grass fields, a dirt track and paved pathways in the infield. Reinforced surfaces are also installed across the dirt track to increase accessibility. The accessible routes are clearly marked, so be on the lookout for these signs. And don’t hesitate to ask the folks in the Access Center if you need any assistance.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America booth is located next to the Access Center. They can provide loaner wheelchairs to folks who can’t manage distances. There’s no charge for the wheelchairs, but donations are always appreciated.
Accessible Seating
The final component of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is accessible seating, which is available at all the Jazz Fest music venues. General seating for the main stages is located on the lawn area. Concert-goers either bring their own folding chairs, or spread blankets out on the ground. If this won’t work for your disability, then you can request accessible seating close to the stage.
Accessible seating for the main stages are limited to wheelchair-users and one companion. To be admitted to the accessible seating section, you must have a wristband, which can be obtained at the Access Center.
Accessible seating for wheelchair-users and one companion is also available at all the tent stages and in the grandstand stages. And if you need a break from the heat, keep in mind that the grandstand stages also have air conditioning.
It should also be noted that the accessible seating is designated for patrons who use a wheelchair or scooter, and not those with limited mobility who can use the general seating area, have a minor injury or who are pregnant. The accessible seating rules are enforced, so that people who need these accommodations will have access to them. If a person does not meet the eligibility requirements, they will be removed from the accessible seating area.
Bottom line — access rocks at Jazz Fest. And so does the Jazz Fest staff and volunteers. If you have any access related questions, just e-mail access@nojazzfest or call (504) 410-6104 in advance; or call (504) 942-7717 during the event.
