Live music, colorful daiquiris, Crawfish Monica — the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a celebration in New Orleans like no other. Music fans from around the world flock South for the spring to see the biggest musical acts and their favorite New Orleans artists come together at the Fair Grounds. But one type of attendee stands out from the rest. In New Orleans, we simply call them: Jazz Fest Dads.
Often seen in brightly colored button-up shirts, Jazz Fest Dads don’t even have to be dads themselves. They’re just laid-back revelers that have become a Jazz Fest tradition of their own.
In the spirit of festival season, we put together a list of tips and tricks for how you can be a Jazz Fest Dad this year.
Dress to impress.
Put on your best and brightest short-sleeved button-up shirt. Patterns aren’t just encouraged — they’re a necessity. We’ve got just the shirt for youto show off your passion for cocktails while dancing away the weekend.
Socks go with sandals.
Ignore your instincts and throw on a pair of socks with your favorite sandals. If it’s raining, you might need a pair of shoes to navigate the Fair Grounds. Either way, complete your Jazz Fest Dad look with some Sazerac socks.
Shade is your friend.
Rain or shine, an umbrella is a must for Jazz Fest. Block the sun while lounging in a beach chair or use it as an accessory for your best dance moves. Whatever you do, don’t leave it at home.
Prepare for anything.
Bring a couple of bandanas for whatever Jazz Fest throws at you. Get it damp and tie it around your neck to keep cool. Use it as a napkin for those messy cochon de lait po-boys. Or just wave it around to the beat of the music. If you need a new one, .
Stay hydrated.
Between the hot sun to the cold daiquiris, it’s best to always have a bottle of water nearby. Get our 23oz. water bottle to fill up once you’re inside the gates.
Bring cash.
Some vendors inside Jazz Fest require cash-only payments. Come prepared with a money clip for easy access to your cash when you need your next drink the most.
Have fun.
Above all else, have a good time. Enjoy the music, drinks, food and fun that you can only find during festival season in New Orleans.
Events
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, CYPB, Full Proof Single Barrel, and 12 Year—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon.
The Art of Proof: Sazerac Rye Edition
Explore the depth and character of Sazerac Rye in this guided whiskey class designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Led by a knowledgeable expert, guests will learn about the history, production, and flavor profile that define this iconic rye. The experience includes a comparative tasting of each expression—90 proof, 100 proof, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof—allowing guests to discover how proof influences aroma, body, and finish. This side-by-side journey highlights the versatility and craftsmanship behind one of the most recognized names in American rye whiskey.
