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
Immersive Legacy Tour
Step into the story of New Orleans’ most iconic cocktail with an immersive journey through the origins of the Sazerac. This guided experience invites guests to explore the evolution of flavor, culture, and craftsmanship that gave rise to a true classic. As you move through the museum floor, you’ll taste your way through history—beginning with the rich, aromatic notes of coffee liqueur. From there, discover the bright and bittersweet balance of bitters and soda, a nod to the early apothecary roots of cocktail culture. The journey continues with a guided choice: guests will select either Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac, honoring the original French spirit that defined the earliest Sazerac recipes, or Sazerac Rye, showcasing the bold, spicy character that came to shape the modern version of the drink. Your experience culminates in a perfectly crafted sample of the Sazerac cocktail itself, bringing together each element you’ve explored along the way. By the final sip, you won’t just taste the cocktail—you’ll understand the story behind it. This tour is perfect for curious drinkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience New Orleans cocktail culture in a deeper, more interactive way
“Taylor” your Taste
Experience a guided tasting featuring three distinctive bourbons: E.H. Taylor Small Batch, the new E.H. Taylor Four Grai and Cured Oak. Explore each whiskey's unique character, from classic rich bourbon notes to the layered complexity and bold oak influence that make this lineup a memorable tasting journey.
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, and Single Barrel—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.
Meet the Distiller: Small Group Tour & Tasting
Step behind the scenes with the artisans who bring Sazerac’s legendary spirits to life. “Meet the Distiller” is an exclusive, hour-long experience that begins with a private VIP tour through the Sazerac House distillery and historic Apothecary. Guests will enjoy insider access, behind-the-barrel stories, and a rare glimpse into the craft and science of our production process. Following the tour, you’ll join our distiller in their private tasting room for a curated guided tasting of four Sazerac expressions — hand-selected and presented by the distiller. This intimate setting allows guests to explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define our spirits.
