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
Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.
Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.
Sip & Shop
Holiday Sip & Shop Thursday, December 14th, 2023 5:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a Holiday Sip & Shop to prepare for the gift-giving season in style! This event promises to bring the spirit to light with beautifully packaged spirited gift sets, cocktail accoutrements, clothing, barware and even fun gifts for our four-legged friends! DJ87 will keep the season bright with holiday favorites spinning all night. Enjoy a complimentary spiked Apple Cider while you shop. If that didn’t get you feeling merry and bright, Santa will be on site from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for a holiday photo keepsake from LazyEye Photography! Opt-in to a mini cocktail class offered every half hour where you can experience a classic holiday cocktail and leave with the recipe to recreate at your own celebration! Just $12.25! (See what we did there??) When you register to join us for this complimentary event, you will have the opportunity to pre-purchase homerun gifts!
