How to Be Safe at the New Orleans Jazz Fest

It’s a sad fact of life that New Orleans is more dangerous post Katrina. However, because of Katrina, the New Orleans Jazz Fest is an even deeper celebration of the city than it was before. But you need to be safe when exploring the city and festival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Some common sense

1. Get a hotel or motel room in a safe area. The French Quarter is generally safe, but still this doesn’t mean you should walk around late at night by yourself.
2. Don’t wear valuables to the festival. This means don’t wear a lot of jewelry and don’t flash around a lot of cash. You’ll want to have cash to buy food, souvenirs, and other items, but be discreet. It is possible to use credit cards at the Jazz Fest.
3. Keep valuables out of the car if you’re parking at the Fairgrounds.
4. To avoid pickpockets, keep your money in your front pocket. Keep purses zipped and closed. Never leave a backpack or other bag unattended.
5. Stay in crowded locations. Always stay with crowds when walking to and from your car—both at your hotel/motel and at the festival itself.
6. If you’re traveling with a group, have a plan if you get separated—a common meeting place. You might want to get an extra cell phone so you can call each other.

Tips & Warnings

• The New Orleans Jazz Fest is not swarming with criminals, but it’s important to keep an eye out.
• Small towns about an hour outside the Fairgrounds are safer than staying in the big city.
• All of the above are warnings.