How to Go to the New Orleans Jazz Fest with Disabilities

The New Orleans Jazz Fest is one of the most accommodating music festivals for people with disabilities. If you are in a wheelchair, hard of hearing, blind, or have another condition, the Jazz Fest goes out of its way to help you out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Handicapped parking permit
• A companion

1. 

   Park in the handicapped parking area located at the Gentilly Blvd. entrance. It’s the closest lot to the entrance. You need to have standard handicapped plates or identification. Handicapped parking is first come, first serve, like all parking, so get to the gates early.

2. 

   If you’re not driving, there is wheelchair-accessible shuttle service on the Jazz Fest Express. Call 800-535-7786 for info.

3. 

   There are also wheelchair parking spaces at all tents around the stages, in addition to spaces for wheelchairs in the audience. There are paved pathways throughout the Fair Grounds.

4. 

   There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms. These need a special key which you can get at the Access Center, located at the Grandstand. In addition, all food counters and phones are wheelchair height.

5. 

   For people who are heard of hearing, there is a sign language service available as well as listening devices. Call ahead of time to set this up--[phone].

6. 

   For the vision-impaired, there are programs available in Braille and large print.

Tips & Warnings

• For all of the above issues call [phone] or email [e-mail].
• The Jazz Fest doesn’t provide push services for wheelchairs so come with a friend, spouse, or attendant. At wheelchair-designated spaces in the audience, there is also space for a companion.
• It’s possible to find wheelchairs at the Paralyzed Veterans of America Booth at the Grandstand.