NOLA Jazz Fest Week 1 vs Week 2?

[Beyond Description]

I attended in 2017 and went to the 2nd weekend. It was fantastic.

What are your thoughts? Does it really make a big diff? I'd like to treat myself to something fun next year as I'm turning 40.

Thanks!

[jg8142]

I have been going since 1996 and I usually have gone 2nd weekend but, depending on the acts booked, it's usually the more crowded weekend.

[Chez]

Doesn't really matter in 2025 with both weekends being planned as 4 days (Thurs>Sun). In past years, if one weekend were 4 days, it was usually second weekend.

It's very often significantly warmer the second weekend. Amazing how much difference just a few days makes....we always say "second weekend is the start of summer."

I'd just keep an eye on the lineup and late nights and make the decision that way. If you can book fully cancellable lodging now for both weekends so you have options open, that would be advised.

[terrapin710]

https://www.jazzfestforum.com/forum/mai ... 25-edition

Civic Theatre

JUST ANNOUNCED! The 3rd Annual Daniel Donato’s Cosmic NOLA on May 1st with many special guests to be announced. Tickets on sale this Friday at 11AM CT.

[JonDupee]

I JazzFest.

[Beyond Description]

I’m thinking week 2 at this point. It’s fun to close it out.

[JonDupee]

Week 2 has the headliners. Last year it was The Stones and Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

[Chez]

Neil Young was the worst headliner of the 8 days last year. Sound was atrocious.

[rasta13]

I go to the whole thing every year. As others have stated, second weekend typically has slightly bigger names and maybe a bit more going on. But it also typically has larger crowds and higher temperatures. I’ve come to prefer first weekend as it’s just a little more laid back. There is no wrong way to jazzfest (unless you skip the fairgrounds imo).

[rasta13]

Also agree Neil was awful last year. But was fantastic the last time he played (2016?)

[mossismyrice]

Thank God I left New Orleans and saw Neil in Huntsville last May. The sound was MINT.

[JonDupee]

A German Stones fan sold me his Grand Marshall pass on Friday for $100. I was front row for Neil and I thought his set was great, albeit a little short. He played Ohio on the anniversary of Kent State.

[Chez]

….
There is no wrong way to jazzfest (unless you skip the fairgrounds imo).

I know plenty of people who only do ZombieFest (late nights only) and sleep during Fairground hours and have a blast. There’s a ton of great music from 7pm - 9am.

The only way to do it wrong is a way in which you don’t have a good time.

[Beyond Description]

That Neil show must have been an off night because the two CH shows I saw that tour were incredible.

[rasta13]

[quote=rasta13 post_id=4692491 time=<a href="tel:1733462065">1733462065</a> user_id=10185]
….
There is no wrong way to jazzfest (unless you skip the fairgrounds imo).

I know plenty of people who only do ZombieFest (late nights only) and sleep during Fairground hours and have a blast. There’s a ton of great music from 7pm - 9am.

The only way to do it wrong is a way in which you don’t have a good time.
[/quote]

That’s fine, I’m sure they have fun, but they are missing out on the lifeblood of the event imo. I typically see music from around noon to 3/4am every day then rinse and repeat. I’d trade all the late night stuff for fairgrounds if I had to make a choice. My .02.

[Beyond Description]

I’m almost about to book a flight and hotel for weekend number 2. Gonna go big if I do this.

[Beyond Description]

Well, the saga continues. Greyboy Allstars are one of my favorites and they're playing the first week. May have to wait until the full lineup emerges. Honestly I'm thinking of doing both weeks and renting a car in the middle to cruise the bayou. We'll see.

[~me]

Well, the saga continues. Greyboy Allstars are one of my favorites and they're playing the first week. May have to wait until the full lineup emerges. Honestly I'm thinking of doing both weeks and renting a car in the middle to cruise the bayou. We'll see.

There are an insane amount of good shows during the week between JF weekends. Many of them free. If you can swing it, stick around for the full thing. Full line up should be announced around the 15th of Jan.

[Beyond Description]

Thanks so much. I'm thinking this may be the best route.

[Chez]

You could have an awesome time on the days between just hitting free shows at the Louisiana Music Factory (record store on Frenchmen Street).