New Orleans’ Jazz Fest is a celebration of all things musical! If you’re heading to Jazz Fest, you should definitely consider the following tips that will make your experience even better.

Tip: Invest in Big Chief tickets 

If you can afford it, definitely opt for the Big Chief VIP tickets. The Big Chief VIP experience is an exclusive pass that will give you access to all sorts of perks, including express entrance to tents and events; exclusive food and drink stands with shorter lines; an exclusive indoor lounge with real bathrooms; and an exclusive shuttle service.

Tip: Choose lesser-known vendors for fast (and delicious) food

The food lines at Jazz Fest can be long, particularly for popular options like Crawfish Monica; if you want to skip the long lines and try something new, opt for  lesser-known vendors like Jamila’s, Bennachin Restaurant, or Prejean’s. 

Tip: Plan ahead when picking music acts to watch

As soon as the music schedule for Jazz Fest comes out, start working on a game plan. Pick out which musicians you definitely want to see and create a mini-schedule so you won’t miss out. Don’t forget to consider wait times when picking out what you want to see, since it will take time to walk around the festival, get food, eat, go to the bathroom and so on. If you come across scheduling conflicts, check out local jazz spots in the area; in some cases, you can catch acts performing late night shows after the traditional fest is over.

Tip: Dress appropriately 

It’s probably going to be hot and sunny during Jazz Fest, so you need to dress appropriately for the event. Wear a hat–a big sunhat is preferably–to protect your head, and pack sunglasses to keep your eyes shaded when the sun is high. If possible, avoid flimsy shoes like flip flops–opt for sturdy walking shoes or, if it has rained recently, good walking boots.