View Full Version : UPDATED JAZZ FEST PARKING INFORMATION
festydave
04-16-2008, 01:30 PM
Due to major construction at the Fair Grounds, parking at the Festival site is extremely limited this year. Many members of the Festival and Fair Grounds staff have been moved to off-site parking facilities and will ride staff shuttles to the Festival.
The ONLY public parking will be a limited number of spaces for people with disabilities and a limited number of spaces
available for pre-purchase with a Big Chief or Grand Marshal VIP ticket package. With the exception of the limited parking available to people with disabilities, NO parking will be available for purchase at the gate.
Accessible parking for people with disabilities will be available by entering on Gentilly Boulevard. This is the closest possible parking to the front entrance. The cost is $50 per day; space is limited and is available on the first-come, first served basis. In order to utilize this lot, you
will need to have a handicapped license plate or placard or other state-issued identification. Contact your local Office of Motor Vehicles to learn how to obtain this identification.
If arriving or leaving by taxi or the RTA Paratransit service
(504-827-7433), use the Gentilly Blvd. Pedestrian entrance.
Roundtrip bus service, including wheelchair-accessible bus service, is available on the Jazz Fest Express, which costs $16 round-trip (parking rates apply), and operates between the Fair Grounds and the Sheraton on Canal, Fair Grounds and the Steamboat Natchez Dock (Toulouse St. & the River) or the Fair Grounds and City Park near Marconi Meadows for $14
(Follow the signs. Free parking with round-trip shuttle ticket). Other pickup points may be available, please call for more information. Please call the Jazz Fest Express in advance to make arrangements for the wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus: 504-569-1401 or 800-535-7786.
Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is not recommended - most of the area is posted as Residential Parking only and requires a permit. The following information is distributed throughout the neighborhood:
You may notice some additional street signs or changed traffic patterns in the neighborhood. Any changes to the typical traffic pattern have been made to ensure the safest ingress and egress during the event for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. The needs of the neighbors have also been
considered in making these temporary changes. All traffic patterns and parking restrictions will revert back to normal after the event.
There may be parking restrictions that are not typically enforced in your area, however, during Jazz Fest, all parking laws will be strictly enforced!
Remember to follow these parking laws to avoid being ticketed:
Do Not Park against the flow of traffic
Do Not Park within 3' feet of a driveway (or across a driveway, even if it is your own!)
Do Not Park within 20' feet of an intersection, crosswalk, or traffic signal like a stop sign
Do Not Park within 15' feet of a fire hydrant
Do Not Park block a sidewalk (even if it is in your driveway)
Do Not Park more than two (2) hours in a Residential Parking Permit Zone
All other parking rules and laws are in effect.
Residents who live in areas that the police restrict, are issued a "Neighborhood Pass". This pass will identify residents of this neighborhood and allow them access. It is not a parking pass and you must still obey all traffic signs and parking laws.
For towing information, contact the Parking Violations Bureau at 504-658-8100. (Helpful Hint: Know your license plate number!!!!!)
*Please help spread the word!*
Thanks for the official word, Dave.
FestNut
04-16-2008, 02:09 PM
Thanks for the official word, Dave.
Shouldn't we make this a Sticky?
Take a picture on your camera phone of your license plate.... Then, don't lose your phone!
Bon Fete!
rosetree
04-16-2008, 02:11 PM
Shouldn't we make this a Sticky?
Take a picture on your camera phone of your license plate.... Then, don't lose your phone!
Bon Fete!
Well, that would disqualify Tangie and sissy! :eek: ;)
Good to know! On to plan B............
festivalgirl
04-16-2008, 03:54 PM
I know it's from NORTA, but any official word on bus prices this year?
Just posted.
All RTA service to Fest will be $5 each way.
sophisticated sissy
04-16-2008, 11:05 PM
Well, that would disqualify Tangie and sissy! :eek: ;)
I got a new phone today & signed up for loss protection, but at least I won't have to worry about driving/parking while I'm in town. I should be okay. :)
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
04-16-2008, 11:19 PM
Is it legal to charge handicap people $50 to park?
SHAME SHAME!..................................
Accessible parking for people with disabilities will be available by entering on Gentilly Boulevard. This is the closest possible parking to the front entrance. The cost is $50 per day; space is limited and is available on the first-come, first served basis.
BigDag
04-17-2008, 07:44 AM
I agree. That's just wrong.
hewboy22
04-17-2008, 09:55 AM
so the only place to grab a taxi will be at Gentilly entrance? or am i missing something? thanks!
so the only place to grab a taxi will be at Gentilly entrance? or am i missing something? thanks!
I think (hope) that that's for those with disabilities. I can't see any reason why they would not have the Mystery/Esplanade cab stand as usual.
hewboy22
04-17-2008, 10:54 AM
ok, after reading it again i'd say that seems to be the case. thanks, swag. :)
Phatpapa
04-17-2008, 09:48 PM
Does anyone think that the friendly locals will still be selling their yard spots?
windowman
04-17-2008, 10:27 PM
Does anyone think that the friendly locals will still be selling their yard spots?
Yes, indeed they will. You should be able to find a spot within walking distance, although with the stable area not available for parking this year it will be much tougher on those who come late in the day, IMHO.
There is going to be an entrance on Trafalgar Street, isn't there?
Festy?
MarignySlim72
04-17-2008, 10:46 PM
I ain't tellin my parking spot case I decide to drive over but there is an abundance just a few blocks away from the Fairgrounds. All free.....If you know where to look.
Phatpapa
04-17-2008, 11:23 PM
I ain't tellin my parking spot case I decide to drive over but there is an abundance just a few blocks away from the Fairgrounds. All free.....If you know where to look.
Oh, now I see ya you are...
MarignySlim72
04-17-2008, 11:34 PM
City Park dude...Parking galore.
Frosty
04-18-2008, 10:14 AM
City Park dude...Parking galore.
So much for that!
Now, I'm going to have to find somehwere else.
bigghead
04-21-2008, 01:35 PM
Wow! Thanks for the info Dave!
By the way....how do I become a senior member. I have been on these threads for a decade.
Ms. Festngator
04-21-2008, 01:41 PM
Hey Bigghead, great to see you posting. Keep doing so and you will achieve Senior status! :) Look forward to seeing you at the Fest as always.
Festy Dave- how about an answer on the Brass Pass entrance issue? All entrances, shuttle entrance,etc.
Again, many thanks to you Festy Dave for all you do. :D
Festngator
04-21-2008, 03:03 PM
Jazzfest called me back and said that passes CAN be used with the shuttle entrance but not Gentilly -- My freind at the Sheraton is also working on confirming with Greyline.
Orleansnj
04-21-2008, 03:06 PM
NICE !!!
RitaZero
04-29-2008, 11:17 AM
I parked on the Gentilly side (N. Dupree to be exact) for free on Friday and $15.00 on Sat./Sun., Without getting a ticket. There were no signs posted about permit parking, it looks like same as usual to me.....
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
04-29-2008, 02:12 PM
$50 handicap parking...........
SHAME SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
btw: Not handicap, just think its not fricking fair!
jules
04-30-2008, 01:04 AM
This is my first time to Jazzfest and from the rules in the general parking info it mentions that parking in the neighborhood is not a good idea. Do the neighborhood streets have meters? Do you need a permit to park on the streets?
I'm planning on going this coming Sunday. Do the rules change for weekend?
deddancer
01-20-2011, 04:42 PM
Year before last they added more "big kahuna" parking and reduced the handicapped parking .. if you got there after 12 they turned the handicapped away even though there was a ton of "big kahuna" parking open. And handicapped parking has been at least $25 for a while .. the $50 is more than my budget will handle though I do understand I can use a bus, but for $14 or $16 ... not the $5 Swag is mentioning. But using the bus means I have to skip going when the weather might turn bad .. my chair is electric and while I could run it back to my car fairly fast in the handicapped parking area if the weather started to turn I'm not sure I want to risk it waiting on a bus.
freebo
01-20-2011, 04:57 PM
I hear ya deddancer,
The wife and I used to park in handicap as well, until the Festival jacked up the price.
WTF?
A benefit too was that you could go to your car and return to the grounds... Not no mo'.
We now use a Mom n Pop operation (literally) in the neighborhood, costs us $20, but no-can-do on the in/out...
What are ya gone do? I know what I WON'T be doing: Stop attending. If Fest gives ya lemons, make spiked lemonade.
W00t!
deddancer
01-20-2011, 05:31 PM
Just called the number listed for Jazz Fest Express .. was told by them that they will have no information on the bus service (at least for handicap service) until Feb.
Having been caught in bout of bad weather at the Fest many times over the past 45 years, was wanting to check how to handle this if I used the handicapped bus/shuttle .. ie, how often it ran so if the weather turned I would know I could get my chair back to my car and protected. If the handicap shuttle actually would bring you to where your car was parked or if it stopped at one spot and you have to get to your car from the drop-off point.
Hey $10-20K for a power chair .. don't want to have to replace because it started raining at the Fest and I'm stuck in the rain and ruin the controls.
rosetree
01-20-2011, 05:34 PM
I'm very surprised at the lack of handicap parking. In the Contemporary Crafts section, we have to be ADA compliant for our displays and egress. I would think that JF would be more sympathetic.
festydave
01-20-2011, 05:52 PM
The only parking available at the gate to the general public is the handicapped parking. The handicapped parking rate has always been the same rate that everyone else pays - but now, in fact, no one even has the opportunity to purchase any parking unless they purchase one of the VIP ticket packages. Two years ago on one very busy day, we had to turn away some vehicles from the handicapped lot because it, and every other lot we had, was full. We were even turning away participants who had parking tags. Last year we were able to accommodate all vehicles - some in other lots, but all cars were admitted and allowed to park. We currently have far more handicapped parking spaces than required by law since it is always our objective to provide as many accommodations as possible for those with disabilities, regardless of the law. VIP parking is sold in advance and a certain amount of space is allocated and reserved. If not all the VIPs arrive at the same time or even on the same day, there may likely be vacant spots in that area. That's part of the privilege they pay for when paying the premium for their tickets and parking - they know there will be a space for them even if they arrive late in the day. There are some other, more economical, alternatives for handicapped parking - such as taking the Jazz Fest Express from City Park or one of their other pick-up locations.
For more information, call 504-569-1401 or 1-800-535-7786.
http://www.graylineneworleans.com/jazzfest.html
deddancer
01-20-2011, 06:13 PM
try calling that number yourself .. they have no information yet .. will not until next month.
With the VIP packages on Ticketmaster, the parking option adds $60/day. From what Dave says, I assume this will be the price for drive-up handicapped parking as well.
(At least the handicapped don't pay service fees. TM adds $3.50/day to that $60 parking pass.)
The $5 bus I mentioned upthread 2 years ago is the RTA city bus. Last year, they only charged the standard one-way fare of $1.25. Still, that bus stop is about 4 blocks from the fest gates, and wile RTA buses are ADA complaint, I can't imagine trying to navigate that crowd in a wheelchair.
I think the official shuttle for $17 or so may be a better idea in your case.
oooow-eeeee-babee
01-20-2011, 07:33 PM
With the VIP packages on Ticketmaster, the parking option adds $60/day. From what Dave says, I assume this will be the price for drive-up handicapped parking as well.
(At least the handicapped don't pay service fees. TM adds $3.50/day to that $60 parking pass.)
The $5 bus I mentioned upthread 2 years ago is the RTA city bus. Last year, they only charged the standard one-way fare of $1.25. Still, that bus stop is about 4 blocks from the fest gates, and wile RTA buses are ADA complaint, I can't imagine trying to navigate that crowd in a wheelchair.
I think the official shuttle for $17 or so may be a better idea in your case.
I did it on a scooter several years ago without a problem but the bus driver was annoyed when I got off and sat in a seat instead of being strapped in. Just don't dilly-dally at Liussas too long till the extra busses quit running after fest or you'll be sitting there in the dark, terrified, as the crowd hops into cabs a few at a time until you are practically alone without the cab option. Oh yeah, I'll take a crowd to navigate in anytime over an empty NOLA street corner in the dark. (And that was well before that guy got shot and killed after fest.)
However, an electric chair that is owned over a rented scooter puts a whole different dynamic on the situation in case of rain. Plastic bags, at the very minimum, would be in order for the controls and a quick escape option very desirable. Fest does a very good job with the handicap restrooms and boards across the track and I appreciate it. But $50 - $60 a day really is a bit too much of a price to pay for being handicapped and would be a deal-breaker for me also. I hope this person can find an alternative that would still allow them to attend fest.
Music is Art
01-20-2011, 07:41 PM
Festydave, you say "The handicapped parking rate has always been the same rate that everyone else pays". The difference is that "everyone else" has the option to pay less and walk further, or grab a bus, or make any other arrangement. Many of those who need the handicapped parking don't have that option. So, while you're factually correct, you're also ignoring the fact that they're forced into the most expensive option since it very well be their only option. As a public service there's absolutely no reason you couldn't charge less for that lot.
oooow-eeeee-babee
01-20-2011, 08:43 PM
Festydave, you say "The handicapped parking rate has always been the same rate that everyone else pays". The difference is that "everyone else" has the option to pay less and walk further, or grab a bus, or make any other arrangement. Many of those who need the handicapped parking don't have that option. So, while you're factually correct, you're also ignoring the fact that they're forced into the most expensive option since it very well be their only option. As a public service there's absolutely no reason you couldn't charge less for that lot.
Very good point. Problem is, everybody and their brother has Moma's or Grandma's handicap placard hanging in their car, hense close-in parking spots are often not available for those who need them...anywhere. So....on the other hand, if handicap parking were cheaper, those placards would come out in full force for fest and the handicap parking, although not out-of-reach, would still be unavailable. Nevertheless, your post was Excellent!
phoenx32
04-26-2011, 07:44 PM
JAZZ FEST PARKING
2500 block of Bayou Road, 4 blocks from the Fairgrounds! (near Broad and Esplanade)
- Parking lots next to and around the former St. Rose of Lima Church near the Community Book Center, Coco Hut, and Domino Record Shack <
- 65 parking spaces, $20 per vehicle or $50 for a weekend pass
- Parking will be available both weeks of the festival
- Directions: View Jazz Fest Parking Map Here (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=212656313360680864592.0004a1d9d04196c314eef&ll=29.979695,-90.076776&spn=0.027397,0.038581&z=15)
Sponsored by the Bayou Treme Center (http://bayoutremecenter.org)
I can't see any reason why they would not have the Mystery/Esplanade cab stand as usual.
Not sure if this has been answered yet, but yes there is still a cab stand at Mystery & Esplanade. They put up the fencing and signs across the street from my place a few days ago.
tvengineer
04-27-2011, 12:25 AM
Not sure if this has been answered yet, but yes there is still a cab stand at Mystery & Esplanade. They put up the fencing and signs across the street from my place a few days ago.
Yep,.... parked in the cab stand tonight to go make groceries at Canseco's
:-)
Yep,.... parked in the cab stand tonight to go make groceries at Canseco's
:-)
How is it that I never see you around our hood? Surely, we would've bumped into one another at some point. :) By the way, Terranova's is closed 2nd weekend.
Baconwrapped
04-27-2011, 01:05 AM
How is it that I never see you around our hood? Surely, we would've bumped into one another at some point. :) By the way, Terranova's is closed 2nd weekend.
Terranova will be closed? That's just SOOOOO wrong! What's the deal?
that's my NOLA 'hood too. I love walking down to Terranova in the mornings.
tvengineer
04-27-2011, 01:16 AM
How is it that I never see you around our hood? Surely, we would've bumped into one another at some point. :) By the way, Terranova's is closed 2nd weekend.
Was just wondering the same thing :-)
I don't look like the profile pic anymore..
long hair is long gone....
you have probbly seen me ride by on my vespa...
or in my red smart car.. .:-)
Terranova will be closed? That's just SOOOOO wrong! What's the deal?
that's my NOLA 'hood too. I love walking down to Terranova in the mornings.
Just for 2nd weekend, starting Thurs. They are going on a well deserved vacation.
Was just wondering the same thing :-)
I don't look like the profile pic anymore..
long hair is long gone....
you have probbly seen me ride by on my vespa...
or in my red smart car.. .:-)
I think you drove past my house last night. LOL
Going to Liuzza's for some pre-craziness cocktails at happy hour tonight. Gumbo may join in, too. I like to get my last "normal" night in at my home bar before it all starts.
tvengineer
04-27-2011, 10:21 AM
Just for 2nd weekend, starting Thurs. They are going on a well deserved vacation.
They do deserve the time off..
Those people should take more time off.. 6 days a week and they never take a break!
Louis
They are ACTUALLY taking vaca together for the 1st time in a loooong time.
Anyone found a working Liuzza cam for this year yet?
Anyone found a working Liuzza cam for this year yet?
NOLA.com is working on it. It will be up and running. Also, there are new speakers on the outside of the bldg and there will be bands playing after fest in the garage next door. The sign on the street should be painted tomorrow.