Post fest nightly activities?

[gladtobehere]

Hi All,

Being my first time and having massive FOMS I am wondering what you do after the fest ends at night. There seems like MUCH to do.

I have read about the partying outside the gates after the fest and then there are the club shows.

It seems like maybe a nap and shower before the club shows is in order and sleep seems generally unnecessary but not being a spring chicken anymore a few hours of sleep would do me good.

Do you just play through the night and head to fest the next day? I saw on the grids that Michael Franti goes on at 2am so this seems possible.

What about food? Sit down meals versus eating on the go?

We will be there second weekend and staying in the Quarter. I am so glad this forum is here to help diffuse some of the massive anticipation of a massive good time.

PEACE.

Marc

[saturn]

Hi All,

Being my first time and having massive FOMS I am wondering what you do after the fest ends at night. There seems like MUCH to do.

I have read about the partying outside the gates after the fest and then there are the club shows.

It seems like maybe a nap and shower before the club shows is in order and sleep seems generally unnecessary but not being a spring chicken anymore a few hours of sleep would do me good.

Do you just play through the night and head to fest the next day? I saw on the grids that Michael Franti goes on at 2am so this seems possible.

What about food? Sit down meals versus eating on the go?

We will be there second weekend and staying in the Quarter. I am so glad this forum is here to help diffuse some of the massive anticipation of a massive good time.

PEACE.

Marc

Check out http://www.jazzfestgrids.com/ for the info you need. The grids there will fill up with lots of info about nightime activities, record store performances, etc. as Fest gets closer.

[swag]

A shower is an excellent idea. Sometimes a nap too.

Be forewarned, shows in New Orleans (aside from at the Fest) rarely start at the listed time. That 2am show may not start till 3:30...

[ohio]

Re: food- the fest itself has incredible food. You will leave stuffed fo sho! I find it hard to go out and eat a sit down after fest days. A late night/early morning snack is often in order on the way back from a late club show though. There will be threads on here detailing restaurants, including all-night joints, stay tuned!

[Corona]

Hey Marc,
Being no spring chicken but still lively, we try to maximize our time. Fest by day, taking it easy on the partying when we have a night show that night. We also bring ziploc bags to buy food from the fest to bring back to the hotel with us. Saves money and the food is top quality anyways. Put it in your backpack. Saves money and TIME on dinner everynight. Leaves a bit of time to put your feet up (badly needed) rest a bit and shower before heading out again. I usually take a short 20 minute power nap, any longer than that and I'm a cement head for the night.

When you check out the grids on Jazzfestgrids.com, you can pick your shows but yeah, they run LATE especially if it's a bigger lineup kind of show...I've gone at 10 and haven't left til 5 am. That's tough to do for festing the next day but you can sleep when you're dead right?

Just remember Jazzfest is marathon, not a sprint :) Take your time, rest your feet when you can, eat well, drink water when you can and have a blast :) :)

[Jordan]

For me, Jazzfest is a marathon of sprints! You can drink at the fairgrounds, but drink a lot of water too. In addition, you may want to slow up on the beer 2 hours or so before fest closes so that you can make it out at night.

I always shower and change shoes after fest; usually nap; and never go out for a nice meal.

I know that some people go to New Orleans for the restaurants too, but I can't relax at a restaurant knowing I might miss a chance to discover a new favorite band, or see a great show out at night.

You have to give something up: I tend to choose dinner and sleep.

I also usually find that the last set of a show is usually more interesting than the first one -- more special guests, better groove, more chances taken.

11AM is also my favorite time at the fairgrounds, so I choose not to miss that. The bottom line is that you don't have to think all that clearly at the fest or out at the shows, so being a little fuzzy doesn't have the same consequences as it does at work.

Bottom line is that you should try some of everything and stick with what makes you happy. You can always sleep on the plane. Remember, that no matter what you miss, you are still seeing and doing more of what makes you happy than during the rest of the year. I LOVE FEST!

[funkkjunkie]

If you just can't resist a 2 am show, a nap is a must for me. I'll usually forgo an earlier show to get rest for the late one. Shows that start at 2 usually end about sunup. Be sure to visit swag's page for mucho info. www.swagland.com And as you can see, we love to answer newbie's questions.

[PaulC]

Great thread.......

It's all been said,... but two biggies,.. even if you think you're not hungry,.. you are or will be,.. so always grab something to eat before leavin' the fest grounds... I really like Corona's idea of baggin' it for later but I always find room to eat (and enjoy) when it's in hand... Save at least one night to party within a few blocks of the gates on Esplanade... Leaves plenty of time for a shower and night show elsewhere...

If you find yourself thinkin' late at night (mornin' really) that I might miss the beggin' of fest if I stay here for that one last great set,.. then stop thinkin' and stay... You might find the power to get up and be on time anywho,.. and if not (unless you really insist on seein' the grass) if you're have to miss any time inside the fest,.. make sure it's the earlier sets, although Papa Grows Funk came on first last year???.... For that alone,.. if you're out late and you're not really into it for whatever reason,.. then do not hesitate,.. go and catch some sleep,.. and be there and ready to go at 11 a.m....

And head on over to the Gospel Tent at least once a day,.. no matter what................

[steeleye]

Last year was my first JF and the ziplock bag idea worked great. Would have never thought of it myself. I just bought something at the fest I hadn't tried yet, went back to the hotel for a shower and a short nap, eat your food from the ziplock and off to the night shows you go.

[ohio]

For me, Jazzfest is a marathon of sprints! You can drink at the fairgrounds, but drink a lot of water too. In addition, you may want to slow up on the beer 2 hours or so before fest closes so that you can make it out at night.

I always shower and change shoes after fest; usually nap; and never go out for a nice meal.

I know that some people go to New Orleans for the restaurants too, but I can't relax at a restaurant knowing I might miss a chance to discover a new favorite band, or see a great show out at night.

You have to give something up: I tend to choose dinner and sleep.

I also usually find that the last set of a show is usually more interesting than the first one -- more special guests, better groove, more chances taken.

11AM is also my favorite time at the fairgrounds, so I choose not to miss that. The bottom line is that you don't have to think all that clearly at the fest or out at the shows, so being a little fuzzy doesn't have the same consequences as it does at work.

Bottom line is that you should try some of everything and stick with what makes you happy. You can always sleep on the plane. Remember, that no matter what you miss, you are still seeing and doing more of what makes you happy than during the rest of the year. I LOVE FEST! Daze Between are for restaurants!

[ohio]

Great thread.......

It's all been said,... but two biggies,.. even if you think you're not hungry,.. you are or will be,.. so always grab something to eat before leavin' the fest grounds... I really like Corona's idea of baggin' it for later but I always find room to eat (and enjoy) when it's in hand... Save at least one night to party within a few blocks of the gates on Esplanade... Leaves plenty of time for a shower and night show elsewhere...

If you find yourself thinkin' late at night (mornin' really) that I might miss the beggin' of fest if I stay here for that one last great set,.. then stop thinkin' and stay... You might find the power to get up and be on time anywho,.. and if not (unless you really insist on seein' the grass) if you're have to miss any time inside the fest,.. make sure it's the earlier sets, although Papa Grows Funk came on first last year???.... For that alone,.. if you're out late and you're not really into it for whatever reason,.. then do not hesitate,.. go and catch some sleep,.. and be there and ready to go at 11 a.m....

And head on over to the Gospel Tent at least once a day,.. no matter what................Suday mornings can be special. I missed PGF because I was lured to the Jazz tent on the way in by L'il Queenie. Couldn't leave!

[pokerchick66]

((And head on over to the Gospel Tent at least once a day,.. no matter what...........))

I definitely plan on taking that advice. Maybe Irma Thomas tribute to Mahalia Jackson.

[VWGal]

I love the gospel tent, have yet to visit once that didn't put a tear in my eye.

[stlbarb]

i agree that a lot of clubs run late, but not all. Rock n Bowl tends to be on schedule, as do some of the smaller clubs with 'local' bands. Rivershack, Le Bon Temps, Dos Jefes, etc. my experience with Carrolton station has been that its fairly on time for the early (10 pm) shows. Maple Leaf too. i think its some of the late shows that really are off.
i just don't want someone showing up an hour after start time and missing the gig. sometimes the only way to find out is show up, ask the sound man.

[stlbarb]

i've found the best plan is no plan. you may miss some sold out shows (but then again tickets are always floating), but you won't have to go out when you really don't want to.
i may be exhausted at the end of the day and just want a shrimp grinder from Liuzza's and chill with friends for a while. or might just need a shower and off to Rivershack we go for food & music. maybe we'll pick up popeyes's on the way home, get all pretty and head out to a big gig and drink & dance all night. we might just do dinner - but we stay in Metairie and not as much competition to get in the restaurants - i think you will have waits at many of the places int the 1/4. we try to counter a big $$ night out with something inexpensive the next night.
you just have to decide what works for your energy level & budget. you do want to be able to still walk around the fest the next day.

[PaulC]

Daze Between are for restaurants!

That there is the truth Mr. Ohio (and thanks for the favor the other day),.. but Fest weekends do not preclude bellyin' up to the bar for 2-3 dozen raw ones if the need arises,.. and the need always does.....

As for Restaurants,.. way too lazy to check if this one has been mentioned in another thread but it is a slam dunk winner for either breakfast (an incredible Cajun bloody Mary), lunch, or dinner... Petunia's,.. located in the quarter... even have a website w/ their menus so you can plan,.. and plan to eat there you should:

http://www.petuniasrestaurant.com/breakfast.html click on a meal time and then scroll down for da' food choices...

For Breakfast (which I think is served all through the lunch hours too): May I suggest the Eggs Melanzana..... gaaaaaaaawd,.. just the thought of it...... on a busy late mornin' last year (the first Monday) my sweet wife got the last order,.. and she was nice enough to share....

Dinner: The Crawfish E'touffe... ooooooohhh man..............

[pokerchick66]

Yea, thanks for making me drool!

[rosetree]

"we might just do dinner - but we stay in Metairie and not as much competition to get in the restaurants - "

Hey stlbarb: You are going to find that everyrestaurant will be packed whether in da Quarter or Metairie. As an example, we tried just to go to Applebee's for appetizers on Sat night and there was an hour wait!:mad: Now, I'm not saying that Abee's is a top restaurant, but that will show you that everything has changed. I would definately take some phone #'s with you of favorite eateries and call and see what the wait is or get reservations if they take them...just my $.02 ;)

[PaulC]

Yea, thanks for making me drool!

In addition to all that surfin' stuff you do at work,.. now you're sittin' there sloberin',.. your keyboard must be soakin' wet.. :rolleyes:

Here let me help ya' with that droolin' thing.....

Eggs Melanzana-

Eggplant rounds fried to a delicious golden brown,.. topped with fabulous grilled and shaved ham,.. some ripe tomato that has also been grilled to allow the flavor to just burst,.. perfectly poached eggs,.. a heavenly hollandaise,.. and then the finishin' touch,.. some freshly grated parmesan...... awwwwwwwhhhhhhhh.....

Now towel off and get some work done... :D

[NYMAMA]

Threads
tourments
party
cubes
grids
pictures
the mighty crab
and now food!
I think I'm on sensory overload.
Quick- abourt ,Will Roberson
DANGER,DANGER

[pokerchick66]

In addition to all that surfin' stuff you do at work,.. now you're sittin' there sloberin',.. your keyboard must be soakin' wet.. :rolleyes:

Here let me help ya' with that droolin' thing.....

Eggs Melanzana-

Eggplant rounds fried to a delicious golden brown,.. topped with fabulous grilled and shaved ham,.. some ripe tomato that has also been grilled to allow the flavor to just burst,.. perfectly poached eggs,.. a heavenly hollandaise,.. and then the finishin' touch,.. some freshly grated parmesan...... awwwwwwwhhhhhhhh.....

Now towel off and get some work done... :D

Yea, I read that already, meanie, hence the drool. Don't you have any work to do?

[Festvet]

Water, water, water all day at the fairgrounds. you can mix in some rosemint tea too. Beer or alcohol will run you down faster than a speeding train. Despite what others recommend re. showers/naps I find DOES NOT work for me. If you're only there for say 4 or 5 days then you have no problem. If you are there for 3 or 4times that length you will need to pick & choose wisely. I almost always purchase my nightclub tix in advance and never my fairgrounds tix since I have only gone to the FG's 3 days in the last 4 fests. I personally dig the nightime scene esp. due to the venues themselves and much better sound quality than the FG's. Plus I don't drink beer. There is so much to do in NO that even if you're there for the whole enchilada it would take years of daze between to see everything. As it's your first time in NO then your accomodations in the FQ might be right for you. I spend most of my time in the Whse/Garden/Uptown/Riverbend area so a car is essential to a good time. Just some different opinions to help you decide for your next trip.

[stlbarb]

........
You have to give something up: I tend to choose dinner and sleep.
.........
Bottom line is that you should try some of everything and stick with what makes you happy. You can always sleep on the plane. Remember, that no matter what you miss, you are still seeing and doing more of what makes you happy than during the rest of the year. I LOVE FEST!


i think i love you.....

[Jaypee]

Festvet - you didn't mention where you are staying; where do you park overnight?

I might take a day with Habitat for Humanity and will prolly need a car. The problem is that the in-town car rental places have limited weekend hours for dropoff. Where would you recommend I park overnight? The place I rent is in the east end of the FQ.

[KYfunkfan]

well, it indeed has mostly been said here.....

my 2 cents stemmed from last year's fest....i mainly come to the fest for the night time events and atmosphere...

i had a time last year when my car broke down, after realizing this was how the locals felt during Katrina, i sucked it up and caught my Robert Walter show at Maple Leaf, got a cab with some others after the show and caught Greyboy Allstars at Tips late night.....after the show, i walked out and the sun was coming up and the birds were chirping.....

got back to the hotel, slept for like 3 hours and was back at the fest for my second volunteer stint....

needless to say, i use the fest at the fairgrounds to people watch, catch some acts i might not normally see, eat a bunch of crawfish bread, not drink too much (usually got enough left over from the night before in my gullet), and just mingle.....

thus, the night time is definitely the right time...

[Orleansnj]

Corona's advice on the ziplock baggies is a#1, followed by the hydration........drink h2o....beaucoup h2o. sleep is overrated and the restaurants on the days between are much more fun b/c less people.

[Bill/KC]

When I was a young Fester, I used to rush from the Fairgrounds, run to the hotel, shower, change, rush to a restaurant, fly to a show....blah, blah, blah. Hell, you'll wear yourself out just running around! :-) Now, I try to eat my fill at the Fest. Then I usually stroll over to Liuzzas after the Fest, grab a couple of beers and catch up with folks I didn't stumble into during the day. Then I catch the bus, or a handy cab back to shower and freshen up. If we're still hungry, we'll hit one of markets or one of the out of way Quarter restaurants. Like has been previously stated, most night shows don't start on time, so more than likely, you're not going to miss too much. And if you do...so what? :-)

[hikerlady]

Hydrate hydrate hydrate but ladies, fill a baggie or two with TP as the supply in the cans is not endless.

[Orleansnj]

Oh - may be best suggestion I've heard in a while.....!!!!!! (next to the ziplock baggies - that's still my fave....)

[Corona]

most definitely....in the JF spirit...pack extra to give the poor ladies in line that don't have any. You'll be a superstar :)

[Corona]

most definitely....in the JF spirit...pack extra to give the poor ladies in line that don't have any. You'll be a superstar :)
We need to start the Fest Back pack thread again.....it's a very, very important thread!