Jazz Fest Food Vendor Inquiry Information

For the past four decades the Food Fair at Jazz Fest has famously served some of the most delicious, restaurant quality, authentically prepared food to be found anywhere, let alone at a multi-day outdoor festival. Jazz Fest’s carefully developed menu encompasses traditional Creole and Cajun recipes, contemporary Creole innovations, New Orleans standards, and foods that reflect the rich influx of international influence in Louisiana.

What started out with a small handful of food items has now grown into an [irresistible] menu
featuring over 200 offerings, including many beloved dishes that have become a part of the Festival’s culture and, indeed, a part of the culinary culture of New Orleans.

The food items are prepared by vendors who have, for the most part, been participating in the Food Fair for many years.  Festival food vendors have learned over the years to adapt to the challenges inherent to serving hundreds of thousands of Festival-goers over the course of seven days in an outdoor environment. It is a rigorous task given the fact that the food is prepared mostly by hand, with fresh local ingredients. 

In any given Festival season there are very few openings for new vendors.  In most years, there are none.  On the rare occasion when there is an opening is it usually for a specific food item.  There is no formal application process, but the Festival is always interested in learning about experienced food vendors who are creating exciting new Louisiana food items or superior quality versions of classic regional dishes.

If you feel your business model is compatible with the Festival criteria, you are welcome to fill out our Food Vendor Inquiry Contact Sheet (click here).

Please keep in mind the following:

• All potential vendors must be full-time Louisiana residents.
• No self-contained vending structures or vehicles are permitted.
• No “carnival” food items or beverages will be considered.
• There is minimal, if any, duplication of food items.
• Food items must be prepared and served by the vendor and vendor is required to operate all Festival days.
• General liability, vehicle liability and worker’s compensation insurance are required.

The information on the Food Vendor Inquiry Contact Sheet will be added to the Festival’s Food Fair database.  This database is used for informational purposes only and does not obligate the Festival in any way.

Thank you for your interest.