French Quarter Festival has celebrated its 40th anniversary and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival starts today! With that in mind, the editor's decided to share their must-haves when preparing to head out to a festival. From sunscreen to ponchos, we're sharing the items we're bringing to make sure we fest with the best.
*Edit note: these suggestions are for all festivals. Jazz Fest has announced the whole festival is cashless, so prepare accordingly.
New Orleans Magazine editor Ashley McLellan advises for bringing a fanny pack with Band-Aids, cash, sunscreen, a ziplock with toilet paper/wet wipes, disposable poncho and a portable cell phone charger. Plus, a sun hat, shoes you don't mind getting dirty and good socks (if you're wearing sneakers).
St. Charles Avenue editor Andy Myer shares she always brings sun protection of all kinds - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and light clothing with good coverage. Extra toilet paper. Rubber boots or dark tennis shoes. I’ve made the flip flops stuck in the sludge mistake too many times. And, if you’ve got the kids along for the ride, my genius friend Jamie taught me the following trick. Bring a Twister game along. Spread out the mat for the kids to play and groove on, and bonus, it doubles as a waterproof seating area for adults as well.
New Orleans 500 editor Rich Collins says he keeps it simple with a straw hat, sunglasses, sunblock, money and portable chair. Don't want to lug around too much stuff!
Custom publishing editor Drew Hawkins said, "Same here: backpack with baby wipes, snacks, and beach blanket for the kiddos. Fanny pack for wallet, sunscreen, and sunglasses."
New Orleans Homes and New Orleans Bride editor Melanie Warner Spencer got a bit more specific. She said she brings Banana Boat Cool Zone Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 because "It's refreshing — goes on cool, smells fresh, absorbs fast and isn't greasy at all," plus parasol/umbrella ("because, pale"), water, baby wipes and cash.
And Biz New Orleans editor Kim Singletary seems to follow suit. She said she brings, "Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen for all, hand held fans, disinfectant wipes, snacks for kids, blanket, phone charger and cash."
