The aftermath of what may have been the biggest Jazz Fest ever is in full swing as dozens of people work to tear down the festival grounds in New Orleans. Headliners like the Rolling Stones drew nearly half a million attendees over eight days, with tourism officials reporting that 97% of the city’s hotel rooms were occupied.
Artist Terrance Osborne, known for his iconic Jazz Fest posters, had a successful year selling his artwork at the festival. He noted that the weather was perfect, with just enough clouds to provide some relief from the heat.
Vendors are dismantling their stands on the Fair Grounds infield, where massive crowds gathered for performances that included the legendary Rolling Stones. Despite the challenges of outbound flights being full, many festival-goers stayed in the city to shop and explore the French Quarter.
The economic impact of Jazz Fest is significant, with last year’s event estimated to bring in $400 million to the local economy. Merchants like Dawn Uzee from the Fischer-Gambino store on Royal Street reported that visitors were enthusiastic about shopping and exploring the area.
While Osborne expressed a desire to attend Jazz Fest without working, he plans to return next year to showcase his art once again. Many festival attendees also expressed their intention to come back, regardless of whether the Rolling Stones make a return appearance.
Overall, Jazz Fest continues to be a highlight of the New Orleans music scene, drawing in visitors from around
