{Jazz} Fest Like A Mother

If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans with kids, Jazz Fest is an incredibly unique event to consider. Happening annually over the course of two separate weekends in late April and early May, Jazz Fest offers some of the world’s best live music, the most delicious food and is absolutely a family-friendly event (though you can always ditch the kids and leave them with a sitter, if you prefer). Whether you are traveling to New Orleans with children or live here full-time, New Orleans Mom hopes to make your time in the city joyful and stress-free! 

{Jazz} Fest Like A Mother

When one of my best friends in Texas called and asked me to go back home to NOLA for Jazz Fest with her, I ran straight to my closet to dust off my tie-dye shorts and makeJazz Fest in New Orleans without kids sure they were ready!

We decided to make a girls trip of it and leave our kids and husbands at home. As I packed the brightest and funkiest outfits I owned (fest hat included), I couldn’t help but celebrate the fact that no snacks, sippy cups, or wet wipes were needed. We were going to be kid free for an entire weekend!

When we got there, we immediately headed straight to Jazz in the Park and took in an amazing performance by Kermit Ruffins! We bought jewelry and funky sunglasses and ate and drank and danced, and not one person called me Mom the entire night! It was fabulous!

My friend’s mom and aunts were Jazz Fest pros, and they knew exactly how to make the most of the next day as we headed to The Fest. We packed up relatively quickly and everyone even peed before we left the house without having to be yelled at reminded 20 times!

The tie-dye sisters were in full force! They had awesome outfits, tambourines, a bracelet harmonica, and homemade hats, one of which was not complete without Gaston the gator. We rolled out our blanket and took in the sights, sounds, and sunshine, and we even sang and made a little music of our own! We didn’t have to worry about schedules and naps or keeping little ones quiet and entertained; we were on fest time!

Jazz Fest could easily be a family affair as well, and I can’t wait to take my children, but sometimes moms just need some time for themselves too. I didn’t really realize it until I got there, but I needed a mommy break, and I needed New Orleans. Returning home to the spirit and culture of New Orleans refreshed me! It took me back to my roots, made me feel like more than just a mom, and it helped me to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life: food, friends, family, and the Fais Do Do tent (which I just learned how to pronounce!)

I think that all moms should take a weekend to themselves, where they can let loose, have fun, and ditch responsibility for a few hours. There’s no better place to get away and have some fun with your girlfriends than at a NOLA festival! At Jazz Fest you can tap into your inner musician; you can be a foodie (you must try the crawfish bread, or if you are adventurous, make your own at home) or a free spirit! You can even be a New Orleanian, if just for a day. Once you’re back home, try your hand at crawfish monica.

After going to French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest with some of my girlfriends, I think I’m going to make “mommy festing” an annual tradition! Next time any of you mamas get tired and need a break, think about planning a girls’ day or weekend to head out and fest like a mother. I promise you’ll be so glad you did, and those baby hugs and kisses will be all the sweeter when you return!

About Brittany

Brittany is married to her husband Glenn, and they are parents of two boys, Rowan, 4, and Everett, 2. She is currently a part time high school English teacher in Texas, but she firmly believes in the saying, “You can take the girl out of New Orleans, but you can’t take the New Orleans out of the girl!” She loves literature, writing, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Texas while coming home for big New Orleans family parties as often as possible! She is grateful for the opportunity to expose her boys to the beautiful culture of NOLA!

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