Satchmo SummerFest 2023: Accessibility Guide

French Quarter Festivals, Inc is always making strides to be MORE accessible to include, support and celebrate all attendees. Please see below for information about the accessibility accommodations offered throughout the festival  

ADA Drop Off and Pick Up Location

There is a designated accessibility drop off and pick up location at the corner of Esplanade Ave, and Decatur St. Please look for festival signage. Please have your state issued accessibility hangtag clearly visible. NOPD will be stationed in this location to monitor and assist.

Festival Entrances

Due to the historic nature of the festival site, the entrance terrain is rough cobblestone. There will be a path for smoother access at the Esplanade Avenue  entrance. For guests in wheelchairs, we recommend entering the site from Barrack St. (either gate) which is relatively easier to navigate. 

Security

Security will be conducting bag searches at the entrances.  Necessary medications, medical supplies and a small amount of personal food items for persons with dietary restrictions will be allowed. 

Accommodations available in the Festival Grounds

Guests can visit the Festival Check-In Tent, located next to the First Aid Tent on the Barracks St. side of the building, or the Info Desk indoors on the first floor of the museum,  for information and to ask questions specific to the Accessibility Program.

Food and Beverage

Please look for signage for ramp access to food areas on elevated lawns. If assistance is needed while conducting business with a vendor, please request the assistance from the vendor or any festival staff person.

ADA Accessible Bathrooms

• Corner of Esplanade Ave at N. Peters Street – Accessible Portalet
• Corner Barracks Street at N. Peters Street – Accessible Portalet
• By Festival Check In Tent, Barracks Riverside Alcove – Accessible Portalet
• Indoor bathrooms at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (1st and 2nd floors)

Viewing Areas

Please look for ADA signage for ramp access to stage areas on elevated lawns. There is a designated accessibility viewing area at both outdoor stages. These viewing areas are reserved for guests with mobility disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices. Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Guests using these areas are allowed one companion. 

Looking for a place to cool down?

Please visit the The New Orleans Jazz Museum which is fully air conditioned and has indoor accessible restrooms available. There is elevator access to the 2nd and 3rd Floor of the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Service Animals

Service Animals are welcome – verification conducted by NOPD at all entrance gates. Pets, Comfort, and Emotional Support animals will not be allowed. Service animals must be under control and with their handler at all times. If they are not, the handler will be asked to remove the animal from the festival grounds.

Have questions or feedback? Please contact us at FRONTDESK@FQFI.ORG NOTE: FQFI is unable to provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push service. Please plan ahead and bring attendants, if needed. In addition, the festival does not provide wheelchairs for rent or loan. Please make arrangements in advance if a wheelchair is needed.