New Orleans Fair Grounds schedule — New Orleans, Louisiana

Discover the Historic New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack

The New Orleans Fair Grounds is more than a racetrack — it's a historic cultural landmark that anchors some of the city’s biggest moments in sports and music. Set at 1751 Gentilly Blvd, just about 3 miles from the French Quarter, this venue blends 19th-century tradition with modern entertainment. Whether you’re planning around the New Orleans Fair Grounds schedule for racing dates or festival weekends, you’ll find a year-round lineup that draws fans from across the country.

Opened in 1872, the Fair Grounds is one of the oldest racetracks in the United States — the third-oldest, in fact. Its classic grandstand overlooks the thoroughbred oval and infield, and the property includes a racino with slot machine gaming and live race simulcasting. While official capacity isn’t published, the grandstand accommodates several thousand for race days, and the grounds expand for major festivals.

The venue’s primary heartbeat is thoroughbred racing, including the annual Louisiana Derby — a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby. It’s also a beloved home for special events, none bigger than the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which has transformed these grounds each spring since 1972. Across decades, the stages here have hosted legendary performers including The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, and Dave Matthews Band.

Beyond its heritage, the Fair Grounds integrates fan-friendly amenities and technology. The racino’s slot machine floor and simulcast rooms cater to gaming enthusiasts, while large-scale festival productions create sprawling open-field viewing zones, VIP platforms, and specialty food and beverage programming. The grandstand and clubhouse areas feature ramps and elevators, giving guests a comfortable way to access seating with expansive track and infield views.

From heart-pounding stakes races to once-in-a-lifetime Jazz Fest sets, the New Orleans Fair Grounds offers an experience that feels authentically New Orleans. Come for the tradition, stay for the community — and leave with unforgettable memories.

Purchase Process

Buying tickets with Ticket Purchase is simple, fast, and secure.

• Browse Events — Explore upcoming games, concerts and more.
• Pick Your Seats — Use our interactive map to view real-time availability and compare prices.
• Secure Checkout — Pay easily with card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Affirm.
• Digital Delivery — Tickets will be sent via email or mobile entry prior to your event date.

Need Help? Here are several options in reaching our customer support team:

• You can log into your account here and live chat with one of our agents.
• You can email our team at customersupport@ticketpurchase.com.
• You can call the number on your invoice that was emailed to you immediately after your order was completed and accepted.

All tickets are 100% verified and guaranteed for on-time delivery.

Safe & Secure Ticketing — With over 1 million happy customers since 2012, we take your security seriously:

• 24/7 TrustGuard Monitoring
• SSL-encrypted checkout
• Verified Ticket Listings
• 100% authenticity guarantee
• Access to 125,000+ live events nationwide

Personalized Help Service:

• Support via phone, chat, or email
• Tailored seat suggestions based on budget, view, or group size
• Excellent service, even for a single ticket

Are New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack Tickets on TicketPurchase.com Legit?

Absolutely! Ticket Purchase has been a trusted name in live event ticketing since 2012, helping over 1 million customers experience the best concerts, sports, and performances worldwide.

All New Orleans Fair Grounds tickets purchased through TicketPurchase.com are 100% verified and guaranteed for authenticity and timely delivery. Our platform is fully protected by SSL encryption and 24/7 TrustGuard Monitoring, so you can buy confidently knowing your transaction is secure.

Whether you’re seeing your favorite artist under the open Louisiana sky or attending the Louisiana Derby, Ticket Purchase ensures a smooth, reliable, and secure experience every time.

Seating Recommendations and Charts

New Orleans Fair Grounds offers seating and standing areas that scale by event, with grandstand seating for races and expansive festival fields for major concerts and Jazz Fest. Layouts vary between race days and festival builds, so check your event’s map for the most accurate configuration.

• Grandstand: The go-to choice for race fans — the grandstand provides elevated sightlines and some of the best views of the finish line during thoroughbred racing.
• Clubhouse: A reserved environment with comfortable vantage points and access to amenities; great for guests who want a more relaxed race-day experience.
• Apron: Down by the rail, you’ll feel the thunder of the stretch run up close. It’s an energetic spot for fans who love being near the action on race days.
• Infield (Festivals): For Jazz Fest and other large events, the infield transforms into open viewing areas with multiple stages and wide sightlines across the grounds.
• VIP & Grand Marshal Areas (Festivals): Premium platforms and reserved zones at Jazz Fest are designed to provide enhanced sightlines, easier access, and a more comfortable experience for top-billed performances.

Use Ticket Purchase’ interactive seating chart to view live seat availability, compare prices, and choose the section that fits your experience. Planning around the New Orleans Fair Grounds schedule helps you match the right section to race days, big festival stages, or special event builds.

Ready to secure your seats? Browse New Orleans Fair Grounds tickets now — events often sell out fast!

Location and Transportation

Venue Address

New Orleans Fair Grounds

1751 Gentilly Blvd

New Orleans, Louisiana 70119

Set within New Orleans city limits, the Fair Grounds sits about 3 miles from the French Quarter, making it easy to pair an event with time in the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

• Parking: On-site parking is available, though lots fill quickly for major events like Jazz Fest; parking fees vary by event. Limited street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods — always check signage.
• Public Transit: Served by New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus lines, with streetcar stops within walking distance.
• Rideshare & Dropoff: Designated pickup and dropoff zones are established for large events; follow posted event signage and staff directions.

Arrival Recommendations

Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before your event, especially for Jazz Fest and the Louisiana Derby, to allow time for parking, security, and navigating crowds. If you’re using public transit or rideshare, budget extra cushion for potential traffic around Gentilly Blvd during peak arrival times.

Many areas of the venue are outdoors. Spring events — including Jazz Fest — often coincide with warm, humid weather and occasional thunderstorms. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight rain gear, and consider a small, clear bag that meets event size restrictions. After rain, pathways and festival grounds can get muddy, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

Expect significant walking between parking areas, entrances, and your viewing area, particularly for festival days with multiple stages. If you’re coordinating with friends, set a meet-up point inside the venue ahead of time. Cell service is generally good but can be spotty during large events due to crowd size, so download tickets in advance and take note of gate and section locations.

Venue Navigation

The Fair Grounds is a large campus anchored by the grandstand and clubhouse overlooking the track, with additional apron viewing along the rail for race days. During festivals, the infield and surrounding areas open as expansive viewing fields, VIP platforms, and vendor corridors.

You’ll find multiple concession stands, bars, and restaurants on site, along with ATMs and, during large events, charging stations. For major events like Jazz Fest and the Louisiana Derby, merchandise stands are located throughout high-traffic zones. A simulcast room supports off-track betting during race days, and private event spaces host special gatherings. If you expect to explore multiple stages or move between the grandstand and infield, wear comfortable footwear to handle stairs, grass, and longer walks.

Security and Policies

• Bag Policy: For major events (e.g., Jazz Fest), only small bags are allowed; a clear bag policy may be enforced with size restrictions typically 12"x12"x6" or smaller.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, outside alcohol, large umbrellas, coolers, professional cameras (without credential), glass containers, and drones.
• Re-entry Policy: Generally no re-entry for ticketed events (e.g., Jazz Fest); check event-specific policies.
• Service Animals: Permitted for guests with disabilities.

Post-Purchase Tips — Be Ready for Event Day

• Download your tickets before arriving — cell service can be limited.
• Bring a valid ID and cashless payment option.
• Charge your phone fully.
• Review venue policies in advance.
• Pack sun protection and lightweight rain gear — weather can shift quickly in spring.
• Wear sturdy, weather-friendly footwear — grounds can be muddy after rain.

Pre-Event Planning

Make the most of your visit by planning your day around the venue’s signature experiences. If you’re attending Jazz Fest, main stages can offer stunning sunset backdrops — time your set list so you can enjoy the golden hour from a favorite viewing spot. On race days, the grandstand provides panoramic views of the track and finish line, and the venue’s historic architecture is especially photogenic at dusk.

If you’re meeting a group, choose a clear landmark inside the gates and agree on a time window in case cell service gets congested. For big weekends, consider public transit or rideshare to avoid congested lots, and arrive on the early side to browse concessions, find your section, and settle in before the action starts. Fans who like to explore can sample classic New Orleans fare — think po-boys, gumbo, and jambalaya — along with local craft beer and signature cocktails during festival days.

Accessibility

New Orleans Fair Grounds is ADA-accessible, with designated ADA parking near main entrances and accessible seating options in both grandstand and festival areas. Ramps and elevators are available in the grandstand and clubhouse, and mobility support is prioritized during major events.

Assistive listening devices may be available upon request for certain events, and golf cart shuttles operate during large festivals to help mobility-impaired guests reach key areas. For help selecting accessible seats that meet your needs, contact Ticket Purchase for personalized support before purchasing.

Dining Options

Inside the venue, you’ll find concessions serving snacks, drinks, and beverages, along with multiple bars and restaurants. During Jazz Fest and other large events, expect classic New Orleans favorites like po-boys, gumbo, and jambalaya, plus local craft beer, signature cocktails, and regional specialties at vendor stands throughout the grounds.

Food and Restaurants Near New Orleans Fair Grounds

If you’re arriving early or staying nearby, there are excellent dining options in Mid-City, Faubourg St. John, and Bayou St. John, just minutes from the gates:

• Liuzza’s by the Track (Faubourg St. John) — Beloved local spot serving Creole and Italian dishes, famous for BBQ shrimp po-boys.
• Café Degas (Esplanade Ridge) — French bistro offering classic French cuisine in a charming, treehouse-like setting.
• Pagoda Café (Bayou St. John) — Cozy café known for breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee, just a short walk from the track.
• Toups’ Meatery (Mid-City) — Acclaimed restaurant specializing in Cajun charcuterie, meats, and Southern comfort food.
• 1000 Figs (Bayou St. John) — Mediterranean-inspired eatery serving falafel, salads, and small plates.
• Parkway Bakery & Tavern (Mid-City) — Legendary spot for New Orleans-style po-boys and local beers.
• Mandina’s Restaurant (Mid-City) — Classic New Orleans Italian-Creole restaurant with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Piece of Meat (Mid-City) — Butcher shop and restaurant offering craft sandwiches and charcuterie.

These nearby spots make it easy to grab a delicious meal or drink before heading into the show.

Other Venues in New Orleans

New Orleans and its surrounding areas offer a thriving live entertainment scene — and Ticket Purchase connects you to them all:

• Caesars Superdome — Iconic stadium hosting New Orleans Saints (NFL), major concerts, and sporting events.
• Smoothie King Center — Arena home to the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) and major touring concerts.
• Saenger Theatre — Historic theater hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
• Orpheum Theater — Restored Beaux Arts theater known for symphony, jazz, and touring performances.
• The Fillmore New Orleans — Modern concert venue for rock, pop, and hip-hop acts.
• Tipitina’s — Legendary music club famous for live New Orleans funk, jazz, and blues.
• House of Blues New Orleans — Popular downtown venue for national and local music acts.
• Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Hosts ballet, opera, and major concerts in Louis Armstrong Park.

Ready to catch your next show in the Crescent City? Browse New Orleans events now and secure verified tickets through Ticket Purchase today.

Other Things to Do in New Orleans

Beyond the entertainment, the New Orleans area offers incredible attractions for visitors heading to New Orleans Fair Grounds:

• French Quarter — Historic district known for vibrant nightlife, architecture, and live music.
• Jackson Square — Iconic plaza surrounded by historic buildings and street artists.
• St. Louis Cathedral — Landmark 18th-century cathedral in the heart of the French Quarter.
• City Park — Expansive urban park with gardens, trails, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
• Garden District — Neighborhood famed for antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets.
• National WWII Museum — World-class museum chronicling the American experience in World War II.
• Audubon Aquarium of the Americas — Family-friendly aquarium on the Mississippi River.
• Preservation Hall — Renowned jazz venue offering nightly live music in an intimate setting.
• Magazine Street — Six-mile stretch of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
• Louis Armstrong Park — Park honoring jazz legend Louis Armstrong, with sculptures and performance spaces.

Secure Your Seats for New Orleans Fair Grounds Today

Don’t wait — New Orleans Fair Grounds events often sell out quickly. From the Louisiana Derby to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the New Orleans Fair Grounds schedule brings together marquee racing and world-class music on one historic campus. Whether you’re planning a day at the track or a festival weekend under the Louisiana sky, Ticket Purchase is your go-to source for verified, hassle-free ticketing.

Browse tickets now and experience the magic of live entertainment at one of the world's most iconic venues.

Call us at 1-866-549-4077 to purchase tickets by phone.