The very popular music and art festival, Voodoo Experience (Voodoo Fest), returns to the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds this year from October 31-November 2. This year’s festival is expected to be even bigger and better than last year. Attendees and visitors should be aware of all that Voodoo has to offer in addition to the rules and regulations of the festival. Here is some very important information you should review before visiting.
What to Expect at Voodoo Fest 2014
Voodoo Fest will take place at the Festival Grounds at City Park, which is just north of the New Orleans Museum of Art from Friday, October 31st through Sunday, November 2nd. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. daily and close about 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. You must have at least a single day credential in order to be allowed through the gates. Single Day passes, General Admission, Loa VIPs, 3-Day Rites and Camp Voodoo credentials are all available on Voodoo’s website. If you are traveling in from out of town, you can choose among more than 25 hotels around New Orleans that offer special Voodoo accommodation rates. You can also rent one of my studios on Airbnb.
Keep in mind that Voodoo is a rain or shine event and you should prepare for such possible weather as wind, rain and hot sunshine. This is one of the most beautiful times of the year in New Orleans, so we hope that you won’t have to worry about extreme weather. There is a Voodoo specific shuttle running between the Hyatt Regency Downtown and City Park. To purchase shuttle tickets, you can visit this website. If you choose to drive, parking is available throughout the area and at various prices. If you park illegally, you will be ticket, booted, or towed. You are also able to commute to City Park on the Canal Street car and other public transportation or by private services like taxis and Uber.
Who are the Voodoo Musical Acts and Artists in 2014?
Some of America’s most popular musical acts will be gracing the stages this year, including Outkast, Slayer, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pretty Lights and the Foo Fighters, while local bands include: Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Flow Tribe, The Revivalists, Big Freedia, Honey Island Swamp Band, and the Soul Rebels. There are four stages daily so you will have the opportunity to meander from stage to stage checking out the music of your choice.
In addition to the music, there will be some amazing artists presenting their work at the entire festival. Look out for the Cone V2, Face Forward, Tarantula, Fledgling, Passage and Tensiles by Jamin. This contemporary art will be some of the most unique and extraordinary pieces you’ll see today.
What Else Can You Find at Voodoo Fest?
Food! New Orleans is known for its tremendous array of food options, and Voodoo Fest will not disappoint. Expect food stands from places such as Antonio’s, Bigfellas Eatery and Gazebo, Bratz Y’all!, Café Navarre, Crepes a la Cart, Mona’s Café, Nelson’s Creole Cuisine, Nola Pho Life, Woody’s Fish Tacos and more. You’ll be sure to find a food choice to your liking at reasonable prices. The Marketplace will offer art from local to international artists, fashion, jewelry, artisan crafts and more.
The Do’s and Don’t of Voodoo Fest 2014
As with any New Orleans festival or event, you should make sure you follow any rules or regulations put out by the event planners. Voodoo offers lockers that you can rent for the day or the weekend, so you are allowed to bring:
- Small, soft backpacks & purses
- Collapsible, soft folding chairs (like camping chairs)
- Blankets
- Small flashlights
- Beach towels
- Flags
- Empty camelbaks
- Sunscreen – but no aerosol cans
What should you absolutely not bring to Voodoo Fest?
- Weapons of any kind
- Fireworks or explosives
- Drugs and drug paraphanelia
- Eyedrops
- Framed backpacks
- Kites
- Coolers
- Umbrellas
- Audio recording devices
- Video cameras
- Professional cameras and long lenses
- Tents
- Pets or animals
And, there are no unauthorized vendors or solicitation of flyers, samples or giveaways allowed on the premises.
For more information about Halloween weekend in New Orleans, please refer to last year’s blog: Halloween in the Big Easy.
What if I Get Arrested at Voodoo?
If you are arrested or caught bringing in a prohibited item through the gates, then you should follow the instructions of security and law enforcement, retain your right to silence as anything you say might be used against you in a court of law, and call a local and experienced New Orleans criminal defense attorney immediately. Crescent City Law is highly experienced and professional when it comes to festival goers getting in trouble with the law or security. Please call at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail us here. We are available nights, weekends and off-site to meet with you for a free initial consultation.
