NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Local clubs and bars are preparing for crowds as Jazz Fest brings visitors to New Orleans over the next two weekends.
Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company said first-weekend numbers are strong, with 95% hotel occupancy on Saturday night.
“Just about every night, it will be stronger in 2026 than it was in 2025,” Schulz said.
And with the festival ending in the early evening, local businesses are preparing for nightlife crowds.
Ginger Stewart manages Bamboula’s on Frenchmen Street. She said the streets fill with people visiting shops, restaurants and bars.
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“Things get pretty busy and hectic,” Stewart said.
Stewart said she has already seen the influx begin with French Quarter Fest last weekend.
“They got the streets blocked off... lots of people on the street... almost kind of like Mardi Gras, and everybody’s gearing up,” Stewart said. “They’re gearing up and ready to go for this.”
Howie Kaplan, who owns The Howlin’ Wolf, said the boost is important ahead of slow summers for local businesses. He said he has seen people come from as far as Japan and Germany.
“It’s fantastic that they all realize how important it is,” he said. “Coming off of French Quarter Fest and the hundreds of thousands of people... this is the engine that drives not just the city but the state.”
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Schulz said she hopes the expected success is proof of good marketing of the city.
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