Parking at a premium for Jazz Fest

The city warns drivers who intend to park near the Fairgrounds for Jazz Fest, space is limited and parking enforcement will be watching for those who don't follow the rules.

Parking is always a challenge during the two-weekend event.

This year promises to be no different with a huge lineup and a beautiful forecast.

Parking enforcement workers will be out writing tickets all weekend long and tow trucks are ready to haul away any cars that block driveways or fire hydrants.

Many businesses, churches and schools open their lots for festival parking, but the city requires a permit for that.

The cost is $265.25 for commercial properties, $30 for non-profits.

The two weekends of Jazz Fest are big money makers for places like Cabrini High School.

Keith Cavanagh, President of the Cabrini Dads Club says people have been reserving spaces since January.

"This is something that we've been doing for 25 years," he says. "We have developed a relationship with a lot of our guests who come back every year and they enjoy parking with us because of the safe, secure parking area as well as they enjoy the fellowship of all the guys who are supporting the parking."

City officials encourage people to use public transportation if they can.

Shuttle service will run from three locations to the fairgrounds.

You can catch the Jazz Fest Express at the Sheraton, the Steamboat Natchez Dock next to Jax Brewery and City Park.

For more information on the shuttle service, click here.

The city also provided this information on parking and transportation:

Taxi cab stands are located at the Stallings Playground at the corner of Gentilly Boulevard and Lapeyrouse Street and Fortier Park at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Mystery Street.

A pedicab stand is located at Esplanade Avenue and Mystery Street, across from the taxi cab stand.

Parking enforcement personnel will be monitoring for illegal parking, including blocking hydrants, driveways and sidewalks, or parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection or stop signs. Motorists are also reminded to park in the direction of travel on one-way streets, and with the right wheel to the curb on two-way streets.

For more information on parking enforcement, citizens may call:

• Department of Public Works (Parking enforcement and information), (504) 658-8100 (answered 24 hours)

• Information related to Residential Parking Permits, (504) 658-8200

• Pay and release of boot, (504) 658-8083 or 1-877-314-3767

• Information on Ticket/Tow Appeals Hearings: (504) 658-8250

In addition, RTA services, including bus and streetcar service, may be interrupted during this event. Details on any route changes are available at www.norta.com.