Fair Grounds Race Course - a group of people standing around a field
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Fair Grounds Race Course

4.3
·3k reviews·New Orleans, United States

Historic New Orleans venue hosting thrilling horse races, the iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a lively casino.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late March

Louisiana Derby excitement

CrowdHigh
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Fair Grounds Race Course - a group of people standing around a field

Fair Grounds Race Course

Best Time

Late March

Louisiana Derby excitement

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic New Orleans venue hosting thrilling horse races, the iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a lively casino.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Come for the music, stay for the people watching...."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book VIP for Thanksgiving

Consider VIP tickets for Thanksgiving lunch and races; they offer a premium experience. :ticket:

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

For events like the Louisiana Derby, dressing up is part of the fun! :dress:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Louisiana Derby

Louisiana Derby

Fair Grounds Race Course

Witness the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing at this prestigious Grade II event.

Instagram+1
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Fair Grounds Race Course

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of music, food, and art with diverse genres and performers.

Reddit+1
Casino and Slot Machines

Casino and Slot Machines

Fair Grounds Race Course

Try your luck at the casino, known for generous payouts and a great rewards program.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Consider visiting during the Louisiana Derby in late March for thrilling horse races, or plan for the Jazz & Heritage Festival for a vibrant cultural immersion. Thanksgiving offers a unique blend of horse racing and festive dining, but book VIP tickets early if you want a premium experience. Reddit

Navigating the Fairgrounds

The Fair Grounds Race Course is a sprawling venue. For the Jazz & Heritage Festival, shuttle services are available, though they can experience delays. For horse racing, dress to impress, especially for events like the Louisiana Derby. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Late March
Why
Louisiana Derby excitement
Crowd
High
When
Late April/Early May
Why
Jazz Fest vibes
Crowd
High
When
Thanksgiving Day
Why
Unique racing & dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Lilibeth Alberto tips for the ren faire! 🧚‍♂️🏰⚔️🍄✨ #renfaire #renaissancefaire #renaissancepleasurefaire #fantasy #cosplay #renaissancefestival
@brookenobi
47.7K likes • 615.5K views

🎯 Book VIP for Thanksgiving

Consider VIP tickets for Thanksgiving lunch and races; they offer a premium experience. Reddit :ticket:

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

For events like the Louisiana Derby, dressing up is part of the fun! Instagram :dress:

Replying to @Red 3 tips for making your first #renfaire or #renfest tip a success
@jacqueszewhipper
36.8K likes • 259.6K views
El fin de semana en el #louisianaderby 🐎Un día lleno de carreras, clima y #outfits perfectos!👒 Mi nuevo amigo (El caballo) se llama “Rojo” y también le fascina el dulce!🤣 @fairgroundsnola #caballos #derby #fairgroundsracecourse #fairground #louisiana #neworleans #nolalife #carreras #horserace #horseracing #weekend #blogger #lifestyle #deportes #derbyday #louisianaculture
carolinecheverry
26 likes • 614 views

🎶 Embrace the Jazz Fest

Come for the music, stay for the people-watching and incredible food at Jazz Fest. Reddit :musical_note:

🍀 Try Your Luck

The casino is known for good payouts; staff are attentive and the rewards program is a plus. Reddit :slot_machine:

Spend the day with me at the New Orleans Fairgrounds for the Louisiana Derby! The Louisiana Derby is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Run in late March, the race is open to horses, age three, willing to race 1+3⁄16 miles on the dirt. It currently offers a purse of $1,000,000 and is one of the major prep races on th...
joslynj_equestrian
46 likes • 722 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book VIP for Thanksgiving

Consider VIP tickets for Thanksgiving lunch and races; they offer a premium experience. Reddit :ticket:

🎩 Dress for the Occasion

For events like the Louisiana Derby, dressing up is part of the fun! Instagram :dress:

🎶 Embrace the Jazz Fest

Come for the music, stay for the people-watching and incredible food at Jazz Fest. Reddit :musical_note:

🍀 Try Your Luck

The casino is known for good payouts; staff are attentive and the rewards program is a plus. Reddit :slot_machine:

🍻 Skip Pre-paid Drinks

Pre-paying for drinks might not be worth it as they can be subpar. Reddit :beverage_box:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Venue

For affordable drinks, walk across the street to the Seahorse Saloon. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Fair Grounds Race Course for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and its generous casino payouts. While some find admission fees and drink quality disappointing, the overall experience is often described as memorable and enjoyable, with many eager to return for future events.

"Lenny was there, playing some fabulous tunes at Jazz Fest 2025—music and food everywhere! Such a memorable moment. The 2026 date got locked in just the day before. Now I’m curious about the Monterey Jazz Fest in September… but honestly, I really hope to come back here again."

Shinji Hayashi

"Not here for horse racing, here for Jazzfest. This is a great environment for live music, good food and art of all kinds. We have been attending for more than 25 years for me and 33 for my husband. Many genres of music. Come for the music, stay for the people watching...."

Julie Conner

"I love the fairgrounds, they have some of the best machines and the highest percentage when it comes to customers actually winning. I've been gambling for 20 years and I hit the grand jackpot at Fairgrounds race course and Casino. The staff there is amazing and try their hardest to make sure that you're taking care of and they also have a great rewards program. I would suggest it if you were going to gamble in Louisiana."

Brandon Fryer

What People Like

Incredible Jazz Fest atmosphere
Generous casino payouts
Diverse music and food

What People Dislike

Admission fees
Subpar pre-paid drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fair Grounds Race Course is located in New Orleans. Public transportation options are available, and for major events like the Jazz & Heritage Festival, shuttle services are provided from various points in the city. TikTokReddit

Parking is generally available at the Fair Grounds, especially for regular racing days. For large events, it's advisable to check the specific event's website for parking information and potential fees. TikTok

During the Jazz & Heritage Festival, shuttle services are a popular option. While they can get crowded, they offer a convenient way to reach the venue. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a common way to get to and from the Fair Grounds Race Course, especially for events. Instagram

New Orleans has a decent public transportation system, and ride-sharing is readily available. Navigating to the Fair Grounds is generally straightforward. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the event. Regular horse racing admission is typically affordable, while major festivals like Jazz Fest or events like the Louisiana Derby will have higher ticket prices. Reddit+1

For regular horse racing days, you can usually purchase tickets at the gate. However, for special events like the Louisiana Derby, advance purchase is highly recommended. Instagram

Yes, for the Jazz & Heritage Festival, there are often different ticket options, including general admission and premium packages like 'The Big Chief' ticket, which offers many perks. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that a $5 fee can be added to admission prices, which can be an annoyance. Reddit

For most events, tickets can be purchased on the day, but for high-demand festivals or races, it's safer to buy in advance to guarantee entry. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

Beyond horse racing, the Fair Grounds hosts the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, features a casino with slot machines, and offers various special events throughout the year, including exotic animal races. Reddit+1

The Louisiana Derby offers a glamorous atmosphere with thrilling horse races, fashion-forward attendees, and a lively weekend experience. Instagram+1

Yes, the Fair Grounds can be family-friendly, especially during events like the Jazz & Heritage Festival or special family-oriented races. Reddit

The venue offers a wide array of food options, particularly during the Jazz & Heritage Festival, which is famous for its diverse culinary offerings. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The Fair Grounds Race Course includes a casino with slot machines, and it's known for having good payouts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Fair Grounds offers a diverse range of food, especially during the Jazz & Heritage Festival, which is a culinary highlight. You can find everything from classic fair food to gourmet options. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Fair Grounds offers dining options on Thanksgiving, and you can even purchase VIP tickets for a special lunch experience. Reddit

While the casino itself is focused on gaming, the broader Fair Grounds venue offers extensive food choices. Specific dining within the casino area may vary. Reddit

Some visitors have found the pre-paid drinks to be of poor quality. It's often recommended to explore other options. Reddit

For more affordable and delicious drinks, consider walking across the street to the Seahorse Saloon. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For horse racing, the track itself and the grandstands offer dynamic shots. During Jazz Fest, the vibrant crowds, stages, and art installations provide endless photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Yes, capturing the action of the horses during races is a popular photographic pursuit. Be mindful of safety and any restricted areas. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits, especially during large festivals. Always check event-specific rules. TikTok

The diverse music stages, colorful art displays, and the sheer energy of the attendees make Jazz Fest a photographer's dream. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at large public venues like the Fair Grounds, especially during events, for safety and privacy reasons. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Fair Grounds Race Course can be a fun outing for families, especially during events like the Jazz & Heritage Festival or specific family-friendly races. The venue offers a lively atmosphere with diverse entertainment, including music and food that can appeal to various ages. Reddit

For a unique family experience, consider attending during the Thanksgiving holiday, which often features special races and a festive environment. While the casino is present, families can focus on the racing, festival activities, and food to create enjoyable memories. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

While major festivals like Jazz Fest can be pricey, regular horse racing days at the Fair Grounds are generally more budget-friendly. Admission is often affordable, and you can enjoy the atmosphere and betting without breaking the bank. Reddit

To save on expenses, consider the food and drink situation: while the venue offers variety, some items can be overpriced or of lower quality. Exploring nearby options like the Seahorse Saloon for drinks can be a smart move. Reddit

🥂 Couples and Date Nights

The Fair Grounds offers a unique setting for a date night, whether it's the glamour of the Louisiana Derby or a relaxed evening at the casino. The thrill of horse racing or the chance to win big at the slots can create an exciting shared experience. InstagramReddit

For a more cultural date, attending the Jazz & Heritage Festival provides a vibrant backdrop with live music and delicious food, perfect for a romantic or fun-filled outing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of Thoroughbred Racing

The Fair Grounds Race Course is steeped in horse racing history, hosting iconic events like the Louisiana Derby. This Grade II race, run annually in late March, is a significant stop on the road to the Triple Crown for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Visitors can experience the electric atmosphere of race day, from the thunder of hooves to the cheers of the crowd. Instagram+1

Beyond the Derby, the Fair Grounds offers regular racing seasons, providing opportunities to witness the sport's elegance and excitement. For those new to racing, understanding the basics of betting can add to the fun, though it's always wise to bet responsibly. The venue provides a classic racetrack experience, complete with grandstands and betting windows. Reddit

When attending a race day, consider the dress code, which can range from casual to quite formal, especially for prestigious events. Many visitors enjoy dressing up, making it a social occasion as well as a sporting one. Instagram

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza

The Fair Grounds Race Course transforms into a vibrant hub for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, affectionately known as Jazz Fest. This multi-day event is a cornerstone of New Orleans culture, celebrating a vast spectrum of musical genres, from traditional jazz and blues to rock, funk, and gospel. It's not just about the music; Jazz Fest is equally renowned for its incredible food offerings, showcasing authentic Louisiana cuisine, and its extensive display of local arts and crafts. Reddit

Attendees often describe Jazz Fest as an immersive experience, highlighting the diverse performers and the palpable sense of community. The sheer scale of the festival means there's always something new to discover, whether it's a legendary musician on one of the many stages or a unique culinary delight. The venue's expansive grounds are perfectly suited to accommodate the festival's massive crowds and numerous attractions. Reddit+1

For those looking to enhance their festival experience, premium ticket options like 'The Big Chief' ticket offer exclusive perks, making the event even more memorable. Despite occasional logistical hiccups like shuttle delays, the overwhelming sentiment is one of joy and a strong desire to return year after year. Reddit

Casino Fun and Gaming

For those seeking a different kind of excitement, the Fair Grounds Race Course features a casino equipped with a wide array of slot machines. This gaming floor is a popular draw, offering visitors a chance to try their luck and potentially hit a jackpot. Reddit

Many patrons praise the casino for its generous payouts and the attentive service provided by the staff. The venue also boasts a rewarding loyalty program, encouraging repeat visits and offering benefits to its members. It's a place where both casual players and seasoned gamblers can find entertainment. Reddit

While the casino offers a distinct experience from the horse racing or festivals, it adds another layer of entertainment to the Fair Grounds, making it a versatile destination for various interests. Reddit

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