One thing that's tough to escape at the Jazz Fest is the existence of crowds; people will throng to the stages, the toilets and the food stands. You can make life easier for yourself, though, by checking when certain star performers are playing at the Fest. When the bulk of people are drawn towards these acts, you'll find other queues elsewhere are shorter, while the more people who are getting food, at lunch for example, the less likely the areas near the stages are of being packed.
You'll want to dress appropriately for any kind of weather, and that means bringing a few items which will prepare you for adverse conditions. An umbrella and old --- but sturdy --- shoes will be useful in the advent of rainfall, while a hot sun requires plenty of sunscreen and a wise choice of hat, the bigger the better. Remember that the event itself affords you little shelter from the elements, as noted by CNN Travel, making such items near essential.
Take time to check out the range of artists scheduled to perform before the event itself. You'll want to head to the Jazz Fest website and browse the schedule of who's playing when and where during the event; doing this ahead of time minimizes your chances of missing out, or possibly worse, trying to get to a certain stage at the last minute only to find your way impossibly blocked by hundreds of milling fest attendees. Remember to investigate smaller stages for local acts that might surprise you, as well as watching the headliners.
Another aspect of being adequately prepared for Jazz Fest centers on bringing enough cash to ensure you're not dashing out to get more. Not only will you need to buy tickets, you'll want funds for a souvenir poster or shirt. You'll also want to keep from going hungry or thirsty, so remember that food and drink adds up, too.
If the weather is against you --- either because it's raining or because it's far too hot --- you'll want to look for refuge in the grandstands. This particular part of the Jazz Fest offers air conditioning as well as a roof, making it useful in adverse weather. You'll also find plenty to do at this venue; for instance, you can check out some live music as well as some artwork. The grandstands tend not to get overcrowded, which can come in handy if you need the restroom.