Get the assignment. To cover the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, you must have an assignment from a publication. This is required to get a press pass and you will need to prove your assignment.
Mail credentials and proof of assignment. Mail a letter of assignment from the editor, a copy of the publication and the days you are planning to cover, along with your complete contact information to the press contact on the website for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Follow up. Contact the press office for follow up with any questions or concerns about press coverage. They will issue a press pass that will allow you to get into the festival and into areas most festival goers are not allowed. Make sure to get all the guidelines beforehand to avoid a problem at the festival that could potentially damage your and your publication's reputation.
Arrive a day early. Though you won't be allowed on site a day early, arriving early will make travel and hotel accommodations easier. Being there early will also allow you to get comfortable with the area and a chance to talk to some of the locals about the festival.