Get on the planning committee. For every event in New Orleans, there is a planning committee taking care of every detail to help the event go off without a hitch and be fun for all who attend. Visit the festival website and contact them for information on how to get involved with the planning committee.
Fill out a volunteer application. The site also provides information on applying to be a volunteer at the event. You need to get this application in as early as possible, as planning for the next year starts immediately after the event. There are also pre-festival opportunities to be involved as a volunteer.
Help a vendor. If you know someone who is a vendor at the New Orleans Jazz Fest event, offer to help in their booth or food cart. This is a great way to volunteer at the event if you don't get chosen for a volunteer position by the festival committee.
Offer to work with a band. There are many bands and performers in attendance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and it takes a lot of work and many hands to set up everything they need. If you know one of the performers or have contacts with them, offer your services.