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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Louisiana Derby excitement
Fair Grounds Race Course
Best Time
Louisiana Derby excitement

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic New Orleans venue hosting thrilling horse races, the iconic Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a lively casino.
"Come for the music, stay for the people watching...."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Louisiana Derby
Fair Grounds Race Course
Witness the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing at this prestigious Grade II event.

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.

Casino and Slot Machines
Fair Grounds Race Course
Try your luck at the casino, known for generous payouts and a great rewards program.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Fairgrounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:🎶 Embrace the Jazz Fest
Come for the music, stay for the people-watching and incredible food at Jazz Fest.
:musical_note:🍀 Try Your Luck
The casino is known for good payouts; staff are attentive and the rewards program is a plus.
:slot_machine:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:🎶 Embrace the Jazz Fest
Come for the music, stay for the people-watching and incredible food at Jazz Fest.
:musical_note:🍀 Try Your Luck
The casino is known for good payouts; staff are attentive and the rewards program is a plus.
:slot_machine:🍻 Skip Pre-paid Drinks
Pre-paying for drinks might not be worth it as they can be subpar.
:beverage_box:🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Venue
For affordable drinks, walk across the street to the Seahorse Saloon.
:walking:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Orleans has a decent public transportation system, and ride-sharing is readily available. Navigating to the Fair Grounds is generally straightforward.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Some visitors have noted that a $5 fee can be added to admission prices, which can be an annoyance.
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.
🎫 🎡 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.
The Louisiana Derby offers a glamorous atmosphere with thrilling horse races, fashion-forward attendees, and a lively weekend experience.
Yes, the Fair Grounds can be family-friendly, especially during events like the Jazz & Heritage Festival or special family-oriented races.
The venue offers a wide array of food options, particularly during the Jazz & Heritage Festival, which is famous for its diverse culinary offerings.
Absolutely! The Fair Grounds Race Course includes a casino with slot machines, and it's known for having good payouts.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, the Fair Grounds offers dining options on Thanksgiving, and you can even purchase VIP tickets for a special lunch experience.
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.
Some visitors have found the pre-paid drinks to be of poor quality. It's often recommended to explore other options.
For more affordable and delicious drinks, consider walking across the street to the Seahorse Saloon.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, capturing the action of the horses during races is a popular photographic pursuit. Be mindful of safety and any restricted areas.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits, especially during large festivals. Always check event-specific rules.
The diverse music stages, colorful art displays, and the sheer energy of the attendees make Jazz Fest a photographer's dream.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at large public venues like the Fair Grounds, especially during events, for safety and privacy reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
🥂 Couples and Date Nights
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Thoroughbred Racing
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.
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.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza
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.
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.
Casino Fun and Gaming
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit