New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Before entering the gates of the Fair Grounds, festivalgoers were welcomed by ambitious entrepreneurs. These street vendors have been a fixture outside the Jazz Fest for decades.

If you're heading to the festival this year, here are a few things to know—from the music and food lineups, to parking, what you can bring and more.

Music legend Herb Alpert talks to us about how he received a big break from New Orleans icon Al Hirt as well as his first appearance at the Jazz and…