Frequently Asked Questions

The Krewe of Black & Gold is a 501(c)(3) organization founded exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to honor the rich culture and traditions of New Orleans and Louisiana.

Are you following our event page on Facebook yet? Please let us know you are coming, and if you’re so inclined, let us know from what city you’re traveling to join us! It’s also the best way to ensure you have the most current information.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO PASSED DURING THE COVID-19 SHUTDOWNS.

So many of us lost loved ones during the pandemic when funerals were restricted. This event provides an opportunity for saying goodbye via an authentic New Orleans funeral. You are welcome to wear t-shirts or bring mementos honoring your loved ones as part of the procession. We will ask those who are mourning losses to take their place behind the brass band as part of the first line.

HONOREE CHECK-IN.

This event was created to provide an opportunity for the public to celebrate your service to the community. When you arrive at Reunion Shelter, please check in at the Front Line Workers table to receive a black wristband designating you as an honoree. This includes healthcare workers and supporting staff, first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, elected officials and government employees, waste management teams, utility linemen and other essential employees, faith-based and community service organizations and volunteers, and the media who worked tirelessly to keep us informed. Your wristband provides attendees an opportunity to be recognized with gratitude. Please join the Second Line following those grieving their losses.

WHERE WILL THE PROCESSION BE HELD?

The Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line will be held on the walking trail circling the City Park’s Festival Grounds. Guests should enter near the Reunion Shelter, 4 Friedrichs Avenue.

IS PARKING AVAILABLE?

Parking within City Park is limited, and ride sharing is encouraged. Public transportation is available via New Orleans RTA bus line and the Canal-City Park streetcar line, or attendees may arrive via bicycle, taxi or private car services. In order to ensure pedestrian safety and passenger drop-off opportunities, Friedrichs Avenue will be split from 2 to 6 pm with one lane serving as a pedestrian walkway for park entry at Reunion Shelter, and the second lane serving as a one-way lane for vehicular traffic with dropoff available near the Reunion Shelter entry, exiting the park at Wisner Blvd. The Reunion Shelter Parking lot is reserved for event staff, performing culture bearers and service providers.

IS THERE AN ADMISSION FEE?

The event is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of grantors, sponsors and those who wish to support this effort via Krewe of Black and Gold memberships. The Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line is presented in partnership with the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, with support from New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and New Orleans Entertainment Coalition.

Only 500 Krewe of Black & Gold Founding Memberships are available, starting at only $25, with VIP Founding Memberships available for $50. For additional information, click here. For information about sponsorship opportunities, click here.

WHAT TIME CAN GUESTS ARRIVE?

Attendees are welcome to arrive as early as 3 pm. The procession will begin at 4 pm.

WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT END?

The procession will begin at City Park’s Reunion Shelter and will proceed along the one-mile walking trail circling the Festival Grounds. The procession will disband as participants arrive back at Reunion Shelter (approximately one hour in total, or a little more, because we’ll be sauntering, New Orleans style.)

WILL CONCESSIONS BE AVAILABLE?

Bottled water and snacks will be available for purchase with 100% of proceeds benefiting Ozone Music Foundation/Ozone Songwriters Festival, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, nurturing and empowering those who create, perform and enjoy original music. (How perfect is that?) No alcohol will be served at this event.

ARE VENDING OPPORTUNTIES AVAILABLE?

Other than the concessions being offered by Ozone Music Foundation, no additional vending opportunities are available.

WHAT IF IT RAINS? 

It looks like we’re in for a sunny weekend! This is a good thing, because events in City Park are generally held rain or shine. We are closely monitoring the weather and in the event the forecast changes, we will work to adjust the event starting time to circumvent that weather. If it looks like a light spring shower is in order, please bring your second line umbrella and join the procession.

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING? 

No outside ice chests, please. This event is about an hour long, and your thirst will help support local musicians, so be sure to stay hydrated! Beyond that, with sunshine predicted, you may want to bring sunscreen and a hat. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes for the walking trails. If you’re coming representing a group, you are welcome to wear uniforms or matching shirts, but please leave banners and signs at home.

WHERE CAN WE FIND EVENT UPDATES?

Please see updates on our News page and via our Facebook page.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?

In order to ensure the safety of all attendees and the smooth flow of this procession, we request that pets not be brought to this event.

ARE MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED?

No vehicles (other than motorized wheelchairs) are allowed on the City Park Festival Grounds trail.

KREWE OF BLACK & GOLD FOUNDING MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Only 500 Founding Memberships are available. Memberships start at $25 for Founding Membership or $50 for VIP Founding Membership. Both include Founding Member gifts plus an opportunity to post online dedications for loved ones lost or messages of gratitude for recovery workers. For information about membership and benefits, click here.

Your membership donations are invaluable toward helping our non-profit organization cover the event production costs, including performance fees for the brass band, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and Mardi Gras Indians, plus City Park rental fees, law enforcement/security detail, city permits and related event expenses.

Krewe of Black & Gold Founding Memberships make great gifts! If you’re planning to gift memberships, a printable gift certificate is available on the confirmation page after your purchase is completed.

SPIRIT OF LOUISIANA SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorships for the Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line range from $500 to $25,000. For more information about support of this event, click here.