Anything to know about live House of Blues all ages shows?

Question

Hi everybody,

My family got complimentary tickets (just paying the Ticketmaster fees) to a live all ages show at the House of Blues in May. I know it's almost entirely a standing room only venue (and I believe these are the tickets we'll get - we get them officially 3 days prior, so I don't 100% know). And I know we pretty much can't take anything in. Is there anything else I need to know? Is there anything worth seeing other than the concert while we're there? Is there any reason to be there at door open vs right before the show, especially if we are there to enjoy the unique New Orleans live music experience and aren't (yet) huge fans of the act? Do I need to eat there for front of the line, or does front of the line not matter (aka, the back of the room isn't that bad and the wait in line, especially if you arrive later, isn't that bad)?

I did a House of Blues search, but most of the posts were pretty old and not quite on point.

PS - The family is pretty excited for the concert. Now to decide if we'll still also do a Preservation Hall evening b/c we'll be there long enough to do both.

Answer

It sounds like you're in for a great time at the House of Blues! Here’s some useful information to help you make the most of the experience and ensure a smooth night.

1. Standing Room Only: House of Blues New Orleans is primarily a standing room venue, and it can get crowded, especially for all-ages shows. Since you don’t know yet if you’ll have standing room tickets or reserved seating, it’s a good idea to arrive a little earlier just in case you have to secure your spot in the standing area. Being close to the stage might not be a priority if you're not already familiar with the band, but the view from the back of the room is still decent, and you'll have more space to move around.

2. Timing: There’s no major need to be there right when the doors open unless you want to be near the front. If you're just there to soak in the experience and enjoy the vibe, it’s totally fine to arrive closer to showtime. You may miss out on getting a great spot right up front, but the atmosphere in the House of Blues is usually electric, and even if you're at the back, you’ll still be able to enjoy the music. The lines outside aren’t typically too long, so don’t feel pressure to get there super early.

3. Front of the Line and Dining: While eating at the House of Blues won’t necessarily guarantee you front-of-the-line access, it can help with convenience if you’re looking to grab a bite before the show. The restaurant has a solid menu with Southern-inspired comfort food, so it’s a good idea if you want to enjoy a meal before heading into the venue. However, if you’re not planning to eat, arriving a little later is perfectly fine. There isn’t usually a huge line for general admission, but getting there earlier will allow you to get your preferred spot if you want to be closer to the stage.

4. Other Things to See: While you’re at the House of Blues, you’ll be right near the heart of the French Quarter, so there’s a lot to see nearby. If you have some time before or after the show, here are some places worth checking out:

Frenchmen Street: Known for its live music and bars, it’s a great place to get into the local music scene.
Jackson Square: A historic area in the French Quarter with street artists and musicians.
The Shops at the House of Blues: If you’re in the mood for some souvenirs, there’s a cool shop inside with New Orleans-themed merchandise.

5. Preservation Hall vs. House of Blues: Both venues offer amazing New Orleans music experiences, but they provide different vibes. Preservation Hall is all about intimate, traditional jazz performances, so if you’re looking for a quintessential New Orleans jazz experience, it’s highly recommended. On the other hand, House of Blues tends to feature a variety of music genres, so it’s more of a contemporary live music venue. If your schedule allows, you could do both—Preservation Hall for the intimate jazz and the House of Blues for a fun, energetic live concert vibe. If you’re already attending a show at the House of Blues, it might be a nice balance to check out Preservation Hall later in the evening for a different musical experience.

6. What to Bring: As you mentioned, there are strict policies about what you can bring into the venue. You’ll likely be asked to leave large bags or anything that could be considered a safety concern at the entrance. So, it’s a good idea to travel light. Also, since it’s standing room only, comfortable shoes are a must!

Enjoy your time at the House of Blues and in New Orleans! It’s such a vibrant city, and the live music scene is something you’ll definitely want to take in while you’re there. If you decide to visit Preservation Hall too, you’ll be getting a well-rounded taste of New Orleans' music history!

Anything to know about live House of Blues all ages shows?

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