Buku Music Art Project
BUKU Music + Art Project is a dynamic musical event that you will want to experience on your next RV trip to the City of New Orleans.
Event information
BUKU Music + Art Project is a music and cultural festival that takes place annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras World located along the majestic Mississippi River serves as the venue for the event. It is close to the famous French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
The festival was started in 2012 by Winter Circle Productions as a way to showcase great live music and the local underground arts community. The organizers make every effort to promote a low-key house-party vibe by keeping the festival relatively small.
BUKU showcases many different genres of music, like electronic dance, indie rock, and hip hop. Some of the artists who have performed at the festival in the past include RL Grime, Purity Ring, Illenium, Travis Scott, TV on the Radio, Porter Robinson, A Day to Remember, Explosions in the Sky, MGMT, Earl Sweatshirt, and A$AP Rocky.
Performances and activities are spread out over two days. Several unique, themed stages are set up all over the venue like the Wharf Stage, the Float Den, The Power Plant, and the Ballroom. In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy delicious food, local art, and a number of pop-up street performances.
Tickets
You can choose between General Admission, General Admission +, VIP, VIP 21+, and TOO BUKU VIP tickets. All the tickets are for both days of the festival. Single-day passes may be sold closer to the event date. Prices range from $100 for the single-day General Admission Tickets to several thousand dollars for the full VIP experience.
Guests must be over the age of 17 to attend the event. Check the official festival website for more information on tickets and pricing. You can also sign up for the mailing list to get notified as soon as tickets become available.
Explore Buku Music Art Project RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Driving in New Orleans can be challenging because of the large number of narrow, one-way streets. It might be desirable to park your rig elsewhere and get to the event using public transportation. Situated just west of the Mississippi River, the BUKU Music + Art Project takes place near the Business Route for US-Route 90. Bridges may be closed for repairs or maintenance, so be sure to check if any road alerts have been issued via the Louisiana Department of Transportation or 511 services.
Parking areas
Finding a parking spot in the area may be tricky for vehicles of all sizes, particularly on the days of the event. Paid parking will be available close to the venue at lots operated by The New Orleans Convention Center. There are a limited number of spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis. So may sure you get there early and note the parking needs for your rig, trailer, or tow vehicle.
Public Transportation
You can reach the festival venue by hopping on a bus. Or hitch a ride on the streetcar which is a quintessential New Orleans experience by itself. Many people choose to get around on foot because of the city's flat terrain. You can also reach the site using a taxi or rideshare service to and from the event.
Where to stay
Onsite
It's not possible to camp on the festival grounds. Choose from one of the many campsites and RV parks nearby in the New Orleans area.
Nearby
You'll find a number of RV parks in the historic French Quarter which is walking distance from the festival venue. Some are conveniently located right off the Interstate 10, and others come with waterfront access. Campers are likely to find options within a 15 to 30-minute drive of the BUKU Music + Art Project site.
These also have facilities like full hook-ups, cable TV, showers, pool access, and onsite convenience stores. Water lovers may also appreciate looking near Lake Ponchartrain or one of the smaller lakes in the area. National forests in the area may also be your new favorite home near New Orleans.
Getting around
Personal motorized vehicles, hoverboards, skateboards, Segways, scooters, or bicycles will not be allowed within the venue. You'll need to get around on foot. ADA approved devices such as motorized wheelchairs will be permitted. The festival grounds are ADA accessible. The organizers can be contacted directly for any specific requests or information.
What to pack
Clothing
BUKU has the vibe of a large warehouse party. So go dressed to stand out in your favorite colorful and creative attire. You'll see quite a few guests going all out with elaborate costumes and face paint. It is a good idea to protect your feet with closed-toe shoes since you're likely to be walking quite a bit.
Gear
Carry a few essentials like hand wipes, sunscreen, a portable charger, earplugs, and a hat with you to the festival. Make sure none of your products are packaged in glass or aerosol containers since these will not be permitted into the venue. Lawn chairs, patio chairs, or any type of inflatable seating will not be allowed.
Health & Safety
Free filtered water stations will be scattered throughout the venue, and drinking water will also be sold in some locations of the festival. Stay hydrated and enjoy a few festival treats to keep your energy up. Guests must be over the age of 21 to consume alcohol, and there is a limit of two drinks per order.
Where to eat
Cooking
Many campgrounds in the region permit campfires as long as they are contained within a fire ring and supervised at all times. You may also be allowed to cook on a portable grill. Remember to fill your the tanks in your camper and stock up on a few kitchen basics. Since many of the RV parks have onsite convenience stores, you'll easily be able to pick up groceries and other essentials.
Restaurants
New Orleans has a strong culinary identity and for a good reason. Travelers can enjoy some truly delicious food and drinks in the city. Be sure to dine at some of the world-famous bars and restaurants in the French Quarter. Gumbo, oysters, po' boys, beignets, and muffulettas are must-tries for any food lover.
Vendors
Guests will encounter so much more than the usual festival fare at the BUKU Music + Art Project. Food and beverages from some of the top restaurants and caterers in the city will be sold at the festival. There will also be several bars where alcoholic drinks will be available. A ton of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be on offer as well.
Safety
Security
Security officers will be present at the venue, and all bags will be checked before entry. Re-entry is only allowed for guests holding VIP passes. General Admission and General Admission + ticket holders will not be able to enter and exit as they please. BUKU retains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of any kind. Guests are asked to follow the festival's Safe Space Policy which seeks to provide safety for all guests.
Weather
The weather in New Orleans can be quite unpredictable in March. So go prepared with a rain poncho in case there are sudden showers. The temperature tends to get chilly at night, so it's a good idea to carry a lightweight jacket. BUKU Music + Art Project will take place, rain or shine.
Medical
There will be a first aid center onsite where festival guests can get medical attention and information. You can also flag down one of the staff members if you need help. Every effort will be made to accommodate patrons with disabilities. The festival organizers can be contacted directly for any special requests. Medical center and pharmacy options can be visited within a 10-mile drive in several directions, often along Interstate 10.
