After two weekends of food, art, mud, and a lot of music, the Fair Grounds are closed to fest goers. Here are some festival highlights to scroll through as you reminisce about this year's Jazz Fest. 

JazzFest is closing out on Cinco de Mayo, so store up some energy for some Latin Funk after your fest. George Clinton is taking the House of Blues stage with DJ Soul Sister, Dumpstapunk is celebrating their 25th year, and Blue Nile is keeping is funky but better. Click through for what to do after the fairgrounds. 

Close out your Jazz Fest with Trombone Shorty! All day long, enjoy a free festival with Quintron and Helen Gillet, see Los Po-Boy-Citos on Freret, and catch the last night of giant puppets! On this day in 1713, Antoine Cadillac was appointed Spanish Governor of Louisiana. Now, more to do this Sunday. 

Mud slides and small ponds won't be the only things to avoid at Fest on the Second Friday. With today's opening pushed back until noon, you'll also want to steer clear of missing an act that will be talked about all year. From Eastern European Blues to Black American Music, here's 5 picks to check out before the headliners:

If you leave the Fest early this Friday, head to Octavia Books and hear Augusten Burroughs, or take the kids to New Orleans’ Giant Puppet Festival. On this day in 1995, the Neville Brothers, the Dixie Cups, Allen Toussaint, and Professor Longhair were inducted into the New Orleans Musical Walk of Fame. Now, more to do this rainy JazzFest Friday. Stay with NoDef for complete after dark events coverage. 

A year after defending the tents in his first Jazzfest as a new dad, Brad Rhines returns to the Fair Grounds for more adventures in parenting.

Rain won’t keep revelers from the Fairgrounds today, but pack a poncho if you're looking to stay dry. The chance of precipitation jumps to 70 percent by 4pm, and the forecast says the skies will stay open through Patti Smith. However, the temperature should hover around 74 degrees all day, so there’s no need for a jacket. Don’t wear fancy shoes, and white clothes are also not recommended. Click through for up-to-date weather. 

Jazz Fest starts up again today! If you’re in the mood for something a little less crowded, Kermit Ruffins is playing Armstrong Park, and the Botanical Gardens in City Park are hosting some Latin beats. On this day in 1964, the Dixie Cups’ “Going to the Chapel” entered the Billboard R&B chart. Now, more ways to kick off your second Jazz Fest weekend. Check back for after dark events.

Unlike other major music events, festing on the Fair Grounds can be a leisurely affair. Less aggressive than Mardi Gras camper outers, JazzFest regulars come with equipment small enough to swing around their shoulders as they enter the gates.

The unimpeded traffic will be clogging up the streets during JazzFest, and turning Bayou St. John's Alcee Fortier Park into a triangular taxi stand. But in the days before the Fest, the park at Grand Route St. John, Esplanade and Mystery will be full of sounds that will repeat themselves inside the Fair Grounds.