Good questions

Nope. Pickleball is part of the weekend, not the main event. Plenty of people will be there for the food, the drinks, the city, and the company, and watching is half the fun. Everyone gets the same ticket and the same full weekend.

As competitive as you want it to be. There'll be some friendly competition and a few moments of competitive play sprinkled through the weekend, but nobody's chasing a trophy. We're here for a good time.

Absolutely. Lots of people will. The whole weekend is set up so you'll meet people fast through the welcome crawfish boil, the courts, and the nights out. Come alone, leave with a crew.

Guests of any age are welcome, and everyone needs their own ticket. Drinks are included, so you'll need a valid ID to be served, and some evening plans may be 21+. Much of the weekend happens at bars, shows, and late dinners, so if you bring kids, plan for those parts. Honestly, this one might be a good excuse to book a sitter.

Exchange and SPF members get first access to tickets during the member presale starting October 19. Exchange members also get first access to individual pickleball events throughout the weekend.

Yes! Buy as many tickets as you need in one go, then email us each guest's name and contact info so we can transfer their tickets to them.

Not at this time. Tickets are for the full weekend and paid in full at purchase.

Spots are limited, so we'd grab one early.

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable, but you can transfer your ticket to someone else up to 14 days before the festival. Just email us their name and contact info.

If we have to cancel the festival, we'll refund your ticket in full. Since plans can change, we'd recommend travel insurance to cover your trip.

• All drinks at The Exchange, all weekend
• Pickleball at The Exchange, all weekend
• Welcome crawfish boil at The Exchange
• Two dinners out on the town in New Orleans
• A daily sightseeing activity around the city
• Sunday brunch at The Exchange
• Food, cultural and music surprises throughout the weekend

Your hotel, travel to New Orleans, and anything you do on your own time aren't included.

Tips are included at festival-planned dinners, but feel free to tip your bartenders.

Yes. Let us know when you buy your ticket (or email us), and we'll make sure you're taken care of at every meal.

Planned events are for ticketed guests only, but non-ticketed friends are welcome to meet up during free time.

The festival runs Thursday, March 11 through Sunday, March 14, 2027. Plan to arrive by 4 pm Thursday for the welcome crawfish boil. Things wrap up after Sunday brunch around 1 pm, so a Sunday afternoon flight works great.

There's a set schedule with free time built in to explore on your own, and we'll share the full schedule before the weekend.

A few hotels close to The Exchange: Hotel Tonnelle, The Pontchartrain, Hotel Saint Vincent, and the Henry Howard Hotel. The Garden District, Warehouse District and CBD are all an easy ride away.

Not yet. We're talking with hotel partners now and will let you know if anything comes together. In the meantime, we wouldn't wait to book.

It's right before St. Patrick's Day, and the city celebrates with parades and parties the weekend before, so hotels fill up. Book your room as soon as you have your ticket.

Mid-March is usually pleasant, typically in the 60s and 70s, but nights can get cool. And if it rains, we're covered: The Exchange has both indoor and outdoor courts, so the weekend happens rain or shine.

If you plan to play, bring court shoes; for walking the city, pack comfortable shoes; for dinners out, bring something a little nicer; and for the evening, pack a layer.

You'll fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about a 25- to 30-minute drive from downtown. Uber, Lyft, and taxis pick up on the lower level outside baggage claim.

On a budget? The RTA 202 Airport Express bus runs from the airport to downtown, but it's infrequent, so check the schedule at norta.com before you count on it.

The Exchange is at 2120 Rousseau Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, in the Lower Garden District. If you're driving, you can park on the street at The Exchange and likely at your hotel.

We'd really recommend leaving the car behind, though. Uber and Lyft are easy, and the city's buses and streetcars are a fun way to get around (norta.com).

Most of the weekend, you'll get around on your own with Uber, Lyft, or a streetcar. We'll send insider notes ahead of time on the best drop-off spots and how to dodge traffic. If an event includes transportation, we'll let you know.

Bring yours if you love it. If not, you can borrow one at The Exchange or demo a new paddle from one of our paddle sponsors.

There'll be surprise pickleball moments all weekend, and while you're here you'll have access to everything The Exchange offers, including booking time with our coaches. It's a great weekend to pick up a paddle for the first time or flex your skills.

Yes. Stop by The Exchange when you arrive Thursday to grab your wristband and welcome bag. You'll need the wristband all weekend.

Don't worry! Shoot us a note, and we'll save you some crawfish. The Exchange is home base all weekend, and we'll make sure you get where you need to go.

We love furry friends, but unless it's your service animal, please leave pets at home for this one.

Yes. The Exchange is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific needs, email us, and we'll help you plan.

Yes! More details closer to the weekend.

Yes. We'll have photographers and videographers around all weekend, and photos may appear on our website and social media. By attending, you're agreeing to be photographed. If you'd rather stay out of the shots, let a photographer know.

Email us at bigeasypbfest@exchangenola.com, and we'll get back to you.

We'd love to talk. Reach out to Brooke at brooke@playspf.com.