Bachelorette Recommendations - March or Jazz Fest? Where to Stay? Etc!!

Hi!!

Coming to this group for some help planning my bachelorette. I will have a group of 12 girls and we are looking at coming either some time in March OR the first weekend of Jazz Fest. I love live music and have always wanted to come for Jazz Fest. My girls are also really excited about that option but I'm wondering if it is going to be a nightmare with crowds, places to stay, getting around, cost for everything, etc. Maybe March would be better?

Would love recommendations for any hotels that can fit my group! I know Airbnbs are a bad idea but looking for somewhere relatively affordable, convenient, SAFE and would give us a living room/common area so we can all hangout together.

As for weekend plans, ideally we would do one day of music festival and then spend a day exploring the Garden District/Magazine Street/etc. Karaoke is a must. Brunch is a must. GOOD FOOD - I want to know about the really epic local spots! I feel like there are so many things I want to cram into 3 days! Appreciate any and all advice :)