Spring is the ideal time to soak up the warm weather, as festivals fill the air with an exciting, melodic energy. Among them, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or Jazz Fest, stands as one of the oldest and most iconic music and cultural gatherings in the USA, celebrating Louisiana’s rich musical legacy and vibrant cultures.
Festival Notes
History
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was established in 1970, later giving rise to an explosive spirit of the Jazz Fest among revellers. More than a music festival, its cultural impact extends far beyond the stage, celebrated also through food, crafts, and a lively community. With 12 stages featuring soul-stirring music, including jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a celebration of cultural, historic, and contemporary significance.
Beyond the music
Food plays a central role at the festival. Jazz Fest cuisine celebrates centuries-old Louisiana cooking traditions and modern classics, some of which have been created just for the festival. The extensive menu features local seafood and produce, along with the state’s famous charcuterie.
Moreover, the festival’s crafts feature hundreds of regional and national artisans showcasing and selling a vibrant array of handcrafted works, including jewellery, paintings, sculptures, and leather goods, as well as Louisiana-inspired furniture and culturally rich pieces at the Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts area, and Louisiana Marketplace—reflecting the diverse art in and around the area.
2026 Lineup
This year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is set to take place between April 23 and May 3 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, featuring a dazzling lineup of headliners such as the Eagles, Kings of Leon, Lorde, Jon Batiste, The Black Keys, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Alabama Shakes, among others, as well as other local and national bands and artists.
More music in the city
New Orleans’ Frenchman Street is a music lover’s dream destination, with a live music scene condensed into a three-block stretch packed with clubs and lounges. First stop is The Spotted Cat, a quintessential jazz club that draws a diverse crowd: locals, tourists, and celebrities, where a happy vibe emanates from the patrons, musicians, and staff. Next, walk down to The Maison, a mega club with three floors dedicated to quality live music, drinks, and good food. It’s non-stop entertainment seven days a week. If you prefer something more intimate and cozy, visit Three Muses. A tiny enclave, it serves up lively jazz combos, craft cocktails, and original small plates. Scoot in for a cocktail or dinner; stay longer for the enchanting music.
If you are looking for top-notch jazz, local-favourite spots are sure to have your toes tapping. Nightly concerts take place at the historic Preservation Hall, with three shows Monday through Wednesday and five shows Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy your favourite cocktail while taking in amazing music and a luxurious atmosphere at The Jazz Playhouse, located on the first floor of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Music lovers and musicians alike flock to Fritzel’s, one of the oldest traditional jazz clubs in the city, where you can catch live shows every day in a building that first opened in 1831.
Music in New Orleans can be endlessly heard, from the lively streets of the French Quarter to intimate speakeasies. The city’s musical pulse is felt not just at the festival but also throughout the city, which proudly celebrates its musical legacy and its tremendous community spirit that brings together people from all around the world into one big celebration.
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