🎷 Event Overview
Official Name: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Fair Grounds Race Course
Dates: Weekend 1 – April 25–27, 2025 | Weekend 2 – May 1–4, 2025
A hallmark of American music and cultural celebration, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—lovingly known as Jazz Fest—is an iconic annual event that blends world-class musical performances, culinary excellence, Black culture, and community spirit in the heart of Louisiana. It’s a multi-day, multi-stage outdoor extravaganza where jazz meets gospel, blues meets bounce, and tradition meets global innovation.
Founded to honor the unique heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, the festival has grown into one of the largest and most beloved cultural celebrations in the world—drawing over 450,000 attendees annually.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded: 1970
Founders: George Wein (jazz impresario) in collaboration with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
The inaugural Jazz Fest in 1970 featured Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington performing for a modest crowd of 350 people at Congo Square. The mission was simple yet powerful: celebrate the rich cultural fabric of New Orleans—from its African, Caribbean, and French roots to its gospel choirs, brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, and soul food.
Major Milestones:
- 1980s: Rapid expansion to the Fair Grounds, adding more stages and doubling attendance.
- 1990s: International recognition with performances by Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Ella Fitzgerald.
- 2006: Post-Hurricane Katrina festival becomes a symbol of resilience and cultural rebirth.
- 2019: Jazz Fest celebrates 50 years with Aretha Franklin’s last festival booking (she passed before the show).
- 2023–2024: Beyoncé, Dead & Company, Lizzo, and Wu-Tang Clan showcase the festival’s diverse, modern reach.
✨ Why You Should Attend
Because nowhere on Earth feels like Jazz Fest.
It’s not just about the music—it’s about what the music means. It’s where you can dance to a Cajun zydeco band, catch a second line parade, savor a crawfish étouffée, and then hear Herbie Hancock and Jon Batiste jam together—all in one afternoon.
Cultural Significance:
- Honors Black cultural expression through music, dance, food, and storytelling.
- Empowers local artists and small businesses through the Heritage Marketplace and food courts.
- Educates and preserves traditions through workshops and demonstrations.
Key Attractions:
- 14+ live music stages
- Louisiana Folklife Village
- Jazz & Heritage Stage for traditional gospel, African drums, and Mardi Gras Indians
- Heritage Marketplace with handmade crafts and African-American art
- Congo Square African Marketplace
- Food Fair featuring over 100 local vendors
🔥 What to Expect This Year (2025)
Headliners (TBA January 2025)
While the lineup is still under wraps, previous years have featured:
- Stevie Wonder
- H.E.R.
- Lionel Richie
- Trombone Shorty
- Earth, Wind & Fire
- Big Freedia
- Lizzo
- Irma Thomas
Expect a combination of jazz legends, rock icons, hip-hop royalty, soul greats, international performers, and Louisiana-born legends.
Festival Highlights:
- Gospel Tent: Church-style roof-raising spiritual performances all day
- Blues Tent: Raw, real, and electric Delta blues
- Kids Tent: Musical fun and crafts for families
- Cultural Exchange Pavilion: Guest country spotlight (past examples include Haiti, Brazil, South Africa)
- Daily Parades: Mardi Gras Indian tribes, brass bands, and social aid & pleasure clubs
Tickets & Pricing:
- General Admission (Single Day): ~$95
- Weekend Passes: ~$210–$250
- VIP Big Chief Pass: $1,750+ (VIP standing pit, shaded seating, private restrooms, food & beverage access)
🎟 Buy tickets at nojazzfest.com/tickets
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Closest Airport:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): 25 minutes from the Fair Grounds
Getting to the Festival:
- Festival Express Shuttle available from downtown hotels
- Rideshare Pickup/Drop-off Zones near the gates
- Bikes & Scooters: Local rentals available with bike parking near entrances
- Parking: Very limited—public transportation or shuttle is highly recommended
🏨 Where to Stay
Recommended Hotels:
- The Roosevelt New Orleans (Waldorf Astoria): Historic luxury
- Ace Hotel New Orleans: Artsy and music-centered
- Hotel Monteleone: French Quarter classic with rooftop views
- Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome: Affordable and walkable to shuttles
Book early—rooms sell out months in advance.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Top Black-Owned and Local Favorites:
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Legendary fried chicken
- Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: Iconic Creole soul food
- Compère Lapin: Caribbean-meets-Creole from chef Nina Compton
- Cafe Reconcile: Delicious eats with a social mission
Must-Try Jazz Fest Eats:
- Crawfish Monica
- Cochon de Lait Po’boys
- Fried Soft Shell Crab
- Mango Freeze
- Pralines & Beignets
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Casual and festive. Wear hats, sunglasses, and breathable clothing. Rain boots and ponchos are smart!
- Weather: April and May can be hot and unpredictable—bring sunblock, reusable water bottles, and lightweight rain gear.
- Cashless Festival: Cards and mobile pay only for food and merchandise.
- Connect Before You Go: Join official Facebook Groups or Reddit threads to find rideshares, meetups, and hotel roommates.
📱 How to Stay Connected
- Website: www.nojazzfest.com
- Instagram: @jazzfest
- Twitter/X: @jazzfest
- Facebook: /NewOrleansJazzAndHeritageFestival
- TikTok & YouTube: Jazz Fest channels feature artist clips and backstage content
- Hashtags: #JazzFest2025 #NOLAJazzFest #JazzHeritageFestival
📝 Final Notes
Registration & Submissions:
- Vendor applications: Deadline February 15, 2025
- Press/media credentials: Apply by March 15, 2025
- Volunteer opportunities: Listed on the festival website by January
Health & Safety:
- The festival follows all public health protocols. Expect hydration stations, shaded areas, and medical tents throughout the grounds.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan, a foodie, or a culture lover, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a pilgrimage worth making. This is not just a music festival—it’s an experience of music, memory, and the magic of NOLA.
🎷 April 25–27 & May 1–4, 2025 | New Orleans, Louisiana
🎟 Tickets & Info: www.nojazzfest.com
📣 Tell your crew. Book your flight. Get your taste of Louisiana soul.
