Experience the magic of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, an iconic celebration of music, culture, and cuisine in the heart of Louisiana. Secure your unforgettable experience.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, affectionately known as Jazz Fest, is much more than just a music festival; it's a cultural institution deeply rooted in the soul of New Orleans and Louisiana. Since its modest inauguration in 1970 in Congo Square, featuring legends like Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington, the festival has grown exponentially into a world-class event attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year to the Fair Grounds Race Course. Traditionally scheduled over the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May, Jazz Fest is a vibrant eight-day celebration presenting an unparalleled musical diversity.
With over a dozen stages, attendees can enjoy traditional and contemporary jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun and zydeco music, funk, rock, folk, African, Latin, and Caribbean rhythms. Beyond the music, the festival is a food lover's paradise, offering an authentic taste of Creole and Cajun cuisine, with iconic dishes like Crawfish Monica, gumbo, jambalaya, and po'boys. Additionally, three craft markets – Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, and Louisiana Marketplace – showcase the talent of local and international artisans.
Jazz Fest is a complete sensory experience, a living testament to the joy, resilience, and cultural heritage of New Orleans.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has unveiled its exciting lineup for 2025, featuring artists like Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, and Lenny Kravitz. The event will take place from April 24 to
Tickets for Jazz Fest 2025 are now available, including weekend pass options and single-day tickets. Special pricing is offered for Louisiana residents and for the popular 'Locals Thursday'.
As of recent editions, all food, beverage, craft, and merchandise booths at Jazz Fest are cashless. Cash exchange booths for prepaid cards will be available.
The Jazz & Heritage Gala, the kickoff event for Jazz Fest 2025, will be held on April 23 at Generations Hall, supporting the foundation's educational initiatives.
Expedia is the official travel partner for Jazz Fest 2025, offering city guides, travel resources, and exclusive deals to help attendees plan their trip.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) encourages attendees to use its bus and streetcar services to get to Jazz Fest, with unlimited ride passes available for easy transportation.
Jazz Fest will continue its expanded eight-day format for the 2025 edition, spanning two full weekends from Thursday to Sunday.
The documentary 'Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story,' capturing the essence and history of the festival, has received accolades and awards, including a Grammy, highlighting the event's cultural significance.
Frequently asked questions about purchasing tickets
