Get ready for an incredible month of music in the Crescent City! From intimate jazz clubs to music festivals, March brings an exciting lineup of performances for everyone to enjoy. 

 

Music Festivals in March

 

Congo Square Rhythms Festival

The Congo Square Rhythms Festival returns this March 28-29. This free weekend celebration in Louis Armstrong Park honors the sacred ground where enslaved African people gathered to preserve their traditions through music and dance. The festival features two full days of performances across multiple stages, including brass bands, traditional African dance, Mardi Gras Indians, and contemporary New Orleans artists. Catch Cha Wa, Charmaine Neville Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Zigaboo Modeliste Funk Revue, and many more. Make sure to check out the food, which features a variety of cuisines and delicious bites.

Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival

The Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival returns from March 24-29. This festival pays homage to New Orleanian musician, writer, instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and lyricist, Mr. Danny Barker. Just as versatile as Barker was himself, the festival features a mixture of programming including live music performances, panel discussions and workshops, special events and outings, second lines, and more.

Wednesday at the Square

Wednesday at the Square is a fundraiser concert for the Young Leadership Council kicking off on March 11. Free to attend, catch artists like Big Sam’s Funky Nation + Zahria Sims Collective (March 11), Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen + Electric Ramble (March 18), and Bonerama + Bon Bon Vivant (March 25).

Rock and Rouge Women’s Music Festival

From March 28-29 at Lafayette Square, enjoy a special festival celebrating Women’s History Month. Check out performances from Charmaine Neville Band, Sweet Crude, Big Pearl & The Fugitives of Funk, Whisper Party!, Caroline Cotto, and many more. There will also be food, a beauty tent, panels, and more. Free to attend.

 

Additional Shows this March

Gallatin Street Fridays Presents

Enjoy three Fridays of performances at the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrating Women’s History Month. Enjoy music from Beth Patterson (March 6), Victoria Douton (March 13), and the Crescent City Sisters (March 20). All performances are from 2-3 p.m. inside their third-floor Performance Center and are free to attend. Find more information here.

Femme Fatales De La Nouvelle-Orleans

Head to the Broadside on Saturday, March 7 for a night of music from powerhouse performers Lynn Drury, Shawn Williams, Tiffany Pollack, Dana Abbott, and Margie Perez. Tickets are $22.20 in advance. Purchase tickets in advance here.

NOLA Funk Fest 2026 Lineup Reveal Party  

NOLA Funk Fest returns from October 16-18, but first, the lineup reveal party! Get ready for an explosive night of funk at Tipitina's on Saturday, March 28 featuring an all-star lineup of New Orleans legends. The lineup includes Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, Cyril Neville, Jon Cleary, Stanton Moore, Tony Hall, Erica Falls, Mark Mullins, Ian Neville, River Eckert, Cornell Williams, Ari Teitel, Raymond Weber, Aurélien Barnes, Jason Neville, Omari Neville, Alex Wasily, New Orleans Suspects, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and more! Purchase tickets in advance here.