As festival season kicks into high gear, the New Orleans music scene heats up. NOLAxNOLA, a citywide celebration of live music, artists, and music venues, began on September 23 and runs until October 9. Check out our picks and read more below. 

NOLAxNOLA 

The music never stops in New Orleans, and this September and October, mark your calendars for a citywide celebration of local musicians, music venues, and New Orleans culture. Catch your favorite artists and discover new ones at dozens of live performances at indoor and outdoor venues all over town from September 23-October 9 as part of NOLAxNOLA (NOLA BY NOLA). Participate in the NOLAxNOLA Venue Check-In Challenge to unlock special prizes. You won’t want to miss this event—find more details here.  

Paul Broussard
Irma Thomas

NOLAxNOLA presents: Irma Thomas 

Catch Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas at Toulouse Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 5.  

Water Seed, Brass-A-Holics, and more 

Gentilly Fest returns from October 7-9 with a slew of musicians slated to perform. Catch Water Seed, Brass-A-Holics, and other artists at this free festival held at Pontchartrain Park. 

Mary J. Blige: Good Morning Gorgeous Tour with Ella Mai & Queen Naija 

Catch R&B legend and Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige with openers Ella Mai and Queen Naija at Smoothie King Center on Saturday, Oct. 15. 

Paul Broussard
Mia Borders

Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Mia Borders, and more 

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival returns this October 14-16 with all the best food and music. Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Mia Borders, Little Freddie King, and more will take the Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue stages at this festival.  

For even more music, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar.