If you’re visiting New Orleans this April, you're doing it right - there are hundreds of shows to catch, from daytime festival sets to after-hours Jazz Fest shows that run into the wee hours of the morning. Live music is 24/7 in New Orleans, but we’ve cherry-picked a few can’t-miss shows for the month ahead. 

Music Festivals in April

French Quarter Fest  

French Quarter Fest is the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world, and it takes place this year from April 10 - 13. Catch dozens of performances throughout the festival weekend, including sets from Big Freedia, Anders Osborne, Chapel Hart Band, and more. Check out our Ultimate Guide to French Quarter Fest here and start planning. 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival  

Jazz Fest returns from April 24 - May 4 with performances from Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil’ Wayne & The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, and more! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jazz Fest here. 

Wednesday at the Square 

Wednesday at the Square continues into April with five shows: People Museum + Kristin Diable & the City (April 2), The Deslondes + Dusky Waters (April 9), The Soul Rebels + Motel Radio (April 16), George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners + Mia Borders (April 23), and Eric Lindell + Sunpie & Friends (April 30). The festival is free to attend and is held every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in Lafayette Square. 

Daze Between 

Daze Between was created specifically for those “days between” Jazz Fest weekends. On April 29 and 30, head to the Mahalia Jackson Theater for this festival featuring lots of live music. Enjoy performances from Umphrey's McGee, moe., The Allman Betts Band, and more, with special tributes to Led Zeppelin and The Meters.  

Big Freedia
Justen Williams
Big Freedia

Jazz Fest after hours shows 

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Tremé Threauxdown  

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue return to the Saenger Theatre for another post-Jazz Fest jam session on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. 

Maple Leaf Bar 

Check out Festin’ at the Leaf which features Erica Falls, Johnny Vidacovich, and more.

Stanton Moore performing with Galactic - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.
Stanton Moore performing with Galactic - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Toulouse Theatre  

Toulouse Theatre in the French Quarter has quite a few Jazz Fest after dark shows. Check out performances from Stanton Moore & Friends, Boyfriend ft. members of the Revivalists, and much more.

Tipitina’s Festin’ 2025  

From April 23 - May 4, enjoy Tipitina’s Festin’ 2025 with performances from Lost Bayou Ramblers & Sweet Crude, Shannon and The Clams, Saint Paul and the Broken Bones, and more.

For even more music, check out the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar, What to Do the Week Between Jazz Fest Weekends, and the Nolafunk series during Jazz Fest.