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 16-19. Catch dozens of performances throughout the festival weekend, including sets from Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Dawn Richard, and many more. Check out our Ultimate Guide to French Quarter Fest here and start planning. 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival  

Jazz Fest returns from April 23 - May 3 with performances from Stevie Nicks, Alabama Shakes, Kings of Leon, Eagles, Lorde, The Black Keys, and more! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jazz Fest here. 

Hondo Rodeo

The Hondo Rodeo Fest is coming to the iconic Caesars Superdome on April 10-12, 2026. Featuring a mix of country music’s biggest names, in addition to some of the most iconic rock bands of all time, the headliners include Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, and Creed, in addition to performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Old Dominion, and Bailey Zimmerman. The three-day fest is centered around an invite-only, champion-level rodeo format with a $1 million prize purse, plus nightly concerts and a Western-themed street fest. One ticket gets you access to both the rodeo and nightly concert. Tickets are $63+.

Wednesday at the Square 

Wednesday at the Square continues into April with five shows: Jelly Joseph ft. Nigel Hall + Ashton Hines and the Big Easy Brawlers (April 1), Flow Tribe ft. Alfred Banks + Zita (April 8), Corey Henry and the Tremé Funktet + River Eckert (April 15), Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers + Kings of Brass (April 22), and Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers + La Tran-K Band (April 29). The festival is free to attend and is held every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in Lafayette Square. 

The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Image courtesy of The Hondo Rodeo Fest
The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Big Freedia
Justen Williams
Big Freedia

Jazz Fest after hours shows 

 

Shorty Turns 40 ft. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Leon Bridges, Joan Jett & More 

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue return to the Saenger Theatre for another star-studded post-Jazz Fest jam session on Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. 

Maple Leaf Bar 

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

Toulouse Theatre  

Toulouse Theatre in the French Quarter has quite a few Jazz Fest after dark shows. Check out performances from Stanton Moore & Friends, Dogs in a Pile, Karina Rykman, and much more.

Tipitina’s Festin’ 2026  

From April 22 - May 3, enjoy Tipitina’s Festin’ 2026 with performances from Galactic, Dumpstaphunk, and more, plus SHORTY FEST With Performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue , Cimafunk & La Tribu, with Special Guests Tarriona "Tank" Ball (Tank & The Bangas), and Big Freedia.

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.