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 11-14. Catch dozens of performances throughout the festival weekend, including sets from Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, 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 25-May 5 with performances from The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Jon Batiste, The Killers, Vampire Weekend, and more! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jazz Fest here. 

Wednesday at the Square 

Wednesday at the Square continues into April with four shows: TBC Brass Band ft. Jelly Joseph + Jamal Batiste Band (April 3), Erica Falls & Vintage Soul + Slugger (April 10), glbl wrmng + Grace Gibson (April 17), and New Orleans Suspects + J & The Causeways (April 24). The festival is free to attend and is held every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in Lafayette Square. 

Big Freedia
Justen Williams
Big Freedia

Jazz Fest after hours shows 

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Tremé Threauxdown 8  

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue return to the Saenger Theatre for another post-Jazz Fest jam session on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. 

Maple Leaf Bar 

Check out Festin’ at the Leaf 2024, which includes sets nightly from artists including Louis Michot, Miss Erica Falls, Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, and many 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 shows every single night after Jazz Fest. Check out The Funk Sessions series featuring performance from Stanton Moore & Friends, plus three nights of Tank and the Bangas.

Tipitina’s Festin’ 2024  

From April 24 – May 6, enjoy Tipitina’s Festin’ 2024 with performances from The Iceman Special, North Mississippi Allstars, and more.

Orpheum Theater 

Check the Orpheum for their Jazz Afterdark Series to see who’s playing nightly after Jazz Fest.  

Jazz Fest Dinner at Bayou Bar

Following Jazz Fest on the first Sunday, April 28, enjoy a five-course tasting menu at Bayou Bar, curated by Chef Brian Landry, with specialty cocktail and wine pairings and a jazz show. The show features an all-star ensemble of New Orleans’ talented musicians including John Michael Bradford, Peter Harris, Herlin Riley, Ricardo Pascal, and Ryan Hanseler. Book here.

MORE MUSIC THIS APRIL 

Jazz for Young Audiences 

On April 19, the New Orleans Jazz Market hosts a second installment of Jazz for Young Audiences. Topics discussed will include the history of New Orleans jazz, the art form and its rich traditions, and much more. For more information please email: info@thenojo.com.

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.