New Orleans’ 15 Most Iconic Music Venues

With roots as an art gallery dating back to the 1950s, this iconic French Quarter venue used to lure in art buyers when the then-management would book local jazz musicians to enchant passing crowds and entice them to come in and check out what was going on. It was in the 1960s that the sound of New Orleans jazz began luring bigger crowds than the art, eventually becoming Preservation Hall as we know it today. This well-cherished space became one of the most important venues in the evolution of jazz sound worldwide, and to this day, it is where you can find the internationally known Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

In the 1970s, local music enthusiasts opened the doors in the Touro section of Uptown to our beloved Tipitina's, named after the song "Tipitina" by Professor Longhair, who performed there until his passing in 1980. In its early years, this space housed a juice bar, restaurant, and bar. However, the only reference to that now is the banana in the well-known logo. Sold in 2018 to New Orleans jam band Galactic, Tipitina's is still very much in the heart of the Crescent City's sound. It has seen performances by stage legends like Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, Tim McGraw, Lenny Kravitz, and countless other national names, local favorites, and up-and-coming artists.

Originally opened by Ernie K-Doe in 1994, the Mother-in-Law Lounge is a cherished live music venue, pub, and living monument to New Orleans' musicality. After closing for some time, Kermit Ruffins reopened this venue in 2014, nestled in the heart of the Tremé. Inside Scoop: The Mother-in-Law Lounge is a perfect spot after any downtown second line or major Saints victory! Kermit also regularly performs and cooks a meal big enough to feed the whole crowd!

As one of the longest continuing operations in music, the Maple Leaf Bar opened its doors in 1974. Hosting live music seven nights a week for most of its run, this Uptown hot spot is nestled in the Oak Street corridor. It has frequently seen performances by Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, John "Papa" Gros, and Arsène Delay. Celebrating musical styles such as blues, funk, R&B, rock, zydeco, jazz, jam bands, and more!

As one of the hot spots for street melodies, Snug Harbor is many music clubs along Frenchmen Street. Located in three rooms of a renovated 1800s storefront, there is an abundance of great food to go with great tunes. Pro tip: as you prepare for Frenchmen Street explorations, depending on timing, this street can be quite busy, and seating can be limited at the many music clubs that line the street. Plan on wearing comfortable shoes!

Located in Tremé, the oldest Black neighborhood in the United States, Candlelight Lounge is a beloved neighborhood dive that features great live music, brass bands, good drinks, and a great time. Make sure to visit on a Monday for seafood night!

Who doesn’t love an "if you know, you know" kind of place? Vaughan's is just that kind of place. To get inside this Bywater jazz and blues splendor, find the side door and ring the buzzer. Inside, you will find live music, cheap drinks, and plenty of the character that gives New Orleans its signature charm.

Back on Frenchmen Street, you’ll find d.b.a., a popular bar that offers off-the-cuff music geared towards local music lovers. Paired with their hundreds of craft beer options, this space is a great music venue for those who love to raise a beer glass to the band.

Hop onto the Canal streetcar from the French Quarter and head on over to this intimate music bar located in Mid-City. Chickie Wah Wah proudly presents local music of all sounds and special curated performances by touring artists. As its name suggests, this space is one of our city's well-known dance and groove spots. With daily drink specials and extensive BBQ dishes, be sure to stop by any night for live music, a good drink, and a BBQ plate, but don't forget those dancing shoes, y'all!

Since 1970, this French Quarter space has been celebrating the performing arts of all kinds for generations. It started as a single-screen Walter Reade cinema featuring first-run films and evolved in the late '70s to host live performances. It eventually became known as the Shim Sham Club, which closed in 2003. It later reopened as Rio Hackford and Ryan Hesseling's One Eyed Jacks. However, in 2021, this beloved venue returned once again to its namesake, Toulouse Theatre, where you can catch a variety of talents on its stage, ranging from live music–both local and national touring–comedy, drag, and burlesque!

By now, you are very aware that Frenchmen Street is a popular spot for catching live music at a variety of clubs. The Maison joins that list as one of the larger venues to catch a show at. Serving food each night as an added bonus to your entertainment, this three-level restaurant, bar, and music venue provides some of the best live music on the block.

"The Cat," as it is known by the locals, is recognized as an international destination for jazz music, where plenty of movies, commercials, and print media have been filmed and inspired by the unique space and musical ambiance. You can't miss the Spotted Cat once on Frenchmen Street, as a cat mural radiates on the side of its building! Pro tip: Visit the Frenchmen Art Bazaar where you can browse artwork, jewelry, and gifts from local and regional artists in this outdoor marketplace just steps away from this famous music club, which remains open late into the night.

Nestled in the French Quarter, the House of Blues New Orleans puts its local charm on this otherwise chain music club. Since opening its doors in 1994, this premier special events and live music venue has welcomed everyone from major national touring acts to local performers, gospel brunches, drag shows, and more. In addition to their main concert hall, you can find smaller, more intimate shows in the Foundation Room, including VIP experiences and a more upscale food menu.

Home to metal, punk, indie, and underground music, this Bywater neighborhood dive bar boasts not only live music but also nightly activities and shows such as trivia, comedy, burlesque, drag, and more! Serving up entertainment with a mixture of bar-fare food, don't miss Siberia as a chance to get off the traditional sound path of the city.

Located Uptown on Freret Street, Gasa Gasa is known for its youthful infusion of eclectic artists in the New Orleans music scene. Enjoy album release parties, raves, karaoke, and music of all genres.