The Ultimate Jazz Fest Guide

What is Jazz Fest?

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, more commonly referred to as Jazz Fest, is an annual festival celebrating the music, art, culture, and heritage of New Orleans. Over the years, it has worked its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Jazz Fest is April 24 - May 4, 2025. 

2025 Jazz Fest Music Lineup

The Festival has always blended a wide mix of internationally renowned artists from both Louisiana and the rest of the world. Jazz Fest typically releases their music lineup in January.

When should I book my flight + hotel for Jazz Fest?

Earlier is always better for both fights and hotels. It’s best to book your flight for Jazz Fest before the lineup is announced, but don’t fret if you’re a little late to the game. As a general rule, you’ll find better fares if you fly mid-week. And because Jazz Fest is such a huge celebration in New Orleans, even if you get in a couple of days before the weekend starts or leave in between weekends, you’ll find plenty to do around the city in the week in between.

Great hotel rooms can still be found for this year's fest - so don't worry if you haven't booked yet. Many Downtown hotels run shuttles between hotel lobbies and the fairgrounds, adding an extra layer of convenience. You can check availability, rates, and even book your stay here.

About Jazz Fest | 1970 - Today

“The Louisiana Heritage Festival,” was originally conceived by George Wein. He envisioned a daytime fair with multiple stages featuring a variety of local music styles, Louisiana cuisine, arts and crafts and evening concerts. 

The first Jazz Fest took place from April 22-26, 1970 in Congo Square with an all-star lineup that included Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, The Preservation Hall Brass Band, Mardi Gras Indians and many others. Only 350 attended the inaugural event, but that would soon change. 

Today, Wein’s original vision remains the basic premise of the festival, and Jazz Fest welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the historic Fair Grounds Race Course where it is now held. The festival is now overseen and coordinated by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation as they continue to feature local and international talents on the Jazz Fest platform. 

Now that you know a little more about what Jazz Fest is, a brief history, and the amazing impact it has on the city, I’m sure you’re wondering how to book and navigate a once-in-a-lifetime Jazz Fest experience of your own. Look no further! 

Tickets - when is the best time to buy?

Jazz Fest 2025 tickets are not yet on sale, but when they are, you can purchase through their official website. Weekend passes will go on sale first, with single day tickets available at a later date. General admission and VIP packages are weekend-specific and are valid for all three days of the weekend purchased. Jazz Fest offers four distinct VIP opportunities to experience the event in a very special way: GA+ provides access to a  lounge with private restrooms, a full-service bar, and a shaded area to relax; the Festival’s popular Big Chief VIP Experience ticket package provides special viewing access at most of the Festival’s stages; the Grand Marshal VIP Pass allows for up-close access at the three major stages; and the Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP Pass entitles patrons to special covered seating at the Festival Stage audience area.

Because there are a limited number of VIP tickets, you may want to purchase those early. They often sell out. To learn more about ticket packages and to compare them, visit here. 

General admission allows access to all performances the day of use, as well as access to a wide range of food, drink, and craft vendors, plus fest exhibits and much more. But please note that food, drink, and craft purchases are not covered in the cost of admission.

When will the Jazz Fest lineup be announced? What are Jazz Fest “cubes”?

Jazz Fest's lineup is typically announced in mid-January each year, and the daily music schedules for each weekend usually come in late February to early March. You can find this year's lineup here. 

Jazz Fest cubes are grid-format schedules that let fest-goers know who will be performing on what day, time, and stage over the two-weekend fest. Jazz Fest cubes are announced closer to the festival dates. The cubes will be made available first on the Jazz Fest official website found here and then here on this page once they're released.

What’s the best way to get around during Jazz Fest?

Jazz Fest is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in the Gentilly neighborhood. Because of the high traffic volume during Jazz Fest weekend, it’s recommended to utilize public transportation methods such as the RTA Buses. Just $9 can purchase a 3-day pass, which can make traveling to and from Jazz Fest a breeze. The Jackson-Esplanade Bus (91) drops off only a few blocks from the entrance. Personal or bike-shares are also suggested. While bikes are not allowed on fest grounds, there will be a reserved space for securing bikes outside, but get there early, as those spaces tend to fill up quick.  

What accommodations are available for patrons with disabilities?

Jazz Fest welcomes people of all abilities to come out and enjoy the food, music, and culture of the festival. The Access Program’s team is dedicated to ensuring the festival’s accessibility. The Access Center and accommodations throughout the festival are detailed on the access map. Accessible seating is available for those who need it; stop at the Access Center to obtain a wristband on each day you attend. Wheelchairs and medical scooters are permitted at the festival to assist patrons with disabilities. Service animals are permitted. The festival provides ASL interpretation for performances on an as-requested basis. Please visit the Access Center during the festival for a daily schedule of interpreted performances. Alternative formats of the festival program are available at the Access Center. The available alternative formats are in Braille, Large Print, and audio file.

Find more on Jazz Fest accessibility here. For inquiries, please email access@nojazzfest.com.

What sustainability measures are Jazz Fest taking? 

In 2023, Jazz Fest was awarded the gold certification by the Council for Responsible Sport, earning the festival distinction for their outstanding approach to social, environmental, economic, and community impact. In 2022, the Shell and Jazz Fest Recycling Program diverted 17.56 metric tons of recycling from landfills and composted 4.37 metric tons of food waste. Read more about the certification here. While attending the festival, you can help out by recycling your waste, as well as by participating in the Shell Recycling Reward program, where participants can fill and return Shell-provided bags with recyclable items from throughout the festival grounds. For more information on Jazz Fest's sustainability and recycling initiatives, see here.

What should I wear to Jazz Fest?

Jazz Fest is a unique festival dedicated to and reflective of the culture of the city of New Orleans. Wear something expressive, unique and fun! Do, however, keep in mind that Jazz Fest happens rain or shine! Check the forecast daily and remember that a light rain jacket or boots are never a bad idea. You can also tap into your inner "Jazz Fest dad" and purchase the limited edition BayouWear clothing here (or on-site at Jazz Fest). A new print is debuted each year, and available in a variety of styles, from Hawaiian-style button-ups to dresses and more. 

What should I bring?

As of 2023, Jazz Fest ticket, food, beverage, craft, and merchandise booths will no longer accept cash payments. For Festivalgoers who come to the event with only cash, the Festival will offer cash exchange booths near key vending locations. Collapsible chairs, blankets and ground tarps are ideal for sitting down and enjoying the concerts throughout the fairgrounds. Sunscreen is also a must. Other than factory-sealed water bottles, no outside food or beverages are allowed upon entry. 

If going to Jazz Fest with children, check out our handy dandy guide on how to conquer Jazz Fest with kids here. It's full of great tips for wrangling the little ones and having a successful day in the sun.

What kind of food can I find at Jazz Fest?

Daily general admission to Jazz Fest includes access to a sea of awesome, local vendors! With two areas dedicated only to food vendors, stands around the fest, a kids food section, and several other special stations - there will be plenty to choose from. Sweet and savory, seafood and sandwiches, and everything in between. Fest vets will swear by the Crawfish Monica, Crawfish Bread, and the Mango Freeze. There are also a number of vegan and vegetarian options throughout the fest. You can find our guide to the very best Jazz Fest food here.

One pro tip is to split several things within your group so that you try even more delicious things. You can also find beer, wine, iced tea, lemonade, and more for sale in different locations throughout the festival. 

How many stages are there and what can I expect at each stage?

Jazz Fest has a number of stages and tents dedicated to different genres of music and performances, fest activities and even live demonstrations. The following can be found on fest grounds:

• Festival Stage - Main Stage 
• Gentilly Stage - Secondary Main Stage
• Congo Square Stage - Afro-centric and World Music
• Blues Tent - Blues Music
• WWOZ Jazz Tent - Contemporary Jazz Music 
• Gospel Tent presented by Morris Bart - Gospel Musicians and Performers 
• Kids Tent - Children's Music and Performances 
• Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do Do Stage - Cajun & Zydeco Music 
• Jazz & Heritage Stage - Mardi Gras Indians + Brass Band Performances  
• Economy Hall Tent - Traditional New Orleans Jazz 
• Lagniappe Stage - A potpourri of sound and style
• AARP Rhythmpourium - A small stage (with wine bar) for jazz, blues, rock...and everything in between
• Cultural Exchange Pavilion - Daily performances from the New Orleans Black Masking Indians. Hear everything from blues and gospel to latin & international sounds
• Folklife Stage - Located in the Louisiana Folklife Village, where you can see artists & musicians creating in real-time. Celebrate our state's cultural traditions
• Food Heritage Stage - Located in the Grandstand near the Lagniappe Stage

Another pro-tip: the tents offer shade and misting areas, which are great ways to take a break from the sun while also enjoying world class entertainment. The tent areas also provide seating, so you can give your feet a rest (although resisting the urge to dance isn’t always as easy). 

What should I do during the week in between?

If you’re a true Jazz Fest fanatic and you bought tickets for both weekends, there’s no need to fret about the week in between because there’s plenty to see and do. Check out our blog dedicated to the week between Jazz Fest here. Spend your week in the neighborhood exploring all that Esplanade Ridge has to offer with this specially curated itinerary. Enjoy restaurants, shops, activities and nightlife. Check out more live music on Frenchmen Street or get inspired here.

For more information on the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival, visit here. Make sure to check our own Ultimate Jazz Fest Guide periodically for updates and new announcements.