The 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is just around the corner, and this year’s celebration is bigger and bolder than ever. Running from April 24 to May 4 at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the iconic event will bring together more than 500,000 fans, legendary performers, and the vibrant spirit of the Big Easy.
Now in its 55th year, Jazz Fest remains a beloved showcase of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage. With major stars like Pearl Jam, Kacey Musgraves, Dave Matthews Band, and Lil Wayne on the bill, the festival blends global talent with deep local roots.
A Festival with Soul and History
Jazz Fest isn’t just another music festival—it’s a cultural landmark. The tradition began in 1970, when gospel legend Mahalia Jackson and jazz great Duke Ellington joined a spontaneous parade during the first event. That moment captured the festival’s mission: blending music with the soul of New Orleans culture.
Over the years, the festival has hosted music icons such as Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, and Bruce Springsteen, honoring genres from jazz and gospel to blues, funk, rock, and zydeco.
1. Star-Studded Lineup with Local Legends
This year’s headliners include:
- Pearl Jam
- Dave Matthews Band
- Luke Combs
- Lil Wayne & The Roots
- Kacey Musgraves
- Lenny Kravitz
- John Fogerty
- Harry Connick, Jr.
- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
- Cheap Trick
- Santana
In true Jazz Fest tradition, many performers have New Orleans roots. Fans can catch homegrown talents like Trombone Shorty, Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Branford Marsalis, Tank and the Bangas, The Revivalists, Ledisi, and PJ Morton.
Trombone Shorty, who first performed at Jazz Fest at age 4 with Bo Diddley, says the festival is a dream come true: “It doesn’t get any better than being in New Orleans, seeing everyone play music and being part of it.”
2. Music for Every Taste
The festival features multiple stages, each offering a unique musical experience:
- Festival Stage: Major headliners and large crowds
- Jazz & Heritage Stage: Local Mardi Gras Indians and brass bands
- Congo Square Stage: Afrocentric and world music
- Jazz Tent, Blues Tent, and Gospel Tent: Intimate performances from celebrated artists in each genre
- Expedia Cultural Exchange Pavilion: This year’s spotlight is on Mexico, celebrating its music and traditions
3. A Food Lover’s Paradise
You can’t talk about New Orleans without mentioning food—and Jazz Fest delivers. More than 65 food vendors will serve up local favorites such as:
- Crawfish Monica
- Beignets
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Po’ boys
- Snowballs
This year also marks a new milestone with the introduction of the festival’s first vegan booth, broadening the flavors on offer.
4. Celebrating Louisiana Arts and Culture
Beyond music and food, Jazz Fest highlights Louisiana’s artistic soul:
Congo Square African Marketplace: Traditional African arts and crafts
Contemporary Crafts Showcase: Handcrafted clothing, leather goods, and art
Louisiana Marketplace: Furniture, photography, jewelry, and more— all inspired by the state’s unique aesthetic
5. Getting There and Travel Deals
Festivalgoers can hop on the Jazz Fest Express Shuttle, which offers round-trip service from three convenient New Orleans locations directly to the festival grounds.
Looking to simplify your trip? Expedia, the official travel partner, offers travel packages that include flights, hotels, and Jazz Fest tickets—all bundled together for potential savings of up to $425. Hotels featured are located in popular neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Uptown, Warehouse Arts District, and the Central Business District.
Bundle deadlines:
- April 15 for first-weekend packages
- April 20 for second-weekend packages
In Summary
Whether you’re there for the world-class music, the local cuisine, or the crafts and culture, the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival offers something for everyone. It’s more than a festival—it’s a living celebration of a city unlike any other.
Mark your calendars and prepare to let the good times roll!
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