By Milton Kirby | New Orleans, LA | April 16, 2025

When the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns next week, it will bring with it more than just music—it will revive a legacy. Since its modest beginnings in 1970, Jazz Fest has blossomed into one of the world’s premier cultural celebrations. What started with only 350 attendees in Congo Square now welcomes more than 450,000 guests from across the globe. And in 2025, it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever.

A Festival Born of Heritage

Jazz Fest was conceived by legendary jazz impresario George Wein, who the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association recruited to create an event to spotlight the city’s immense cultural wealth. The vision became a reality with the formation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Its inaugural lineup in 1970 would be jaw-dropping by today’s standards: Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, and the Preservation Hall Brass Band, igniting a tradition of showcasing musical legends alongside local talent.

One unforgettable moment from that first year? Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington spontaneously joined a brass band second line—an unplanned celebration that captured the spirit of New Orleans and set the tone for decades to come.

A Gala That Kicks Things Off with Purpose

The celebration begins with the Jazz & Heritage Gala on April 23 at 7 PM CDT. This dazzling pre-festival affair sets the stage for the weeks ahead, uniting musicians, artists, and patrons for a night of live music, fine cuisine, and joyful dancing. But it’s more than glitz—it’s a fundraiser with purpose. Proceeds from the gala support year-round initiatives like the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, which provides over 250 children with free music lessons, and Community Partnership Grants that total over $2 million annually.

Two Weekends of Music, Culture, and Community

Running across two weekends—April 25–27 and May 1–4—Jazz Fest offers 650 performances across 14 stages, with over 650 performances scheduled for 2025. Whether you’re in front of the Acura Main Stage for headliners like Lil Wayne with The Roots, or soaking in gospel harmonies under the tent, each day promises its own kind of magic.

Beyond music, expect 45 second line parades, 20 pow-wow dances, and an electric energy in the air that can only be described as uniquely New Orleans.

Eat Like a Local: The Food Scene

At Jazz Fest, the music feeds the soul—but the food? It feeds everything else. With over 70 food vendors (all local, no chains allowed), culinary treasures abound. Don’t leave without trying the iconic Crawfish Monica, Crawfish Bread, Cochon de Lait, or a refreshing Mango Freeze. New for 2025: the first-ever vegan booth, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone.

You can explore full vendor lists and food guides at nojazzfest.com/food.

For the Locals: Special Pricing in 2025

In a major win for Louisiana residents, 2025 brings an all-new ticket pricing structure. While early-bird packages have sold out, all single-day tickets—both advance and at the gate—are now discounted for buyers with a Louisiana ZIP code-linked credit card.

“Locals Thursday” continues to be a favorite, but now, every day of Jazz Fest comes with a bit of hometown love.

Getting Around & What to Bring

Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in the Gentilly neighborhood, navigating the crowds requires a little strategy. The best bet is the RTA Bus System—just $9 for a 3-day pass. The 91 Jackson-Esplanade drops riders a short walk from the gates. Bike shares are also encouraged, though parking spots fill quickly.

As for gear, pack light but smart: collapsible chairs, blankets, factory-sealed water, and sunscreen are highly recommended. Keep in mind: Jazz Fest is cashless, but on-site exchange booths are available. And don’t forget to wear something festive, especially the limited edition BayouWear—a favorite tradition that combines fashion with flair.

Where the Party Goes After Dark

Though the main festival shuts down at 7 PM, the rhythm of New Orleans doesn’t. After parties and music events ignite the city well into the night.

• Preservation Hall – Though under renovation, their nightly shows continue at the nearby Toulouse Theater, keeping traditional jazz alive and accessible.
• Tipitina’s – An Uptown institution once home to Professor Longhair, now owned by the band Galactic, and still one of the city’s most legendary stages.
• Kermit’s Treme’ Mother-in-Law Lounge – A cozy Tremé venue where the drinks are strong, the music is live, and the vibe is pure joy.
• Maple Leaf Bar is Oak Street’s pride. This funky venue hosts jam bands, brass groups, and soul-filled nights almost every evening.
• Snug Harbor – A Marigny gem that doubles as a jazz club and bistro, perfect for music lovers seeking a more intimate scene after the crowds.

And let’s not forget Frenchmen Street, where music spills out of open doors and the city’s spirit takes over the night.

The Cultural & Economic Impact

Jazz Fest is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural engine. With an estimated $300 million annual economic impact, it fuels local hotels, restaurants, transit systems, and small businesses. It also amplifies the voices of local artisans and musicians, who rely on this exposure for their livelihood.

The Foundation’s programs reach beyond festival grounds. From free music instruction to grants supporting Black Masking Indians, brass bands, and folkloric arts, Jazz Fest is a year-round force for good.

Why You Should Go

Jazz Fest draws visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries. Whether you’re coming from Brooklyn, Berlin, or Baton Rouge, you’ll find yourself swept into a celebration that’s as much about people as it is about performance.

With an immersive blend of heritage, food, community, and creativity, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is not just a bucket-list event—it’s a pilgrimage—a reminder that music connects us, that culture sustains us, and that New Orleans is still one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

There’s no other festival in the world like Jazz Fest. It’s not about pyrotechnics or pop gimmicks. It’s about culture, authenticity, and joy. Whether you’re dancing to brass bands under a blazing sun, sharing a po’boy with a stranger, or letting your kid beat on a conga in the Kids Tent, Jazz Fest is a full-body, full-heart experience.

It is New Orleans—raw, resilient, and radiant.

For More Information:

General Festival information:  https://www.nojazzfest.com/

Ticket Info & Discounts: www.nojazzfest.com/tickets

Transit Tips: https://www.norta.com/

Full Food Lineup: https://www.nojazzfest.com/food/

See you in the Crescent City—where the music never stops, and the spirit never fades.

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