The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, affectionately known as Jazz Fest, is one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in the United States. Since its humble beginnings in 1970—when just 350 people attended—the festival has grown into a world-renowned event that attracts hundreds of thousands of music and culture lovers to the Crescent City every spring.
The 2025 edition of Jazz Fest will take place over two extended weekends, from April 24 to May 4, at its long-standing home: the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. For the first time, the festival has expanded to eight full days of music and cultural programming, allowing for an even more immersive experience.
The festival boasts one of its most star-studded lineups to date. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, The Killers, Queen Latifah, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Lenny Kravitz, and The Roots featuring Lil Wayne.
In true Jazz Fest tradition, the lineup also honors local legends such as Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Irma Thomas, Tank and the Bangas, and Harry Connick Jr. With over 5,000 musicians across 14 stages, the festival continues to highlight a vast array of genres—from jazz, blues, gospel, zydeco, and funk to rock, country, and international acts.
Beyond the music, Jazz Fest remains a celebration of Louisiana’s unique cultural heritage. The Louisiana Folklife Village showcases live demonstrations from regional artisans and craftspeople, while the Cultural Exchange Pavilion features international guest performers—2025’s focus is on celebrating the cultural traditions of Colombia.
Festival-goers can also visit the Food Heritage Stage, where Louisiana’s top chefs lead cooking demonstrations of beloved dishes like crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and beignets.
Jazz Fest is as much about the food as the music. More than 65 food vendors serve up authentic Louisiana fare, including classics like alligator pie, cochon de lait po-boys, crawfish bread, and seafood okra gumbo. New for 2025 is a dedicated vegan booth, reflecting growing demand for plant-based options.
Festival gates open daily at 11 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. There is no overnight camping, and attendees are encouraged to dress for warm weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen.
To ease transportation challenges, the Jazz Fest Express Shuttle operates from designated pickup points around the city, providing a direct route to the Fair Grounds. For more information, visit www.nojazzfest.com.
