New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026 brings music, culture, and community together in one powerful celebration. Jazz Fest is more than concerts. It is food, history, art, and shared moments across the city.
New Orleans offers many evening options beyond the festival grounds. One unique local experience is The Dim Corner Tour, an adults-only walk revealing hidden French Quarter stories. This blog serves as your guide to the 2026 New Orleans Jazz Fest. Use it to plan your perfect experience.
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026: What to Expect and When It Happens
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026 is a major cultural event held over two spring weekends.
Key Event Details
Dates: April 23–26 and April 30–May 3, 2026
Location: Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans
Schedule: Late morning through early evening each day
Event Type: Daytime festival with evenings free
Music and Stages
Several stages run at the same time across the festival grounds.
Music styles include jazz, blues, gospel, funk, rock, and soul
Popular areas include Congo Square, the Jazz Tent, and Blues Tent
International and local artists share the spotlight
Culture Beyond Music
Cultural villages highlight local traditions and heritage
Art booths feature regional crafts and handmade works
Food areas showcase classic Louisiana dishes
A Brief History of New Orleans Jazz Fest: 1970 to Today
New Orleans Jazz Fest began as a small but meaningful cultural idea.The event was first known as the Louisiana Heritage Festival. Music producer George Wein created the concept with a clear local focus. He imagined a daytime fair filled with music, food, and art. Multiple stages featured different local music styles. Louisiana cuisine and handmade crafts were always part of the experience.
Jazz Fest took place for the first time in 1970. It spanned for a period of five days, from April 22 to April 26. The festival happened in Congo Square with the following star lineup:
Mahalia Jackson
Duke Ellington
Fats Domino
Pete Fountain
The Preservation Hall Brass Band
And many others.
In the original fest, there were a total of only 350 attendees. But this swiftly changed in the succeeding years. Wein’s vision still remains the blueprint of the fest.
A remarkable fact is that in the first fest, there were more performers than audience. But the founders never stopped believing in their vision of growing their event into a major success. And they achieved that. Today, the festival is world-famous. In NOLA, jazz keeps changing. But what remains consistent is the city’s welcoming of local and international talents. The same holds true for Jazz Fest.
2026 Jazz Fest Music Lineup Highlights
The Jazz Fest is the perfect amalgamation of international and national stars. To get the best experience, arrive early. It will also help you transition fluidly between stages.
Notable 2026 Jazz Fest artists include:
Eagles
Stevie Nicks
Rod Stewart
Kings of Leon
Lainey Wilson
Teddy Swims
Lorde
Jon Batiste
Tyler Childers
Raye
T-Pain
David Byrne
The Black Keys
Nas
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mavis Staples
Sean Paul
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Widespread Panic
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
St. Vincent
Alabama Shakes
Irma Thomas
Herbie Hancock
Lake Street Dive
Ziggy Marley
The Revivalists
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Smaller stages highlight regional musicians and rising local talent. These performances often feel more personal and deeply rooted in New Orleans culture. Many visitors say local sets become their most memorable festival moments.
How to Prepare for a Full Day at Jazz Fest
Preparing for a day at Jazz Fest falls under three categories. These include:
The clothes to wear
Hydration
Protecting yourself from the sun.
Like jazz, the weather in New Orleans keeps changing. You might go on a day with pleasant, warm weather. However, it can change quickly from a cool morning to scorchingly hot afternoon. So, wear lightweight cotton clothes. Ensure that your clothes do not limit your movement. You might want an attire that showcases your affinity for jazz. But remember that you’ll be continuously moving. So, even special clothing should allow you to do that comfortably.
Another important thing is sun protection. Fair Ground has a few shady trees. But a large portion of the infield is wide open to the sun. So, wear sunglasses and don't forget sunscreen. You can increase sun protection by wearing a hat with a wide brim. Your footwear should be comfortable as there will be a lot of walking at the fest.
Remember, the scorching weather can dehydrate your body. So, keep drinking the cold drinking water available in the Grandstand.Beverages are also found throughout the Heritage Fair. Rain is also a major factor during Jazz Fest. Be prepared to bring an umbrella and rain boots, because the fairgrounds can get muddy when it rains.
What to Eat at Jazz Fest 2026
Jazz Fest offers a wide variety of food for every taste. Let’s look at what’s on offer:
Crawfish Monica
It’s a creamy crawfish pasta dish, a festival favorite.
Cochon de Lait Po'boy
Slow-roasted pork with slaw on a crispy roll.
Hot Sausage Po'boy
A spicy, flavorful classic.
Soft-Shell Crab Po'boy
The very first thing most attendees eat in every Jazz Fest.
Gumbo
Taste unique versions. Some recommendations are andouille gumbo, quail and Prejean’s pheasant.
Jambalaya & Red Beans & Rice
Authentic native Louisiana staples.
Fried Chicken & Catfish
Classic Southern comfort food.
Explore New Orleans After Dark on a Guided Evening Walk
Jazz Fest is surely an event many people are eagerly waiting for. But the high-energy festival can also feel a bit overwhelming. A tour through the French Quarter’s lesser-known streets is a great way to relax while learning more about the city.
The Dim Corner Tour is a nighttime tour designed to immerse you in forgotten true crime gems. Guests start near the Old U.S. Mint, weaving through quiet streets that many never see. The route highlights little-known crime locations and local stories you would otherwise not get to listen to from anywhere else.
Stops may include the statue of a renowned historical “witch,” a haunted asylum now tied to vampire lore, and a coven workshop run by a famed local magician. Visitors also explore stunning architecture, such as the Old Ursuline Convent, intertwined with layered historical stories. Cold cocktails and frothy beers are available for anyone wanting a relaxed pause along the way.
Small groups of no more than twenty encourage conversation, reflection, and a more personal experience. The tour’s focus remains grounded in research, avoiding cheap scares or parlor tricks. Instead, it blends history, folklore, and mystery in a respectful, engaging manner.
For festival-goers, this evening walk is the perfect way to end a day at Jazz Fest. It pairs well with late dinners or drinks afterward.
Making the Most of New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026 brings together music, food, and culture on a large scale. Days are filled with live performances and a lively shared atmosphere. In the evenings, you can slow down and explore the city in other, more quieter ways like on a guided tour.
Nighttime tours provide a thoughtful experience beyond the festival grounds. Combined, these daytime and evening moments create a well-rounded Jazz Fest experience that’s worth planning and savoring.
FAQs
Who will be at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2026?
Artists like Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart and bands like the Eagles will be performing in the fest. The festival will be welcoming artists from all genres of music.
Is the New Orleans Jazz Festival worth it?
Yes, it offers live music, local food, and arts. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly.
What to pack for a Jazz Fest?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, comfortable shoes, and a small bag. Rain gear is helpful if the weather changes.
What festivals are in New Orleans in April 2026?
April hosts the Jazz Fest and smaller art, food, and music festivals. Many focus on local culture and music.
What is the best Jazz Fest to attend?
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the most famous. It features big-name acts and local artists together.