The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be returning to the fairgrounds this weekend for the first time since 2019. Founded in 1970, the festival has become beloved among locals and visitors alike, boasting thirteen tents and stages that host national and local musical acts. The festival also offers myriad food and craft tents. For a comprehensive overview of the festival’s history and significance, check out our detailed Jazz Fest guide.
This year, musical headliners include Lionel Richie and Death Cab for Cutie on Friday, April 29 and The Who, Nelly, and Jason Isbell on Saturday, April 30. If you’re planning to attend, don’t miss our Top 10 Tips for Jazz Fest 2025 to make the most of your experience.
On Sunday, May 1, Red Hot Chili Peppers will take the stage, stepping in to fill the void left by previous headlining act Foo Fighters. Foo Fighters canceled tour dates in the wake of the death of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins. The Avett Brothers will close out the fest on the same day.
Luke Combs, Billy Strings and Ziggy Marley will headline on Thursday, May 5. The Black Crowes, Ludacris and Elvis Costello headline Friday, May 6. Stevie Nicks, Erykah Badu and Melissa Etheridge will play Saturday, May 7 and Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones and Trombone Shorty close the festival on Sunday, May 8. Planning your trip to New Orleans? Check out the best time to visit New Orleans month-by-month to align your visit with local events.
More than just a music festival, Jazz Fest is known for its amazing food. Some highlights include:
Red Beans & Rice W/ Sausage, *Vegetarian Red Beans & Rice, Blackberry Cobbler- Burks & Douglas
Boudin, Boudin Balls, Shrimp & Lump Crab Ravigote, Louisiana Crawfish Remoulade- Papa Ninety Catering
Ya Ka Mein, Vegetarian Ya Ka Mein, Fried Pork Chop Sandwich, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Bread Pudding w/ rum sauce, Huckabuck frozen cups- Ms. Linda's Catering
Fried Soft-Shell Crab Po-Boy, Fried Catfish Filet Po-Boy- Galley Seafood Restaurant
Pheasant, Quail & Andouille Gumbo, Corn & Shrimp Bisque, Crawfish Enchilada- Prejean's Restaurant
Crawfish Bisque, Creole Filé Gumbo, Louisiana Trout Dizzy's (Grilled, Topped W/ Shrimp & Crawfish) Baquet's- Li'l Dizzy's Café
BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Turkey Wings, Meaty White Beans, Cole SLaw, Peach Cobbler- Down Home Creole Cookin'
Stuffed Beignets: Lump Crab, Praline, and Chocolate, Assorted Pralines: Pecan, Coconut, Chocolate, Rum Flavor, Sweet Potato Cookie, Praline Shoe Sole- Loretta's Authentic Pralines
Tagine Of Lamb (Lamb Stew W/ Basmati Rice), Merguez (Grilled Lamb Sausage), Crawfish, Spinach & Zucchini Bisque, Tunisian Salad- Jamila's Café
Crawfish Bread, Shrimp Bread, Sausage & Jalapeño Bread- Panaroma Foods
Pecan Catfish Meunière, Seafood Mirliton Casserole, Fried Crawfish Cake w/ Smoked Tomato & Jalapeño Tartar- Gallagher's Grill
Crawfish Monica- Big River Foods
Spicy Meat Pie, Crawfish Pie, Broccoli & Cheese Pie, Mini Shrimp & Andouille Pies- Mrs. Wheat's Foods. For insight into the rich culinary traditions behind these dishes, explore the difference between Cajun and Creole and why it matters in Louisiana.
The fest also includes art exhibits in the Cultural Exchange Pavilion, Native American Village, and Louisiana Folklife Village and a selection of crafts in the Congo Square African Marketplace and the Louisiana Marketplace. Learn about the cultural roots of Louisiana’s festivals and the importance of these marketplaces in our article on the cultural roots behind two of Louisiana’s biggest festivals.
For ticket information click here.
