Jazz Fest 2025: A Feast for the Senses


By Nicolas Henderson, CC BY 2.0

The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest & Heritage Festival, running from April 24 to May 4, promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, cuisine, and art. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the highlights:​

Major Acts by Day

Thursday, April 24

  • Goose

  • Hot 8 Brass Band
  • John Fogerty

  • John Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Friday, April 25

  • Kacey Musgraves

  • PJ Morton
  • Cheap Trick

  • Gladys Knight

Saturday, April 26

  • Lil Wayne & The Roots

  • Irma Thomas
  • Harry Connick Jr.

  • Tank and The Bangas
  • Babyface

  • Big Freedia

Sunday, April 27

  • Dave Matthews Band

  • Tab Benoit
  • HAIM

  • The Soul Rebels
  • The Revivalists

  • Cyril Neville
Harry Connick Jr. performing at Jazz Fest
Jazz Fest 2007 / By Stephanie Schoyer – Harry Connick Jr., CC BY-SA 2.0

Thursday, May 1

  • Santana

  • Morris Day & The Time
  • Cage The Elephant

  • The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
  • Anders Osborne

  • Better Than Ezra​

Friday, May 2

  • Luke Combs

  • Marc Broussard
  • Joan Jett and the Black Hearts

  • Big Sam’s Funky Nation
  • The Wailers featuring Julian Marlay

  • Hurray For The Riff Raff​

Saturday, May 3

  • Pearl Jam

  • Laufey

  • Cowboy Mouth
  • Tems

  • Maggie Koerner

  • Eric Lindell

Sunday, May 4

  • Lenny Kravitz

  • Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph
  • Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

  • My Morning Jacket

  • George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners
  • Patti LaBelle


Culinary Delights

vendor serving Crawfish Monica at Jazz Fest
By djnaquin67 – Flickr: jazz fest 2011 184, CC BY-SA 2.0

Jazz Fest is renowned for its diverse and delectable food offerings. This year, over 60 vendors serve more than 200 items, showcasing the rich flavors of New Orleans and beyond.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Crawfish MonicaBig River Foods

  • Cochon de Lait Po’ BoysTry Walker’s BBQ

  • LA Crawfish Pie – Mrs. Wheat’s Foods
  • Boudin BallsPapa Ninety Catering

  • Fried Soft Shell Crab Poboy – The Galley Restaurant

  • Vegan Soul Food – Sweet Soulfood Vegan Cuisine​

  • Boiled Crawfish – Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant

Desserts & Frozen Treats:

  • Pralines – Loretta’s Authentic Pralines

  • Banana’s Foster Cheesecake – Keyala’s Pralines
  • SnowballsA.J.’s Sno Balls, Cee Cee’s Snoballs, Plum St. Snoballs

  • Strawberry Shortcake – Judah Lea
  • Mango FreezesWWOZ Community Radio

  • Ice Cream Sandwich Cart – Francofonte Catering​​


Art & Crafts

Annie Moran in her Jazz Fest vendor tent
Local artist Annie Moran will be a featured artist again this year

The festival’s art scene is as vibrant as its music and food. Explore handcrafted works from hundreds of artists across various venues:

  • Contemporary CraftsShowcases fine art and crafts from Louisiana and beyond.

  • Congo Square African MarketplaceFeatures handmade crafts reflecting African heritage.

  • Louisiana MarketplaceOffers unique pieces inspired by local culture.

These markets provide a perfect opportunity to take home a piece of New Orleans’ rich artistic tradition.


Festival Tips

  • Arrive EarlyTo secure a good spot for performances and food.

  • Stay HydratedWith the warm weather, it’s essential to drink plenty of water.

  • Wear Comfortable FootwearYou’ll be walking and dancing a lot!

  • Wear a Hat – There is absolutely no shade available on the race track, so at least bring a hat.
  • Use the Official AppFor real-time updates on performances and food vendors.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Jazz Fest attendee, 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, food, and culture.

Evangeline
Author: Evangeline

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