Everything You Need to Know About Jazz Fest 2025 in New Orleans

If you’re visiting the Big Easy in late April or early May, you’re in for a real treat! Jazz Fest is one of the biggest, best, and most well-known festivals in New Orleans. This legendary festival isn’t just about jazz – it’s a celebration of the music, culture, food, and energy that make New Orleans so special.

From world-famous headliners to incredible local acts, mouthwatering festival food, and an unbeatable atmosphere, Jazz Fest is something you simply have to experience. To help you make the most of your time at Jazz Fest 2025, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know.

What is Jazz Fest?

The annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest, is one of the city’s most beloved traditions. Since its beginning in 1970, Jazz Fest has been a showcase of unforgettable music on multiple stages paired with delicious Louisiana cuisine and local craft artisans. Jazz may be at its heart, but the festival is so much more – and includes a musical lineup that spans multiple genres from blues and gospel to rock, R&B, country, and more.

Taking place over two long weekends in the spring, Jazz Fest is a must-do if you have the chance!

Jazz Fest 2025 Dates & Location

When is Jazz Fest 2025?

Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends each year – the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. This year’s festival is on April 24-May 4, 2025. 

There are events on Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27 and Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 4, making for an incredible week of performances and festivities. If you want to get the full Jazz Fest experience, you’ll want to book a stay that includes both weekends (and the week in between, of course). 

Festival hours are 11 AM – 7 PM each day.

Where is Jazz Fest 2025?

Each year, Jazz Fest is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, 10 minutes from the French Quarter. 

Tickets and Pricing for Jazz Fest 2025

Tickets for Jazz Fest 2025 are available now. You can purchase a 4-day weekend pass starting at $329 (with payment plans available). If you’re a Louisiana resident, you can access special general admission pricing for $305. (Single-day tickets will be available closer to the event.)

For a special experience, there are a variety of VIP packages available to purchase as well. Ranging from  $579 to $2000+, VIP packages include a range of special perks from souvenir tickets and covered lounges with private restrooms and full-service bars to exclusive front-of-the-house viewing areas, VIP parking, and special shuttles. VIP tickets often sell out, so you’ll want to purchase those early if you’re interested.

Musical Lineup: Who is performing at Jazz Fest 2025?

The list of performers at Jazz Fest is a mile long! With so many incredible musical acts, it’s hard to list them all here. Here are a few of the top acts you can expect to see at Jazz Fest 2025:

April 24-27: Dave Matthews Band, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Kasey Musgraves, John Fogerty, Burna Boy, HAIM, Harry Connick Jr., Goose, Gladys Knight, Cheap Trick, Babyface, Diana Krall, Irma Thomas, The Revivalists, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, PJ Morton, and more.

May 1-4: Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Santana, Cage the Elephant, Laufey, Bryson Tiller, Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, My Morning Jacket, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Banda MS, Kamasi Washington, The Wailers featuring Julian Marley, and more.

Find the full musical lineup here. “The cubes,” a detailed schedule in grid form, is available about one month before the festival.

What to Eat at Jazz 2025 

At Jazz Fest, there are two main food areas and many other places to grab a bite throughout the Fair Grounds. You’ll find traditional Louisiana fare, modern classics, local seafood, vegetarian options, kid-friendly food, and more.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some favorite food items at Jazz Fest 2025:

• Alligator Sausage Po-boy
• Crawfish Bread
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich
• Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
• Fried Soft Shell Crab Po-Boy
• Pheasant, Quail & Andouille Gumbo
• Boudin
• Cajun Jambalaya
• Muffuletta
• Hummus with Pita
• Shrimp Yakisoba
• Grilled Fresh Veggie Taco
• Jamaican Chicken
• Praline Stuffed Beignet
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Pecan Run Cake
• Strawberry Balsamic Gelato
• Bananas Foster Cheesecake
• Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
• Gourmet Popsicles

Find a full list of food vendors and their menus here.

Tips for the Best Jazz Fest 2025 Experience

To have the best possible Jazz Fest experience, it’s important to be prepared. To help you plan, we’ve assembled some of the questions our guests frequently ask about Jazz Fest, as well as our answers. 

What should I wear to Jazz Fest?

It’s usually warm (sometimes hot) in New Orleans this time of year, so dress in light clothing or layers. Sun protection (like sunglasses, sunscreen, or a hat) is a must, as there’s not much shade. There are a few scattered trees and some of the stages are under a tent, but otherwise it’s out in the open. 

Comfortable shoes are a good idea – you’ll likely be walking from stage to stage or standing (or dancing!) a lot as you rock out to the music. Also be prepared for rain if it’s in the forecast – Jazz Fest happens rain or shine. (Umbrellas are allowed.) It’s a good idea to pack rain boots as they’re an absolute must if it rains and the grounds turn to muddy slush. Even if it’s not raining the day of, all it takes is one day of heavy rains for the Fair Grounds to stay muddy for both weekends.

What should I bring to Jazzfest?

As mentioned above, be sure to bring sun protection (sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen) because you’ll be out in the open.

Also make sure to bring a credit card since Jazz Fest is cashless. You can use a major credit card or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. If you bring cash to the event, you’ll have to exchange it at one of two cash exchange booths. Without a credit card or digital payment option, you won’t be able to purchase tickets, food, drinks, crafts, or merchandise.

Keep in mind, you are also allowed to bring:

• Small bags, backpacks, and coolers
• Blankets, tarps, and chairs
• Sealed bottles of water and snacks
• Strollers
• Umbrellas

We definitely recommend bringing something to sit on (a blanket or chair)  so you can enjoy Jazz Fest in comfort, as well as bottled water to stay hydrated. There are several water bottle filling stations set up around the Fair Grounds to make it easy.

Be sure to leave pets, wagons, tents, and scooters at home. Large bags, backpacks, coolers, and chairs are also not allowed. Find out more about what’s allowed and what’s not, including specific sizes, here.

How do I get to Jazz Fest 2025?

Jazz Fest 2025 will be held at the Fair Grounds at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard. Parking is only available for pre-purchase with certain VIP packages (or limited day-of, first-come first-serve accessible spaces for people with disabilities).

The easiest way to get to Jazz Fest is by the Jazz Fest Express Shuttle. It provides continuous transportation between four departure points and the Fair Grounds from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM (or until the last festival-goer is gone). Grab the shuttle from the French Quarter (Steamboat Natchez Dock), Downtown (Sheraton New Orleans Hotel), South Market District (Poydras at Loyola), or City Park (Wisner Lot). Find more Jazz Fest Express info, including tickets, here.

Can I leave and come back?

There is no re-entry at Jazz Fest, so plan accordingly. The only exception to this is if you have a VIP pass or special pass of some kind. Check your pass to be sure!

What is at Jazz Fest besides music and food?

When you’re not vibing to the music or indulging in tasty treats, take a moment to explore the incredible arts and culture at Jazz Fest. You’ll find hundreds of regionally and nationally acclaimed artists and artisans in the villages and marketplaces throughout the Fair Grounds. 

In the Congo Square African Marketplace, you’ll find a true marketplace experience with exhibits of ancient crafting techniques. Contemporary Crafts in Heritage Square hosts handcrafted clothing, leather goods, musical instruments, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and jewelry. The Louisiana Marketplace showcases Louisiana-inspired photographs, Creole and Acadian furniture, jewelry, and other creations representative of the state.

Likewise, the Louisiana Folklife Village, Native American Village, The Grandstand, and the Expedia Cultural Exchange Pavilion all provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the history and culture of New Orleans with various exhibits, demonstrations, and unique experiences.

Where to Stay For Jazz Fest in New Orleans 

If you’re visiting New Orleans for Jazz Fest, be sure to book your stay in advance. This is an extremely popular event that draws many visitors! 

There are Jazz Fest Express Shuttle stops in the French Quarter, Downtown, South Market District, and City Park, so if you stay near these areas, you’ll be able to easily get to Jazz Fest and explore the rest of New Orleans.  Many of our vacation rentals put you right in the heart of NOLA for easy festival access, and we’re happy to help you plan your Jazz Fest experience.