Calendar / The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.
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Music & Culture Festivals in New Orleans
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.
Apr 22–25, 2027Confirmedfirst weekend
Run by The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., with published dates and a real program.
Dates & details verified against: Regional tourism board ↗
Why go
Jazz Fest is the definitive American roots-music festival: two spring weekends at the Fair Grounds where jazz, gospel, blues, zydeco, Cajun, and brass bands share equal billing since 1970. It is run by a nonprofit foundation whose proceeds fund Louisiana music education all year, and the heritage half of the name is programmed as seriously as the music: Louisiana food culture, craft traditions, and parading krewes fill the infield. Some 475,000 people attended the 2026 edition. It complements the city's year-round live-music scene rather than replacing it; come for the festival, stay for the clubs the rest of the week.
When it runs
Late April into early May across two weekends.
- Apr 22–25, 2027Confirmedfirst weekend
- Apr 29 – May 2, 2027Confirmedsecond weekend
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
Late April into early May across two weekends; the 2027 edition runs April 22-25 and April 29-May 2. Spring heat and afternoon downpours are part of the deal. No camping: this is a city-hotel festival.
Getting there & around
Fly to New Orleans (MSY); the Fair Grounds sit mid-city, a short ride from the French Quarter. Book hotels months ahead and split the trip across both weekends if the lineup justifies it.
Where it happens
New Orleans, United States.
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