Jazz Fest 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to New Orleans' Musical Celebration
When spring arrives in New Orleans, the city's passionate spirit finds its perfect expression in the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. From April 24-27 and May 1-4, 2025, the Fair Grounds Race Course will once again host this celebrated event that draws music lovers from around the globe. Jean Lafitte House invites you to make our historic property your home base for this extraordinary cultural celebration.
The Evolution of a Musical Legacy
Since its humble beginnings in 1970, Jazz Fest has grown from a small gathering celebrating local musical traditions into an internationally acclaimed festival. Yet despite its expansion, the event remains deeply rooted in Louisiana's rich cultural heritage. What sets Jazz Fest apart from other music festivals is its authentic connection to New Orleans itself—this isn't a festival that happens to be in New Orleans; it's a festival that could only exist here.
Each year, over 400,000 visitors experience this cultural phenomenon where music, food, art, and heritage combine to create an atmosphere unlike any other festival in America. The 2025 edition promises to continue this tradition with an exceptional lineup spanning eight remarkable days.
2025's Star-Studded Lineup
The festival's 2025 program features an impressive array of talent representing diverse musical genres. The first weekend lineup also includes legendary rock pioneer John Fogerty, global Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, indie-rock sister trio HAIM, jam band sensation Goose, soul legend Gladys Knight, rock icons Cheap Trick, R&B hitmaker Babyface, jazz vocalist Diana Krall, hometown heroes The Revivalists, the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Grammy-winning PJ Morton.
Here's a guide to catching the most anticipated performances:
First Weekend:
Friday, April 25th:
Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves performs at the Festival Stage at 5:30 PM
Saturday, April 26th:
Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, performs at the Shell Stage at 4:00 PM
Harry Connick Jr. follows on the Shell Stage at 5:30 PM
Lil Wayne and The Roots bring their electrifying hip-hop performance to the Festival Stage at 5:30 PM
Sunday, April 27th:
Dave Matthews Band takes over the Festival Stage at 5:00 PM
The second weekend also showcases rock legend Lenny Kravitz, alternative rockers Cage the Elephant, jazz-pop breakthrough artist Laufey, R&B star Bryson Tiller, iconic vocalist Patti LaBelle, psychedelic rockers My Morning Jacket, rock pioneer Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Mexican regional music stars Banda MS, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and reggae ambassadors The Wailers featuring Julian Marley.
Second Weekend:
Thursday, May 1st:
Santana delivers their legendary Latin rock sound at the Festival Stage at 5:25 PM
Friday, May 2nd:
Country superstar Luke Combs headlines the Festival Stage at 5:10 PM
Saturday, May 3rd:
Pearl Jam commands the Festival Stage from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 4th:
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue close out the festival at the main Festival Stage starting at 5:45 PM
Beyond these headliners, you'll discover more than 600 performances across the festival's 14 stages. From traditional jazz to contemporary funk, from gospel choirs to zydeco accordions, the musical landscape reflects Louisiana's diverse cultural heritage.
For the most current and complete schedule information, we recommend checking the official Jazz Fest website at nojazzfest.com before your visit.
A Festival for All Senses
While music may be the headline attraction, Jazz Fest's culinary offerings have achieved legendary status in their own right. More than 70 food vendors present Louisiana's diverse culinary traditions, creating what many consider the world's finest festival dining experience.
Festival veterans plan their days around both musical performances and cherished dishes—from crawfish bread and cochon de lait po'boys to jambalaya, gumbo, and muffulettas. Many of these creations are available only during Jazz Fest, making them as anticipated as the musical performances themselves.
Between sets and meals, explore the Cultural Exchange Pavilion, the Louisiana Folklife Village, and the Congo Square African Marketplace. These areas showcase traditional crafts, demonstrations, and exhibitions that illuminate the deep cultural roots of Louisiana's musical traditions.
Navigating Jazz Fest Like a Local
For those new to Jazz Fest, here are some essential tips from our experienced staff:
The festival runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing—you'll be doing plenty of walking
Bring sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential
Consider a portable camp chair or blanket for resting between performances
Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if enjoying the local libations
Plan for afternoon showers—quick rain storms are common, so pack light rain gear
Arrive early for headlining acts to secure good viewing spots
A Culinary Journey Through Jazz Fest
While the music captivates your ears, Jazz Fest's legendary food offerings will thoroughly seduce your taste buds. The festival has evolved into one of America's premier culinary events, with two expansive food areas and numerous satellite vendors scattered throughout the Fair Grounds.
What distinguishes Jazz Fest's culinary landscape is its authentic connection to Louisiana's diverse food traditions. Unlike typical festival fare, these dishes represent generations of cultural exchange and culinary innovation that define New Orleans' food identity.
Festival veterans often plan their days around both musical performances and gastronomy, making strategic decisions about when to sample these celebrated creations:
Louisiana Classics Reimagined:
The Crawfish Bread—perhaps the festival's most iconic dish—offers a perfect harmony of local crawfish tails, creamy cheese, and savory spices baked inside a crusty French bread
Pheasant, Quail & Andouille Gumbo delivers a sophisticated interpretation of Louisiana's signature stew
The Fried Soft Shell Crab Po-Boy transforms this seasonal delicacy into a portable feast, with the entire crab nestled between bread dressed with remoulade
Multicultural Offerings:
Jamaican Chicken brings Caribbean flavors to the festival grounds
Shrimp Yakisoba offers an unexpected Asian fusion option
Grilled Fresh Veggie Tacos represent the Latino influences that have enriched New Orleans cuisine
For the Sweet Tooth:
The Praline Stuffed Beignet marries two New Orleans dessert traditions in one indulgent creation
Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce transforms day-old bread into a transcendent dessert
Strawberry Balsamic Gelato and Bananas Foster Cheesecake provide cool respite on warm festival afternoons
Navigating this culinary landscape requires strategy—many veterans recommend sharing dishes with companions to sample more options without overwhelming your appetite. The food areas also serve as natural meeting points and rest zones between musical performances.
What makes these offerings particularly special is that many are available only during Jazz Fest, created specifically for these eight days by restaurants that don't serve these exact recipes year-round. Each bite offers not merely sustenance but a taste of New Orleans traditions passed through generations, with many vendors representing family businesses that have participated in the festival for decades.Your Jazz Fest Home at Jean Lafitte House
Located in the historic Lower Garden District, Jean Lafitte House offers the perfect retreat for Jazz Fest adventurers. Our boutique property combines authentic New Orleans charm with modern comforts, creating a peaceful haven to recharge between festival days.
Our spacious suites with kitchenettes allow for flexibility in your dining schedule, while our serene courtyard provides a tranquil setting to review the day's experiences or plan tomorrow's festival strategy. Unlike properties in the French Quarter, our location offers a more relaxed atmosphere and easier access to transportation options.
Jean Lafitte House's strategic position gives guests convenient access to both the festival grounds and the city's vibrant nightlife. When the daily festival programming ends, New Orleans' clubs and venues come alive with special "Jazz Fest After Dark" performances where many festival artists make surprise appearances.
Our knowledgeable staff can help arrange transportation to and from the Fair Grounds, recommend the best local spots for post-festival dining and entertainment, and provide insider tips for maximizing your Jazz Fest experience. Many of our team members are longtime Jazz Fest attendees who understand how to navigate the festival like locals.
Planning Your Jazz Fest Journey
At Jean Lafitte House, we are offering a special 20% discount on your accommodations during Jazz Festival, and would be happy to share insider recommendations for maximizing your experience. Please reserve your stay early by calling (504) 943-2543 or visiting our website to secure your place in this cultural pilgrimage.
The drums of Congo Square have called to music lovers for centuries. In 2025, they'll beckon a new generation of pilgrims to experience the cultural phenomenon that is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—a celebration not merely of music but of the resilient, creative spirit that defines this remarkable city. To reserve your Jazz Fest accommodations at Jean Lafitte House, call (504) 943-2543 or visit our website. Our team is ready to help create your perfect Jazz Fest 2025 experience.
From the legendary music to the incomparable food, from the cultural exhibitions to the spontaneous second line parades, Jazz Fest embodies the spirit of New Orleans in its purest form. Make Jean Lafitte House your festival headquarters, and discover why Jazz Fest isn't just an event you attend—it's an experience that becomes part of who you are.
