New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

When: Late April - early May, usually spread across two consecutive weekends.

Where: Fair Grounds Race Course, located in New Orleans, United States, hosts multiple outdoor stages and food courts.

Cost: Ticketed event with single-day and multi-day passes; prices and tiers vary, so book early.

Don’t miss: The festival food booths serving gumbo, po’boys and beignets, the Gospel Tent and the main stages featuring headline and local Louisiana acts.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival began in 1970, created by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation to celebrate and preserve Louisiana music, food and cultural traditions. It mixes international headliners with hometown performers across many genres rooted in the region.

Each spring the festival sets up dozens of stages and themed tents at the Fair Grounds Race Course in Mid-City. Expect sprawling food alleys, craft vendors, intimate tents for gospel and blues, big main stages for headliners and a lively, communal atmosphere that feels very local despite its international draw.

The festival runs in late April into early May, typically over two consecutive weekends; exact dates change each year and are published months in advance. The schedule is not tied to a lunar calendar or holiday - organisers set dates annually.

Weekend rhythm is dense: gates open in the morning with local and specialty acts through midday, mainstage headliners in the afternoons and evenings, and Sunday mornings often spotlight gospel and family-friendly programming.

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), then take a taxi or rideshare - roughly 20 - 40 minutes to the Fair Grounds Race Course depending on traffic; limited event parking makes rideshares and public transit popular. Arrive at least a day early to recover from travel and secure nearby accommodation; buy tickets and reserve lodging well before the festival.

• Expect warm, changeable spring weather in New Orleans: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and pack a lightweight rain jacket.

• Bring a reusable water bottle (check the festival’s current security rules), and have a small amount of cash as some craft stalls may prefer it, though most food vendors accept cards.

• Book tickets and nearby accommodation months in advance; popular hotels and short-term rentals fill quickly for Jazz Fest weekends.

• Arrive early each day to see smaller stages and local acts, and to avoid long lines at popular food booths.

• Check the festival’s prohibited items and bag policy before you go, and be respectful of queues, performers and local residents when enjoying the city.