New Orleans Music Festivals

New Orleans may be the home of jazz, but the Crescent City loves all types of music. From rock to R&B to Cajun and, of course, jazz, the city sways to the beat all through the year.

• Gentilly Fest
  Authentic New Orleans Music

  This family friendly fest features some of New Orleans’ most popular musicians, food from your favorite local eateries, arts and crafts, and lots of stuff for the little ones. The Kids Village include a special stage, pony rides, face painting, a fire truck, an imagination playground, pottery making, garden crafts more. Gentilly Fest supports the New Orleans Police, Fire, EMS, Children's Music camps and other New Orleans organizations that need their help.

• Buku Music & Art Project
  EDM, hip-hop, and sub-genres of indie rock

  Buku (a play off the French word “beaucoup” which means “a lot”) offers EDM, hip-hop, and sub-genres of indie rock on six different stages at Mardi Gras World. This March event is also known for its public art demonstrations, including the Live Graffiti Gallery. Food vendors offer treats like “womelettes” (a waffle-omelet combo), fish tacos, crepes, vegetarian fare and sno-balls. here

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  Jazz & Heritage Festival
  Jazz, Rock, R&B, & Lots More

  The Jazz & Heritage Festival is a musical celebration held at the Fairgrounds Race Track and celebrated throughout the city. Music, food, crafts, and more music! Outdoor stages host jazz, R&B, gospel, African, Caribbean, Cajun, blues, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, reggae and country music, with evening performances happening at venues all around town. Past acts have included the Beach Boys, Elton John, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, John Mayer, Dr. John, Eddie Vedder, Florence + the Machine, the Foo Fighters, The Neville Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, and tons more. Learn about the Official Jazz Fest Express Shuttle here.

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  Vieux To Do
  Cajun and Zydeco

  The Vieux-To-Do is made up of three festivals in the French Quarter, including the Cajun/Zydeco music. With free music on five stages, you'll get the chance to experience Louisiana music from the past in a family friendly environment. Past acts have included C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie,Travis Matte & the Kingpins, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, and lots more.

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  Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo
  Jazz, Rock

  The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is an opportunity for the mid-city to celebrate local music, with rock and jazz acts gathering for a full weekend of music. Past guests included Papa Grows Funk, the Brassaholics, the Treme Brass Band, “Big Chief” Monk Boudreaux, and many more. READ MORE

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  Essence Music Festival
  R&B, Hip Hop, Gospel, Jazz

  The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual African-American event, offering more than 50 acts each night on five stages. Past acts have included Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Kirk Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, and Beyonce.

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  Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
  Blues

  This free festival is held at Lafayette Square (between St. Charles and Camp Street). It features two stages, as well as crafts, and of course, food, including New Orleans' best BBQ!READ MORE

  Past acts have included Kenny Wayne Shepher, Bettye LaVette, Mel Waiters, The Campbell Brothers, Keb Mo, Clarence Carter, and Latimore.

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  Voodoo Music & Arts Fest
  Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop

  City Park brings you the biggest names in rock and roll for this three-day event. Past acts included Pitbull, Metallica, Muse, Jack White, Skrillex, Neil Young, the Avett Brothers, AWOLNATION, K’Naan, and a ton more acts. The Voodoo Music & Arts Fest creates an interesting mix of art forms, with its headline acts as well as statues and interactive art spread throughout City Park. READ MORE

Nearby Music Festivals

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  Gretna Fest
  Classic Rock, Country

  Enjoy the casual atmosphere of this diverse music and arts festival located in historic downtown Gretna. Take the ferry across the Mississippi River, and make a day of it! Past acts included Joe Cocker and Foreigner. READ MORE