New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2025: A celebration of music and culture

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, is set to return to Fair Grounds Race Course from April 24 to May 4, 2025, promising an unforgettable eight-day celebration of music, culture, and heritage. Known for its unparalleled diversity, Jazz Fest will once again feature a lineup of world-class artists spanning virtually every genre of American music, alongside local Louisiana talent that embodies the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans.

Jazz Fest 2025 boasts a powerhouse lineup featuring some of the most iconic names in music. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, Santana, John Fogerty, Burna Boy, HAIM, Cage The Elephant, Laufey, Bryson Tiller, Harry Connick Jr., Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, My Morning Jacket, Gladys Knight, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Cheap Trick, among many others.

In addition to these big names, festival-goers can experience performances from jazz, blues, gospel, funk, zydeco, and brass band legends, including Irma Thomas, Tank and The Bangas, Brandford Marsalias, Kamasi Washington, The Wailers feat. Julian Marley, Big Freedia, Ledisi, PJ Morton, Youssou N’Dour, Galatic feat. Jelly Joseph, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. With over 5,000 musicians performing across 14 stages, Jazz Fest continues to upload its reputation as one of the most musically diverse festivals in the world.

A highlight of this year’s festival is the celebration of Mexico’s vibrant music and culture at the Expedia Cultural Exchange Pavilion. As part of this tribute, Jazz Fest will feature performances from Santana, Banda MS, and Grammy-winning artist Lila Downs, alongside a diverse array of traditional and contemporary Mexican artists. Attendees can also immerse themselves in Mexican culture through craft demonstrations, daily parades, photography exhibits, and authentic cuisine.

Weekend passes and VIP packages are on sale now at www.nojazzfest.com. Single-day tickets will be available at a later date. Jazz Fest is offering special general admission pricing for Louisiana residents, with reduced prices on weekend passes and single-day tickets. Additionally, the beloved “Locals Thursday” will return on April 4 to May 1, with tickets prices at just $50 for Louisiana residents.

For those traveling from out of town, Expedia is the official travel partner, offering exclusive discounts on hotel and flight packages. Jazz Fest has also partnered with On Location to provide bundled festival tickets and VIP passes with local accommodations and roundtrip shuttle service.

Avoid the hassle of parking by taking advantage of the Jazz Fest Express shuttle, which provides round-trip transportation from various locations in New Orleans. The shuttle offers a direct drop-off inside the festival gates, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for attendees.

Beyond the music, Jazz Fest serves as a vital fundraiser for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., which supports music education, economic development, and cultural preservation initiatives. Proceeds from the festival help fund programs such as the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, community grants, and free annual festivals like the Congo Square Rhythms Festival and Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

Marking the official start of Jazz Fest, the Jazz & Heritage Gala will take place on April 23, 2025, at Generations Hall. The gala supports the foundation’s educational programs, benefitting over 250 Louisiana students annually. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.jazzfestgala.com.

With a legendary lineup, cultural experiences, and a commitment to preserving New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is set to be an unmissable event. Get your tickets now and be part of extraordinary celebration of music and culture!

Leave a Reply