The 2023 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival begins April 28.

Your Guide To Jazz Fest 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to Jazz Fest 2023! In this comprehensive guide, the team at Gators & Ghosts New Orleans Tours will provide you with all the information you need to have an incredible time at this iconic music festival. From the history of Jazz Fest to its 2023 lineup, what to eat, and helpful tips for an amazing experience, we've got you covered.

History of Jazz Fest

The Beginnings

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, known colloquially as Jazz Fest, was founded in 1970 by George Wein. It has since become a staple of New Orleans' culture and a must-visit event for jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

The Evolution

Throughout the years, Jazz Fest has grown to include not just jazz music, but also a diverse range of genres such as blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, and bluegrass.

2023 Jazz Fest Dates and Location

2023 Jazz Fest Map — 2023 Jazz Fest map. A printable version of this can be found at the Jazz Fest website.

Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends:

April 28-30, 2023
May 4-7, 2023

The festival is held at the New Orleans Fairgrounds, located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard. The Jazz Fest website has a printable map of the Fairground to help you find your way once you arrive.

Jazz Fest Lineup Highlights

The 2023 lineup includes a diverse array of local and national performers, including:

Lizzo
Ed Sheeran
Dead & Company
Mumford & Sons
The Lumineers
Santana
Jon Batiste
Jill Scott
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Kane Brown
H.E.R.
Steve Miller Band
Ludacris
Wu-Tang Clan
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Galactic featuring Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
The Revivalists
Big Freedia
Tank and The Bangas
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Rebirth Brass Band
Kermit Ruffins' Tribute to Louis Armstrong

For a complete list of performers and schedules, visit the Jazz Fest website.

Listen to our Ultimate Jazz Fest 2023 Playlist

Take a Tour in the Big Easy

While you’re in town, you may want to consider taking one of Gators & Ghosts’ many incredible tours, including our popular New Orleans Swamp Tours.

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Jazz Fest Stages, Tents, Culture, & Food

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival highlights music, food, arts, and culture.

Stages

Jazz Fest has numerous stages and tents that cater to different musical styles:

The Main Stage and Gentilly Stage: These outdoor stages host the top headliners.
The Congo Square Stage: This stage features hip-hop, contemporary R&B, and soul music.
The Fais Do Do Stage: Home to Cajun, zydeco, and folk music.
The Jazz and Heritage Stage: A space for brass band performances and Mardi Gras Indians.
The Gospel Tent, Blues Tent, and Jazz Tent: Each of these tents is dedicated to its respective musical genre.
The Kids' Tent: Offers puppet shows, children's jazz bands, and choirs for younger festival-goers.

Food and Drink at Jazz Fest

Food options at the New Orleans Jazz Fest — Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Shrimp, and a Crawfish Pie at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Bring your appetite to Jazz Fest, as there is a wide variety of delicious food for every palate. You can find Crawfish Monica, alligator sausage, fried chicken, jambalaya, stuffed beignets, and much more. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available. New Orleans famous Sno-balls, glazed pecans, assorted pralines, and other treats can be found throughout the festival grounds. Find the entire slate of Jazz Fest food vendors here.

Art and Crafts

Jazz Fest also offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant art scene in New Orleans. The festival features three distinct art markets: Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, and Louisiana Marketplace. Here, you can discover unique, handmade items, including jewelry, paintings, pottery, and textiles.

Cultural Experiences

The cultural demonstrations and exhibits at Jazz Fest provide an enriching look into the history and traditions of New Orleans and Louisiana. Check out the Native American Village and the Louisiana Folklife Village to learn about the region's diverse communities. This year's Cultural Exchange Pavilion will focus on Puerto Rico with the theme "Pa’lante Puerto Rico!"

Tips for an Amazing Jazz Fest Experience

Be prepared to have the best Jazz Fest yet.

Buy tickets early: Jazz Fest is a popular event, so make sure to secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Pack appropriately: New Orleans weather can be unpredictable, so pack a mix of clothes suitable for both warm and cool weather, as well as a rain jacket or poncho.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you're spending the day outside in the sun.
Plan your schedule: With so many artists to see, it's essential to plan your schedule in advance to make the most of your Jazz Fest experience. The Jazz Fest Cubes will help you figure out who’s playing when and where.
Experience the culture: Make time to explore the various cultural attractions and events that take place alongside the music performances, such as art exhibits, craft markets, and food demonstrations.
Use public transportation: Traffic can be challenging during Jazz Fest. Make use of public transportation, bike rentals, or ride-sharing services to get to and from the festival grounds.
Bring sunscreen and a hat: Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat, especially if you plan to spend long hours outdoors.
Keep valuables safe: Be mindful of your belongings, and consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your valuables safe.
Try new foods: Jazz Fest is an excellent opportunity to sample the diverse flavors of New Orleans cuisine. Don't be afraid to try new dishes and expand your culinary horizons.
Pace yourself: With so much to see and do, it's essential to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. Remember, Jazz Fest is a marathon, not a sprint.

Jazz Fest 2023 is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in New Orleans culture, enjoy amazing music, and indulge in mouthwatering food. With these tips and information, you'll be well-prepared for a memorable experience.

What to Bring and Not Bring to Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest has a long list of allowable items and prohibited items. Follow these rules to ensure you don’t have to leave anything in the trash at the gate.

What to Bring to Jazz Fest:

Small bags and backpacks (17" x 12" x 10")
12-pack or smaller soft coolers
Factory-sealed bottled water for personal consumption
Single, collapsible chairs
Wheelchairs, medical scooters
Push strollers for children
Handheld, personal-sized umbrellas
Blankets and group tarps - 6'x8' or less, leaving enough space around each blanket/tarp for safe foot passage

What NOT to Bring to Jazz Fest:

Hard-sided coolers
Soft or rolling coolers larger than 12-pack size
Outside beverages, except factory-sealed water for personal consumption
Wagons, pull-carts, or rolling bags/packs
Pets, glass, metal poles
Personal tents, shade canopies, shelters/shacks, sport-brellas, beach or pole-style umbrellas (over 63")
Drones, inflatable items, promotional items
Athletic games, hula hoops, frisbees, kites, bicycles
Large chairs with rocker, footrests, side tables, etc.
Other personal transport devices (e.g., skateboards, Segways, hoverboards, go-peds, etc.)
Inserting stakes, poles, or any other objects into the ground, or use of ropes, cords, tape, etc. to reserve space
Video and audio recording equipment
Unauthorized vending or solicitation
Weapons, illicit drugs, and other contraband
Reserving tarp space larger than 6' x 8'

Please ensure you follow these guidelines for a fun and safe experience at Jazz Fest.

Jazz Fest Logistics

A second line at New Orleans Jazz Fest — A Second Line at the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Jazz Fest Ticket Information

There are several ticket options available for Jazz Fest 2023:

Single-Day General Admission: $85 in advance, $95 at the gate
3-Day Weekend Pass: $240 (April 28-30)
4-Day Weekend Pass: $290 (May 4-7)
VIP options and payment plans are also available

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Jazz Fest website.

Accommodations

With thousands of visitors flocking to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, it's crucial to book your accommodations well in advance. Options include hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even camping. Some popular neighborhoods to consider staying in are the French Quarter, the Central Business District, and the Garden District. The Jazz Fest website has some recommendations and special rates on where you can stay.

Transportation

Getting to and around New Orleans during Jazz Fest is made easy through various transportation options:

Shuttle Buses: The Jazz Fest Express provides a round-trip shuttle service from designated pick-up points to the festival grounds. The service costs $20 per day or $60 for a weekend pass.
Public Transportation: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) operates buses and streetcars throughout the city. A Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides costs $3 for a day or $9 for three days.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are available in New Orleans, but be aware that surge pricing may apply during the festival.
Biking: New Orleans is a bike-friendly city with bike lanes and bike-share programs like Blue Bikes. Riding a bike to the festival can be a great way to avoid traffic.

Going Cashless

Jazz Fest 2023 is going cashless. All major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay will be accepted. A no-fee cash exchange location will be available at the Fair Grounds for those without cards or digital payment options.

The Encore

Jazz Fest 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with world-class music, delicious food, and unique cultural experiences all set in the vibrant city of New Orleans. With this guide, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your time at the festival. So, get ready to dance, dine, and celebrate the spirit of the Crescent City!

Jazz Fest 2023: Your Ultimate Guide