The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest 2025 Lineup: Everything

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, known simply as Jazz Fest, is one of the most iconic music festivals in the world. Held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jazz Fest celebrates a unique blend of jazz, blues, rock, R&B, gospel, and more, attracting music lovers from all corners of the globe. With the 2025 edition of the festival on the horizon, anticipation is building for an unforgettable lineup of performances, cultural experiences, and festivities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect from Jazz Fest 2025, including the lineup, ticket information, and essential festival details.

What is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival?

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was founded in 1970 and has grown into a massive event that showcases the diverse musical heritage of New Orleans and the surrounding region. The festival’s goal is to celebrate the rich history of jazz while also embracing a wide variety of musical genres, local culture, art, and food. Held each spring, Jazz Fest spans two weekends and takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

Jazz Fest is famous for its eclectic lineup, with performances on multiple stages, each dedicated to different genres of music. Beyond the music, the festival also highlights the cultural fabric of New Orleans through food vendors, art exhibits, and traditional dance performances, making it a full-fledged cultural experience.

What to Expect at Jazz Fest 2025

Jazz Fest 2025 promises to deliver an exciting lineup of artists, as well as some new attractions and activities for festivalgoers. While the official lineup for 2025 is yet to be fully announced, there are several things we can anticipate based on previous festivals and industry rumors.

1. Diverse Musical Acts Across Multiple Stages

Jazz Fest is known for its diverse musical lineup that brings together local New Orleans talent alongside international superstars. Music fans can expect to see performances across genres such as:

Jazz: As the heart of the festival, jazz performances will be front and center, with both legendary and up-and-coming jazz musicians taking the stage.
Blues and R&B: The soulful sounds of blues and R&B are a staple of Jazz Fest, often featuring both local artists and national acts.
Rock and Indie: Jazz Fest attracts major rock and indie artists, blending the spirit of New Orleans with global music trends.
Gospel and Spirituals: Gospel performances are another highlight, with powerful choirs and soloists performing heartfelt spirituals.
Funk and Soul: New Orleans is the birthplace of funk, so you can expect a dose of energetic funk and soul music, with both classic and contemporary bands.

The 2025 lineup will undoubtedly feature a mix of iconic musicians and emerging talent, with performances spread out over the festival’s 12 stages.

2. Iconic Headliners

While the full list of headliners for 2025 has yet to be released, Jazz Fest typically attracts some of the biggest names in music. In previous years, artists like Stevie Nicks, The Rolling Stones, Herbie Hancock, Beyoncé, and Dave Matthews Band have graced the festival’s stages. In 2025, we can expect similarly high-profile performances from both jazz legends and popular mainstream artists.

Additionally, the festival is likely to showcase performances from New Orleans’ homegrown talent, such as Trombone Shorty, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, and many others.

3. Local Talent and Cultural Experiences

New Orleans is known for its deep cultural roots, and Jazz Fest highlights this by offering performances and experiences that go beyond just music. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s history and traditions through:

Traditional Brass Bands: Brass bands are a key feature of New Orleans music culture, and you can expect lively performances throughout the festival from local brass bands.
Mardi Gras Indians: The Mardi Gras Indian tradition is an integral part of New Orleans culture, with groups of performers donning elaborate costumes and celebrating through dance and song.
Cajun and Zydeco Music: These genres, deeply influenced by the cultural blend of French, African, and Native American traditions, will also be represented at the festival.
Local Food and Drink: The festival’s food offerings are legendary, with vendors serving up a range of New Orleans specialties, including gumbo, crawfish étouffée, po’boys, and beignets.

4. Art, Crafts, and More

In addition to music, Jazz Fest features a vibrant arts and crafts market, where visitors can purchase locally made art, jewelry, clothing, and other items. The festival also celebrates local visual arts, with exhibitions highlighting the work of New Orleans-based artists.

Tickets and Admission for Jazz Fest 2025

Tickets for Jazz Fest typically go on sale months in advance, and it’s always a good idea to purchase early to secure your spot at the festival. Here’s a general overview of ticket options:

Single-Day Tickets: These tickets allow you to attend for one day of the festival and are often the most popular option for visitors who cannot commit to the full festival.
Multi-Day Tickets: For those who want to experience everything Jazz Fest has to offer, multi-day tickets are a great option. These tickets provide access to the festival for several days, giving you time to explore all the performances and activities.
VIP Tickets: For an enhanced experience, VIP tickets offer exclusive benefits such as preferred seating, access to VIP lounges, and front-of-stage viewing areas.

Additionally, there are typically discounts available for children and senior citizens. You can also expect the festival to offer various packages that include parking, food vouchers, and other perks.

FAQ About Jazz Fest 2025

1. When is Jazz Fest 2025?

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival usually takes place in late April to early May. For the 2025 edition, dates will likely be confirmed closer to the event, but historically, it has been scheduled over two weekends, typically the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.

2. Where is Jazz Fest held?

Jazz Fest is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The venue is easily accessible from downtown New Orleans and is a sprawling site that accommodates multiple performance stages, food vendors, and art displays.

3. How much do tickets cost for Jazz Fest 2025?

Ticket prices for Jazz Fest vary depending on the type of ticket and how early you purchase. On average, single-day tickets range from $80 to $100, with multi-day tickets offering some discount. VIP tickets typically start around $250 per day, offering exclusive benefits like front-row access and premium seating.

4. What should I bring to Jazz Fest?

To enjoy the festival comfortably, it’s important to bring essentials such as sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and a portable phone charger. If you plan to enjoy the food offerings, be sure to bring some extra cash or a credit card. Additionally, if you’re attending on a rainy day, a poncho or small umbrella can be helpful.

5. What can I expect from the food at Jazz Fest?

Jazz Fest is known for its incredible variety of food, which includes classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and po’boys. You’ll also find international cuisines, vegetarian options, and delicious desserts like beignets. Be prepared for long lines at food stalls, but the wait is well worth it!

6. Is Jazz Fest family-friendly?

Yes, Jazz Fest is very family-friendly, with a wide range of activities for children, including kid-friendly music performances and hands-on art activities. There is also a designated family area where parents can relax with their children. Children under the age of 10 typically get free admission.

Conclusion

Jazz Fest 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and New Orleans’ rich heritage. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock, R&B, or local Louisiana flavors, this festival has something for everyone. With a diverse lineup of artists, delicious food, and unique cultural experiences, Jazz Fest promises to be a must-attend event for music lovers in 2025. Be sure to mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals.