The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and community held at the Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans, Louisiana. Every year, this event draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world to experience the unique culture and music of the city. From jazz and gospel to R&B and rock, there are multiple stages of music to enjoy. In addition to the music, there are also food stalls with over 100 offerings of local and international Louisiana cuisine, a craft bazaar with work from hundreds of local and regional artists, and a Native American Village that celebrates the heritage of our nation's oldest indigenous cultures. The main artists for the JazzFest are usually announced in February or March, but the full lineup always includes big local jazz bands, Cajun and rhythm and blues bands, and gospel choirs in the gospel tent.
The Plaza Congo stage features performances by African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latino musicians. Heritage Square near the grandstand houses tents with gospel, contemporary jazz and blues, as well as more food stalls. The Contemporary Crafts area offers hand-woven clothing, hand-blown glass vases, handmade musical instruments, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and jewelry. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was first held in Congo Square in 1970 and has since become a beloved event for locals and visitors alike.
It is a time to connect our community of all ages and races and showcase our heritage, music, and food. The festival is held at the Fair Grounds Racecourse from 11am to 7pm on each of its eight days. Tickets for the JazzFest are available for purchase on the JazzFest site a few months before the event or at the gates on any day of the festival. If you're looking to attend this year's JazzFest, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First off, tickets will fill up quickly as the festival date approaches so make sure to book yours early.
You can also bring your bike to the festival if you'd like; just make sure to check out their website for more information on how to do that. And finally, don't forget to savor all of the unique flavors of Congolese food stalls while shopping for original artwork, clothing, jewelry and handicrafts native to many African cultures at the Congo Square African Marketplace. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an incredible event that celebrates historical and contemporary importance. It is a jubilant celebration of music, art, culture native to the African Diaspora, authentic native art demonstrations by Louisiana's elders, and much more. Whether you're a long-time fan or just looking for a unique experience in New Orleans, make sure to plan now to attend this year's JazzFest!.