The 2024 New Orleans Jazz Fest & Heritage Festival presented by Shell recently generated major excitement by releasing the specific performance times for artists that will be taking the various festival stages from April 25-28 and May 2-5.
Overview of the 2024 Orleans Jazz Fest Dates & Location
As longtime fans surely know already, the festival always takes place at the iconic Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. Be sure to mark your calendars for two weekends packed with spectacular music and so much more occurring on:
- Thursday, April 25 – Sunday, April 28
- Thursday, May 2 – Sunday, May 5
The Fairgrounds makes for a picturesque backdrop to experience the diverse blend of jazz, blues, rock, R&B, funk, folk and international styles that Orleans Jazz Fest has become renowned for across its 50 year history.
All About the 2024 Orleans Jazz Fest Lineup & Schedule By Stage
Jazz Fest organizers have revealed specific “cubes” for each stage, breaking down which artists will perform at precise times every day of the event. Let’s overview some major highlights grouped first by key days of the two weekends:
Thursday, April 25 Orleans Jazz Fest Schedule Highlights
- 5:30pm – Jon Batiste on the Shell Gentilly Stage fresh off his impressive Grammy wins in 2023
- 7:00pm – The Revivalists bringing signature soulful New Orleans rock to the Congo Square Stage
Friday, April 26 Orleans Jazz Fest Schedule Highlights
- 5:00pm – The Killers rock favorites like “Mr Brightside” on the main Festival Stage
- 6:30pm – Irma Thomas, the legendary Soul Queen of New Orleans, commanding the Blues Tent Stage
- 8:00pm – Tedeschi Trucks Band’s bluesy jams closing out opening night on Festival Stage
Top Acts Playing Saturday, April 27
- 3:30pm – Local brass funk ensemble Soul Rebels with special guests at Congo Square
- 5:30pm – Norah Jones bringing her sweet piano tunes to the Gentilly Stage
- 8:00pm – Zac Brown Band capped by fireworks at Festival Stage
Highlights for Closing Sunday, April 28
- 3:30pm – Rebirth Brass Band with their raucous NOLA funk/jazz fusion on Jazz & Heritage Stage
- 5:30pm – Alt rockers Lord Huron at Gentilly Stage
- 7:30pm – Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band bring the Gulf Coast vibes
Then onto the second weekend’s schedule…
Thursday, May 2 & Friday May 3 Headliners
Of course two of the most anticipated sets will come on closing nights each weekend when these legendary rock acts take the main Festival Stage:
- The Rolling Stones – Thursday 5/2 at 5:00pm – marking their first Jazz Fest appearance since 2006!
- Foo Fighters – Friday 5/3 also at 5:00pm – their long-awaited first-ever show at the storied festival
Read Also: Donald Trump Promotes Controversial “God Bless the USA” Bibles
Beyond the Phenomenal Music Lineup – Food, Arts, Crafts & More
While the Jazz Fest schedule overload of 1,200+ musical acts rightfully grabs attention year after year, there are so many additional aspects that make the festival experience magical for the hundreds of thousands of annual attendees.
The Legendary Orleans Jazz Fest Food & Drink
The fest always spotlights local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) food vendors serving up iconic Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Highly recommended dishes include Muffaletta sandwiches, Cochon de Lait po’boys, Crawfish Monica and the signature Crawfish Strudel. Local craft beers and Hurricanes with a view of the Fair Grounds make for perfect pairings!
Arts, Crafts & Cultural Displays
In keeping with the “Heritage” portion of its name, Jazz Fest shines a spotlight on local artisans selling handmade clothing, leather goods, jewelry, paintings and more across dozens of tents. There are also interactive areas to experience cultural traditions like Mardi Gras Indians beadwork, Social Aid & Pleasure Club parades, and folk artist demonstrations.
Activities for All Ages
Families will appreciate the special kids area with music and instrument lessons for toddlers through teens. There’s also a kids stage plus parades with Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Dolls and other festive walking clubs winding through the grounds. Jazz Fest caters to all ages from grannies and grandkids to Gen Z festival newbies!
Tips for Attending Orleans Jazz Fest
If 2024 will be your first time experiencing Jazz Fest, keep these pointers in mind:
- Prepare for all weather conditions – come rain or extreme heat & humidity! Ponchos, cooling rags, and hydration packs all strongly advised.
- Closely review prohibited items – strict bag checks will deny outside food/drinks, umbrellas, tents, etc.
- Book accommodations early – reserve rental houses or hotels months in advance as the city fills up fast. Camping options like KOAs are also available nearby.
Where to Get Tickets to Orleans Jazz Fest 2024
Check www.nojazzfest.com closer to next spring for details on lineup announcements, ticket pricing/sales, updates on any COVID safety policies in 2024 and more as the fest approaches. Super fans eager to secure passes early can also try signing up for email/text alerts.
In 2024, the exceptional New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will finally return to showcase a fresh lineup blending iconic legacy acts like the Rolling Stones with first-time performers like Foo Fighters across its 13 stages.
Fans can expect a joyous musical celebration over two weekends next April/May true to the fest’s roots and showcasing diverse music, cuisine and culture.
