Where to Hear Live Jazz in New Orleans

When it comes to New Orleans culture, jazz music is right up there with gumbo and Mardi Gras. The Big Easy is known as the birthplace of jazz, and musicians from Louisiana and beyond have been sharing their soulful sounds since the late 19th century. If this is your first time visiting, you won't want to leave Louisiana until you've had a chance to experience live New Orleans jazz. Get ready to jam out at one of these legendary venues.

Fusion on Frenchman Street

Join the jazz party on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marginy neighborhood—right next to the French Quarter—where the music, food and festivities never stop. The diverse offerings include restaurants with all kinds of cuisine—Thai, Middle Eastern and the traditional New Orleans fare. If you’re a jazz or blues fan, you’ll certainly find plenty of live music to suit your tastes, but the bands who play in the neighborhood also embrace music from all over the world. Jam to hip hop, Latin, rock, funk, soul and even reggae.

Traditional Jazz in Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall features family-friendly concerts. Photo Credit: Shannon Brinkman

Preservation Hall in the French Quarter is a can't-miss destination that’s been dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961. Catch one of three performances—if you’re lucky, they might throw in an earlier fourth show too. The line starts to form outside at least an hour before the concert, so if you want to grab one of the 40 bench or floor-cushion seats, arrive early. The hall's capacity is 100 people, most of who stand during the show. Leave your camera at home and keep your phone turned off; Preservation Hall doesn't allow either during the 45-minute set. Bring your whole family to this all-ages venue.

Wine and Music at Bacchanal Wine

Make new friends in the backyard at Bacchanal Wine, an unforgettable jazz venue in New Orleans Bywater neighborhood, east of the French Quarter along the Mississippi. Choose from hundreds of wines and create your own cheese plate; the knowledgeable staff can suggest pairings for all palates. If you're in the mood for something more substantial, the menu offers vegetarian, meat and seafood dinner options. Dine in the courtyard and listen to live jazz seven nights a week. Bacchanal Wine is a 21-and-over, non-smoking venue.

New Orleans Jazz Festivals

Catch the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival beginning in late April at the Fair Grounds Race Course. The 10-day festival showcases thousands of musicians on stages and in performance tents. New Orleans is hot and sunny by the end of April, and the venue doesn’t offer much shade for the stage shows. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. This festival is very popular, so make your hotel and ticket reservations early.

Don’t miss the French Quarter Festival, a free event held every spring featuring more than 1,700 musicians on a dozen stages. Grab a meal or a snack while you enjoy some traditional jazz and more. Food vendors offer jambalaya, blackened catfish po'boys, Cajun meat pies and other New Orleans dishes. Watch fireworks, peruse the art show and take free tours of the historic homes in the French Quarter.

Ready to experience the sights and sounds of the Big Easy? Find hotels in New Orleans.