The News Orleans Jaza and Heritage Festival: April 28th – May 7, 2023

Dionne Character Entertainment Columnist

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or as the locals call it, Jazz Fest, is the celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana. Featuring an endless amount of music, succulent local and regional delicacies, one-of-a-kind handmade arts and crafts, second-line parades and so much more – there is something for everyone at Jazz Fest, as over the years, it has worked its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Jazz Fest is slated to return from April 28th – May 7, 2023.

With 13 stages of soul-stirring music—jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a singular celebration. The event has showcased most of the great artists of New Orleans and Louisiana of the last half-century: Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Ellis Marsalis, The Radiators, Irma Thomas, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Allen Toussaint, Buckwheat Zydeco, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Better Than Ezra, Ernie K-Doe, Vernel Bagneris, The Zion Harmonizers, Beausoleil, and many others.

The 2023 Jazz Fest Lineup
The Jazz Fest lineup always includes a solid mix of local talent with internationally famous touring artists. The 2023 lineup includes:

Dead & Company
Lizzo
Ed Sheeran
Santana
The Lumineers
Mumford & Sons
Jill Scott
Jon Batiste
H.E.R.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Steve Miller Band
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Gary Clark, Jr.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Kane Brown
Kenny Loggins
Leon Bridges
Jazmine Sullivan
Ludacris
Wu-Tang Clan + Soul Rebels
Herbie Hancock
Mavis Staples
Ne-Yo
Irma Thomas
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Buddy Guy
Galactic
The Revivalists
Big Freedia
Melissa Etheridge
Los Lobos
Tom Jones
Tank and the Bangas
…and so many more!

How many stages are there and what can I expect at each stage?

Jazz Fest has a number of stages and tents dedicated to different genres of music and performances, fest activities and even live demonstrations. The following can be found on fest grounds:

Festival Stage – Main Stage
Gentilly Stage – Secondary Main Stage
Congo Square Stage – Afro-Centric and World Music
Blues Tent – Blues Music
WWOZ Jazz Tent – Contemporary Jazz Music
Gospel Tent presented by Morris Bart – Gospel Musicians and Performers
Kids Tent – Children’s Music and Performances
Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do Do Stage – Cajun & Zydeco Music
Jazz & Heritage Stage – Mardi Gras Indians + Brass Band Performances
Economy Hall Tent – Traditional New Orleans Jazz
Lagniappe Stage – A potpourri of sound and style
AARP Rhythmpourium – A small stage (with wine bar) for jazz, blues, rock…and everything in between
Cultural Exchange Pavilion – Daily performances from the New Orleans Black Masking Indians. Hear everything from blues and gospel to Latin & international sounds.
Folklife Stage – Located in the Louisiana Folklife Village, where you can see artists & musicians creating in real-time. Celebrate our state’s cultural traditions.
Food Heritage Stage – Located in the Grandstand near the Lagniappe Stage

Another pro-tip: the tents offer shade and misting areas, which are great ways to take a break from the sun while also enjoying world-class entertainment. The tent areas also provide seating, so you can give your feet a rest (although resisting the urge to dance isn’t always as easy).

Tickets – when is the best time to buy them?

Jazz Fest tickets are available for purchase on the Jazz Fest site a few months prior to the event, or at the gates on any day of the fest. You can find a variety of tickets including single-day, general admission 3-day weekend passes, VIP packages and travel packages.

VIP packages are weekend-specific and are valid for all three days of the weekend purchased. Jazz Fest offers three distinct VIP opportunities to experience the event in a very special way: the Festival’s popular Big Chief VIP Experience ticket package provides special viewing access at most of the Festival’s stages; the Grand Marshal VIP Pass allows for up-close access at the three major stages; and the Krewe of Jazz Fest VIP Pass entitles patrons to special covered seating at the Festival Stage audience area.

Jazz Fest is Going Cashless

Like most other large scale special events and entertainment venues, Jazz Fest 2023 will be a cashless experience. Ticket, food, beverage, craft, and merchandise booths will no longer accept cash payments. For Festivalgoers who come to the event with only cash, the Festival will offer cash exchange booths near key vending locations. For more information check out the ultimate Jazz Fest Guide at www.neworleans.com.

Diva Dionne Character can be reached at Character Hollywood