Top Venues on Your New Orleans Live Music Bucket List

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is a city that pulsates with the rhythm of live music. From the storied avenues of the French Quarter to the energetic clubs of Frenchmen Street, the Big Easy boasts an unparalleled collection of iconic venues that are essential visits for any music enthusiast. In 2019, New Orleans welcomed 19.75 million visitors, many drawn by the city’s legendary music scene.

TL;DR

• Historic venues steeped in musical heritage, such as Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s
• Clubs showcasing local and up-and-coming talent, like The Spotted Cat and Maple Leaf Bar
• Festivals that embody the city’s musical spirit, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Preservation Hall

Situated in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall has been a beacon of traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961. This intimate, 100-seat venue is dedicated to preserving the city’s rich musical legacy, hosting nightly acoustic concerts featuring local legends and rising stars. The hall’s no-frills atmosphere—with simple wooden benches, soft lighting, and no air conditioning—allows the music to take center stage. Tickets are $20-50, and shows run nightly from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Tipitina’s

Established in 1977 and named after a song by New Orleans piano legend Professor Longhair, Tipitina’s is an Uptown institution that has hosted countless local acts and major touring artists. The standing-room-only venue is known for its lively, danceable atmosphere and excellent sound quality. Tipitina’s calendar is packed with an eclectic mix of genres, from funk and jazz to rock and hip-hop. The club also hosts the popular “Tipitina’s Free Fridays” series, showcasing up-and-coming local talent with no cover charge. Ticket prices vary by show, and the venue is open daily from 5 pm to 2 am.

The Spotted Cat Music Club

The Spotted Cat is a cozy, locally-beloved club on Frenchmen Street, the epicenter of New Orleans’ live music scene. This intimate venue presents traditional and contemporary jazz, blues, and funk, with a focus on homegrown talent. The Spotted Cat’s laid-back vibe and no-cover policy (though donations for the band are encouraged) make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The club is open daily from 2 pm to 2 am, with live music starting at 4 pm.

Address: 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Phone: (504) 943-3887

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Snug Harbor is an elegant Frenchmen Street club that has been presenting top-notch jazz concerts since 1983. The venue features a dining room serving Creole-inspired cuisine and a separate music room with nightly shows at 8 pm and 10 pm. Snug Harbor has hosted many jazz luminaries over the years, including Ellis Marsalis, Charmaine Neville, and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. Tickets range from $20-40, and dinner reservations are recommended.

Address: 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Phone: (504) 949-0696

Maple Leaf Bar

The Maple Leaf Bar is a casual Uptown venue that has been a staple of the New Orleans music scene since 1974. The club is best known for hosting the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band’s weekly Tuesday night show, a high-energy celebration of New Orleans brass band tradition that has been packing the house for over 20 years. The Maple Leaf also presents a diverse lineup of blues, zydeco, and other Louisiana sounds. The venue is open daily from 3 pm to 3 am, with live music starting at 10 pm. Cover charges vary by show.

Address: 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Phone: (504) 866-9359

House of Blues New Orleans

Located in the French Quarter, the House of Blues New Orleans is part of the iconic venue chain known for showcasing an array of musical genres. The club features a main music hall, a smaller stage in the Restaurant & Bar, and the intimate Voodoo Garden. The House of Blues hosts both local favorites and international touring acts, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic dance music. The venue’s restaurant serves up Southern and Creole-inspired dishes, making it a one-stop destination for a night out. Ticket prices and show times vary.

Address: 225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 310-4999

The Howlin’ Wolf

Named after the legendary blues musician, The Howlin’ Wolf is a spacious music hall in the Warehouse District. The venue’s diverse calendar features an eclectic mix of local and touring bands, spanning genres from jazz and funk to rock and reggae. The Howlin’ Wolf also hosts private events, Mardi Gras balls, and weekly dance parties like the popular “90s Night.” The club is open daily from 11 am to 2 am, with live music typically starting at 9 pm. Cover charges vary by event.

Address: 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: (504) 522-9653

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, or “Jazz Fest,” is an annual celebration of Louisiana music, food, and culture that spans two weekends in late April and early May. The festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course and features twelve stages showcasing a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, zydeco, and more. Jazz Fest also offers a wide selection of local food vendors, craft booths, and cultural exhibits. Single-day tickets start at $75, with multi-day passes and VIP packages available.

New Orleans’ live music scene is a lively tapestry woven from the city’s rich cultural heritage and the boundless creativity of its musicians. From the timeless melodies of Preservation Hall to the eclectic sounds of Tipitina’s and the electric atmosphere of Jazz Fest, the Big Easy offers an unparalleled collection of iconic venues and experiences that are sure to satisfy any music lover’s craving for authentic, soul-stirring performances. So come on down to New Orleans, let the rhythm guide your feet, and immerse yourself in the magic of live music in one of the world’s most legendary musical cities.