Top New Orleans Music Events: Jazz Clubs & Live Venues

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is a city that pulses with the rhythm of music. From the historic streets of the French Quarter to the lively clubs of Frenchmen Street, the Big Easy offers an unparalleled variety of live music events and venues. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city’s musical culture, New Orleans has something for everyone.

In This Article

TL;DR

New Orleans hosts iconic jazz venues like Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor, showcasing traditional and contemporary jazz.
The city celebrates its musical legacy through festivals like Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Satchmo SummerFest.
From intimate clubs to large venues, New Orleans offers diverse settings to experience its renowned sounds.

Jazz Clubs

Preservation Hall

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a historic venue that has been preserving and celebrating traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961. This intimate space hosts multiple shows per night, featuring legendary local jazz musicians. Visitors can expect an authentic, up-close-and-personal experience with the sounds that put New Orleans on the musical map.

Address: 726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Nightly shows at 5 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM

Tickets: $20-$50, available online or at the door

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Located on the famous Frenchmen Street, Snug Harbor is an upscale jazz supper club that showcases the best of contemporary jazz. The venue has hosted greats like Ellis Marsalis, Charmaine Neville, and Nicholas Payton, and features nightly shows by top local and national artists. With its elegant atmosphere and world-class talent, Snug Harbor is a must-visit for any serious jazz lover.

Address: 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Nightly shows at 8 PM and 10 PM

Tickets: $20-$40, available online or at the door

Menu: Full dinner menu featuring Creole and contemporary cuisine

The Spotted Cat Music Club

The Spotted Cat is a no-frills jazz club on Frenchmen Street, known for its authentic New Orleans vibe. The venue features traditional and contemporary jazz, brass bands, and blues acts nightly until late. With its laid-back atmosphere and top-notch musical talent, The Spotted Cat is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Address: 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Daily, 2 PM – 2 AM

Cover: $5-$10, cash only

Live Music Venues

Tipitina’s

Founded in 1977 as a neighborhood juke joint, Tipitina’s is a legendary Uptown music venue that has hosted countless New Orleans music icons like Dr. John, The Meters, and The Neville Brothers. The club features a diverse mix of local and national acts most nights of the week, spanning genres from funk and jazz to rock and hip-hop.

Address: 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Hours: Varies by event, typically 8 PM – 2 AM

Tickets: $10-$50, available online or at the door

Maple Leaf Bar

The Maple Leaf Bar is a laid-back Uptown bar that has been a mainstay of the New Orleans music scene since the 1970s. The venue is known for its long-running weekly shows with the Rebirth Brass Band and George Porter Jr., as well as its eclectic mix of local jazz, funk, and blues acts.

Address: 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Hours: Daily, 3 PM – 3 AM

Cover: $5-$20, cash only

House of Blues

Located in the French Quarter, the House of Blues is a large music hall that hosts major touring acts and local favorites. The venue features a standing-room-only main floor, balcony seating, a restaurant, and a bar. The House of Blues also offers frequent brass band and jazz brunches on weekends.

Address: 225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours: Varies by event

Tickets: $20-$100+, available online or at the box office

Menu: Southern-inspired cuisine, including po-boys, jambalaya, and gumbo

Music Festivals

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Spanning two weekends in late April and early May, Jazz Fest is a massive celebration of New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture. The festival features 12 stages with hundreds of acts, food booths, arts & crafts, and cultural exhibits. Past headliners have included legends like Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Aretha Franklin, as well as local favorites like Trombone Shorty and The Neville Brothers.

Address: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119

Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM daily during festival weekends

Tickets: $80-$90 per day, available online or at the gate

French Quarter Festival

Held annually in early April, French Quarter Fest is a four-day festival featuring only local New Orleans musicians. The festival boasts 20 stages set up throughout the French Quarter, with over 1,700 musicians performing. Visitors can also enjoy hundreds of food and beverage booths from top local restaurants and caterers.

Address: Various locations throughout the French Quarter

Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM daily during festival weekend

Admission: Free

Satchmo SummerFest

Satchmo SummerFest is an annual festival in early August celebrating the life and legacy of New Orleans’ most famous native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The festival features multiple stages with traditional and contemporary jazz, educational seminars, and a second-line parade. The event culminates with a massive trumpet tribute in front of the Old U.S. Mint.

Address: New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM daily during festival weekend

Admission: $7 per day or $20 for a weekend pass, available online or at the gate

From the intimate jazz clubs of the French Quarter to the sprawling stages of Jazz Fest, New Orleans offers an unparalleled array of live music experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking to soak up the sounds of the city, these iconic venues and festivals are sure to satisfy your musical cravings. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of the Big Easy.