Quick Read
- NOLA Jazz Fest 2026 takes place April 23–May 3 with over 5000 artists on 14 stages.
- Headliners include Stevie Nicks, Kings of Leon, Lorde, Eagles, Rod Stewart, Jon Batiste, and more.
- The lineup blends global superstars and local legends like Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Soul Rebels.
- Tickets go on sale December 12 at 10 AM CT.
Stevie Nicks, Kings of Leon, Lorde Among NOLA Jazz Fest 2026 Headliners
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—affectionately known as Jazz Fest—is gearing up for its 2026 edition, and the lineup is nothing short of spectacular. From April 23 to May 3, the Crescent City will transform into a sonic playground, welcoming more than 5000 musicians to 14 stages over two weekends. It’s a festival that doesn’t just echo New Orleans’ storied jazz roots but celebrates the vast spectrum of contemporary music.
A Lineup That Bridges Generations and Genres
Leading the charge are music legends and modern icons. Stevie Nicks, whose voice defined an era with Fleetwood Mac and her solo work, will headline alongside rock titans Kings of Leon and the genre-blending Lorde. The Eagles, Rod Stewart, and Jon Batiste add further star power, promising sets that span decades and styles. From the soulful storytelling of Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell to the eclectic rhythms of The Black Keys and T-Pain, the 2026 festival roster is a melting pot of musical identities.
Other notable acts include hip-hop legend Nas, funk pioneers Earth Wind & Fire, and the ever-energetic Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Alabama Shakes brings their Southern rock flair, while St. Vincent and Herbie Hancock offer experimental and jazz sophistication. Ziggy Marley, Lake Street Dive, Mavis Staples, Rhiannon Giddens, and Big Freedia round out a lineup that is as diverse as it is deep.
Jazz Heritage Front and Center
While big names grab headlines, Jazz Fest remains anchored in its roots. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will grace the stage, carrying the torch for traditional New Orleans jazz. Ani DiFranco, Stephen Marley, Alejandro Escovedo, Steve Earle, and The Soul Rebels add layers of folk, reggae, and brass—a testament to the city’s ability to nurture different sounds and generations.
Each year, Jazz Fest strikes a careful balance between global superstars and homegrown talent. The festival’s commitment to showcasing local artists and legendary acts side-by-side has been a defining trait since its inception. For many, the smaller-font names on the lineup—those artists who embody the city’s heartbeat—are the festival’s secret treasure.
Tickets and Anticipation
General Admission Weekend Passes and VIP Packages go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 AM CT. Historically, tickets move quickly, reflecting the festival’s status as a bucket-list event for music lovers worldwide. The excitement is palpable: for New Orleans, Jazz Fest isn’t just a concert series, but a cultural ritual that unites locals and visitors in rhythm, dance, and celebration.
Jazz Fest’s sprawling setup—spread across 14 stages—means attendees can curate their own musical journey. Want to catch a stadium-filling headliner? There’s a main stage for that. Prefer an intimate jazz set or a brassy second line parade? The smaller tents and local stages deliver a more personal experience. It’s this blend of scale and intimacy that keeps people coming back year after year.
Why Jazz Fest Endures
What makes Jazz Fest unique in a world saturated with music festivals? For starters, its roots run deep into the city’s history and soul. New Orleans is synonymous with jazz, but the festival’s open embrace of rock, hip-hop, funk, blues, country, and global sounds reflects the city’s own multicultural tapestry. The food, art, and spontaneous street performances add layers that no other festival can quite replicate.
In 2026, as the world’s musical heavyweights share stages with the city’s unsung heroes, Jazz Fest promises not just entertainment, but connection—a celebration of heritage and hope. The festival’s resilience, even amid global uncertainties, continues to inspire. Its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is a lesson in adaptation and reverence for tradition.
For the artists, playing Jazz Fest is a rite of passage. For attendees, it’s a chance to witness musical history in the making, to be swept up in a sea of sound and spirit. For New Orleans, it’s a proud declaration: the city’s heart beats loud, and everyone’s invited to listen.
With a lineup that bridges generations and genres, the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival stands as a testament to music’s power to unite and uplift. The event’s enduring appeal lies not just in its headliners, but in its devotion to heritage and its role as a cultural cornerstone for both the city and the world. Source: BrooklynVegan