Well, Jazz is in the air pretty much all the time in New Orleans, but in April, we have some of the most famous Jazz festivals happening, and you still have time to get rooms for both. I just wouldn’t wait too long – the town is hopping for the second half of April and the start of May for the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The opens in a new windowFrench Quarter Festival is first, running April 16-19, 2020, on TWENTY stages throughout the French Quarter – that’s right – over opens in a new window250 musical acts will be playing over the four day fest – and it’s FREE to the public! On Thursday, the whole thing kicks off with a Second Line parade that starts on Bourbon Street and ends in Jackson Square. Throughout the fest, there will be dancing lessons, incredible food from some of NOLA’s most iconic restaurants located at Vendor areas all through the Quarter, delicious cold beverage stations, a children’s STEM Zone, and on Sunday, the St. Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert at 3pm, followed by Dancing at Dusk at 6pm, a special dance featuring the sounds of the 30s-50s – get ready to go on a Sentimental Journey to close out the Fest.
The opens in a new windowJazz & Heritage Festival runs over two weekends – April 23-26, and April 30 – May 3, 2020, at the Fairgrounds. opens in a new windowAdvance tickets can save you a little bit, but tickets are available at the gate, too. If you want a more rarified experience, check out the ticket packages. The music is incredible – from local acts to world famous bands like The Who, the Beach Boys, Lenny Kravitz, and so many more! The food is amazing, with two dedicated vendor areas. There are three different crafts vendors areas, and three culture areas: Louisiana Folklife Village, Native American Village and The Grandstand. If all of that isn’t enough, you can attend the 2020 Jazz & Heritage Gala on April 22 – “a cultural celebration to trumpet free music education for New Orleans youth” – opens in a new windowtickets for the gala start at $800 – and before you choke, keep in mind that they include Gala access AND Jazz Fest entry (good for eight days of the festival, fully transferable and with unlimited re-entry).
Whatever you do, don’t wait to make your reservations at 1896 O’Malley House – we want to see you, and we’ll sell out!