So, you're thinking about hitting the Fair Grounds this year. Honestly, if you haven’t seen the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival performers list yet, you’re in for a wild ride. It’s one of those lineups where you look at the top and go "okay, cool," but then you dig into the smaller print and realize you’re going to be sprinting between stages like a madman just to catch half of what you want.
Jazz Fest 2025 is sticking with that eight-day marathon—two four-day weekends from April 24 through May 4. They brought back that extra Thursday again, which is a lifesaver for locals because, let's face it, the weekends get a little tight.
The Heavy Hitters: Who’s Actually Headlining?
The big news this year? Pearl Jam. They are finally coming back. It’s been a minute, and the energy for that set is going to be absolutely feral. If you’ve never seen Eddie Vedder in the middle of a racetrack while the scent of Crawfish Monica drifts through the air, you haven't lived.
Joining them at the top of the bill is Dave Matthews Band, because it wouldn't be a festival without Dave, right? But then things get interesting. We’ve got Luke Combs bringing the country crowd, and a massive hometown moment with Lil Wayne & The Roots. That specific pairing—Lil Wayne with a live band like The Roots—is probably the most anticipated "don't miss" set of the entire festival.
- Pearl Jam (Weekend Two)
- Dave Matthews Band (Weekend One)
- Luke Combs (Weekend Two)
- Lil Wayne & The Roots (Weekend One)
- Lenny Kravitz (Weekend Two)
- Kacey Musgraves (Weekend One)
Kacey Musgraves is a vibe for the sunset slot. It’s going to be gorgeous.
Why the "Viva Mexico" Theme Matters
Every year, Jazz Fest picks a culture to spotlight at the Cultural Exchange Pavilion. For 2025, it’s "Viva Mexico." This isn't just about some tacos in the food area—though, let’s be real, the food is half the reason we go. They’ve booked Santana to headline the tribute, which is a massive win.
✨ Don't miss: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
You’ve also got Banda MS and Lila Downs coming in. There are something like 19 different groups traveling from Mexico to show off everything from traditional Mariachi to Son Jarocho. If you’re the type of person who just stays at the Acura Stage (or the Festival Stage, whatever they're calling it this week) all day, you are doing it wrong. Spend an hour in that pavilion. It’s usually cooler, less crowded, and the music is incredible.
The Mid-Card Gems You’ll Actually Talk About
Look, headliners are great for the posters. But the real 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival performers you’ll be talking about at the bar later are the ones in the middle.
Laufey is playing. If you don't know her, she’s basically making jazz cool for Gen Z, and her voice is like butter. Then you’ve got Burna Boy bringing that Afrobeat energy, which is usually a highlight of the festival because nobody stays still.
And we have to talk about The Roots. Not only are they backing Weezy, but they usually do their own thing too. My Morning Jacket, HAIM, and Cage The Elephant are filling out that "rock but make it funky" slot that the festival loves.
The Soul of the Fest: Local Legends
You can see Pearl Jam anywhere. You can only see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band or Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the Fair Grounds. Shorty is, as per tradition, closing out the final Sunday. It’s basically a law at this point.
🔗 Read more: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, is a mandatory stop. Even if you only catch three songs, you go pay your respects. Big Freedia is going to turn the place into a giant bounce party, and if Tank and the Bangas are on the schedule—which they are, they’re literally on the official poster this year—you go. Their "Hear and Now" poster by James Michalopoulos is actually pretty stunning this time around.
Breaking Down the Daily Highlights
If you’re trying to pick just one day because your boss won't give you the whole week off (lame), here’s the rough breakdown of the "must-see" days.
Thursday, April 24: John Fogerty and Goose. This is the first "Locals Thursday." If you live in Louisiana, tickets are only $50. Honestly, that’s a steal just to hear "Fortunate Son" in person.
Saturday, April 26: This is the Lil Wayne and Harry Connick Jr. day. It’s going to be a weird mix of people in suits and people in oversized tees. I love it.
Saturday, May 3: Pearl Jam day. Get there early. The "tarp people" (you know who you are) will be out in full force.
💡 You might also like: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
What Most People Get Wrong About the Lineup
Most folks think if they don't know the names on the Jazz or Gospel tents, they should skip them. That is a massive mistake. The Gospel Tent is the only place on earth where you can feel like you’ve been born again while eating a meat pie.
The 2025 lineup includes legends like Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. These aren't just legacy acts; these are powerhouses. If you’ve never heard a Hammond B3 organ roaring in a tent while 50 people sing in harmony, you haven't really experienced Jazz Fest.
Real Talk: Logistics and Tickets
Tickets are already on sale. For the first time, they’re doing these discounted weekend passes for Louisiana residents, which is a nice change. Usually, you have to buy them day-of at the gate to get the discount, but now you can plan ahead.
Don't buy from resellers if you can help it. Go through the official site. Also, download the app once the "cubes" (the schedule) are finalized. You’ll need it to track the overlaps.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your calendar for the two weekends: April 24-27 and May 1-4.
- Lock in your lodging now. New Orleans hotels fill up six months in advance for this. Look at the Mid-City area if you want to walk to the Fair Grounds.
- Study the "cubes" when they drop in March. That’s when you’ll realize that your two favorite bands are playing at the exact same time on opposite sides of the track. Start preparing your heart for that heartbreak now.
- Buy a hat. A big one. The sun at the Fair Grounds is disrespectful.
The 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival performers list is a massive, beautiful mess of genres. Whether you’re there for the rock, the bounce, or just the cochon de lait po-boy, just get inside the gates. The rest sorts itself out.