Jazz And Heritage Festival
This info is from the 2026 season; check back for a 2027 update.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an annual two-weekend music and culture festival in late April and early May. It celebrates New Orleans's rich heritage and culture through arts and music with many family-friendly, community-focused activities. Hundreds of musical artists perform during the festival. Attendees can explore cultural and educational programs to learn about local heritage and help preserve its history. Renting an RV for the festival is an ideal way for families and festivalgoers to enjoy the event and the city of New Orleans. This information is for the 2026 event. Check back when information for 2027 becomes available.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival typically features 15 stages and performance areas, each with a specific performance style. The Festival Stage and the Shell Gentilly Stage are the main attractions, featuring the biggest names. Popular tents include the Jazz Tent, Blues Tent, and Gospel Tent. Cultural components include the Food Heritage Stage, three distinct markets with handmade items, and Louisiana Folklife and Native American villages.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Ticketholders can access daily locker rentals and cellphone charging stations. To combat the Louisiana heat, the festival provides free filtered water refill stations. You’ll also find medical tents and sunscreen kiosks. Two large food areas feature Louisiana cuisine, including crawfish. Private beverage stands near the Shell Gentilly Stage and the Big Chief Hospitality Lounge offer alcoholic beverages and snacks. Restrooms and changing stations make it easier for breastfeeding mothers and parents to get some privacy; there is also a restroom at the lounge. Multiple tents scattered throughout the event site offer official festival merchandise and band souvenirs.
LOCATION
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is located at the 145-acre Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122. It is centrally located in the Gentilly neighborhood, about 10 minutes from the French Quarter. The festival utilizes the entire grandstand and the race course's infield for various activities and musical stages.
FAQs About RVing to New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Can you bring an RV to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival?
The festival does not offer a campground or parking for RVs. However, you'll find many nearby campgrounds that accommodate RVs.
Will local RV parks charge a premium for bookings during festival weekends?
You must check with the individual park to determine their pricing. Many local facilities charge extra during special events. The earlier you book, the better prices you'll find.
What are the cancellation policies for campgrounds during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival?
Many RV parks implement specialized event cancellation policies that often require longer notice than standard reservations. Some parks may have a non-refundable policy.
Is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival child and pet-friendly?
Children are welcome to attend, and the festival has many family-friendly activities. Pets are prohibited, except for service animals.
LINEUP
The 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival lineup features top artists such as the Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Lorde, Lainey Wilson, Raye, Teddy Wilson, Kings of Leon, Jon Batiste, Tyler Childers, David Byrne, The Black Keys, Nas, St. Vincent, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Isley Brothers, Mavis Staples, The Isley Brothers, Widespread Panic, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Alabama Shakes, and many more acts.
RVING AT THE EVENT
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival does not have RV camping facilities or parking for recreational vehicles on its grounds. However, there are many campgrounds near the site that can accommodate rigs of any size. You can find an RV rental in New Orleans to enjoy all the comforts of home when you need a break from the activity.
Where to Camp Near New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans and adjacent towns have numerous RV camping options. All three campgrounds below can handle everything from camper vans to the biggest rigs. For easy shuttle access to the French Quarter, check out Jude Travel Park of New Orleans. This RV Park offers cultural events, including Lowcountry boils and city tours. Sun Outdoor New Orleans North Shore offers resort-style amenities, with a family pool and an adult pool with a swim-up bar. They also have a mini golf course, lake activities, a lazy river, a tiki bar, an outdoor amphitheater, poolside cabanas, and scheduled live events. At 3 Oaks & a Pine RV Park, you'll experience peace of mind in this facility that has passcode-gated security. Public transportation is available directly across the street from the park, making it an ideal base to reach the festival or the French Quarter.
RV Rental Tips for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Driving an RV in Louisiana for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival requires considerable planning. The best campsites fill quickly, so you should start evaluating facilities at least six months in advance. Try to make reservations before organizers announce the event lineup in January; otherwise, you may find yourself staying far from the event. Check out our blog for numerous tips for spring-time RV travel. Determine how many people will need accommodations before selecting an RV. For shorter trips, camper vans are often sufficient. Most New Orleans area RV parks have full hook-ups and attractive amenities, so you can expect all the comforts of home. One major consideration is finding a facility with nearby public transportation, or one that is an easy drive to the official event shuttle from City Park. The event has no on-site parking.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels can offer a change of pace from RV camping. A hotel may also allow you to stay closer to the event. The Hampton Inn & Suites French Quarter offers a stylish and comfortable retreat close to the historic French Quarter. Guests can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture while staying close to all the festival's activities. Hotel amenities include free hot breakfast, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations. Bourbon Orleans is an upscale historical landmark offering everything you need for a great night's rest with personalized Southern hospitality and luxury. The hotel's amenities include valet parking, baggage storage, laundry storage, a fitness center, a courtyard pool, and on-site restaurants and bars.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: Head east on Terminal Drive. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and stay on Terminal Drive. Take a slight left. Merge onto I-10 East. Use the left three lanes to turn slightly left onto I-610 East. Take exit 2A to merge onto St. Bernard Avenue. After merging, turn right onto Gentilly Blvd. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be on the left.
PARKING
Parking onsite is extremely limited, but you may be able to find a spot near the festival at local garages and lots with advance reservations. Consider taking the official shuttle to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as an alternative.
TICKETS & PRICING
Organizers sell tickets at every price point, with prices ranging from $119 for single-day admission to $1,999 for a Grand Marshal four-day weekend pass. Find all your options on the event's ticket page. Children under age 2 are free, and children ages 2-10 are only $5.
WRAP UP
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a two-weekend music and arts festival with a taste of local culture. The city of New Orleans hosts this incredible event annually to promote the spirit of the arts. To stay updated about this festival, visit the event website or follow it on Facebook.
8-Day RV Itinerary for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Although the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival covers two weekends, consider this eight-day itinerary encompassing the first weekend. • Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrive in New Orleans and settle into your campground. If your facility has its own restaurant, decompress from the drive and sample local food. Get everything ready for the fun days ahead. • Day 2 (Thursday): The first day of the festival has arrived, with gates opening at 11 a.m. Focus on the Gospel Tent and the Heritage Tent to get a feel for the festival. Sample Louisiana specialties like pheasant, quail, andouille gumbo, and iconic strawberry lemonade. Head back to your RV for dinner and relaxation. • Day 3 (Friday): Jump into Louisiana culture today at the festival. Spend time in the Louisiana Folklife Village to see local artisans. Mardi Gras Indians parade through the grounds in the afternoon. Sample more local food and catch the music artists that interest you. • Day 4 (Saturday): This is the longest day of the festival and the one with the biggest acts. Bring a lawn chair and stake your claim early at the main stage to get a good spot for a specific act. Rotate to the Blues Stage or one of the others to get a full taste of the festival. • Day 5 (Sunday): Take a leisurely morning at your RV park for breakfast and check your RV system levels for any issues. Take a lighter day at the festival and visit the stages or markets of your choice. Have dinner at a nearby restaurant to get a further taste of local food. • Day 6 (Monday): Discover New Orleans today. Drive to City Park for a leisurely stroll. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the Sculpture Garden. Have dinner at an iconic restaurant such as Commander's Palace, but make sure you book reservations months in advance. • Day 7 (Tuesday): No visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. Be sure to visit the New Orleans National Jazz Historical Park. Take the Algiers Ferry for a gorgeous view of the skyline. In the evening, visit the Bywater neighborhood and stop in at Bacchanal Wine for outdoor music, wine, and cheese. • Day 8 (Wednesday): Have a leisurely breakfast at the famous Cafe du Monde before heading home. If you're driving north, take the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world’s longest bridge over water, for a spectacular view. For those staying for the second weekend, do laundry, pick up supplies, and get ready for another four days of music.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time of this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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