Gambit previews New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026 week one | Jazz Fest

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival got the ball rolling a little earlier than normal this time when organizers announced the 2026 lineup way back in December. It’s given fest diehards plenty of time to buy tickets and comb the schedule, but it has also meant waiting a little bit longer for the gates to open.

Finally, Jazz Fest returns to the New Orleans Fair Grounds for another eight-day run of music, food and local culture on Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26, and again Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3.

It will again be a big event, with 12 music stages and tents featuring big touring acts and performers from New Orleans, South Louisiana and across the world. There’s also an interview stage, a stage hosting culinary demonstrations, a kids’ tent, parades, cultural performances in the Folklife Village and hundreds of food and arts vendors.

Headliners for the first four days include Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Lorde, Jon Batiste, Kings of Leon, Tyler Childers, Nas, David Byrne, Raye, Stephen Marley and The Isley Brothers. And there’s a vast range of genres, from rock, blues, funk and R&B to the sounds that have defined New Orleans and South Louisiana, including jazz, brass bands, zydeco and Cajun music. There also are many international bands showcasing a world of music.

The festival this year highlights Jamaican music and culture, with performances in the Cultural Exchange Pavilion and on other stages. There are performers with Jamaican heritage playing reggae, ska, dancehall and adventurous styles blending the familiar with the contemporary. There also are Jamaican artists, and New Orleans restaurant Afrodisiac will be serving dishes near the pavilion.

Ticket prices vary by day, and Louisiana residents can get better prices on single-day and weekend tickets. Locals Thursday tickets are now $65 advance online and $75 the day of and at the gate. Read more about those details, the fest’s cashless policy and other useful information here.

In the articles below, Gambit previews the first weekend at Jazz Fest 2026, with interviews with Jon Batiste, Catherine Russell and Gov’t Majik, picks for each day, an overview of this year’s Jamaica spotlight and more.

Head to nojazzfest.com for tickets and other information. And keep up with Gambit’s daily coverage from the fest here at bestofneworleans.com and on our social media pages.