Beyond the stages and crowds at the Fair Grounds Race Course, music fans can find some of the Jazz & Heritage Festival’s most notable performers hidden in plain sight across New Orleans — playing pop-ups, trying classic food and doing their best to let loose.
Headliners and smaller acts alike take part in Preservation Hall’s annual concerts or jam out at local dive bars. Others choose to join fans and soak up the city’s culture.
Here’s a look at who was spotted out during the first weekend of Jazz Fest 2026.
Tyler Childers, Matt Quinn, Rod Stewart hit Preservation Hall
Jazz Fest performers have a tradition of showing up to play for Preservation Hall’s Midnight Preserves, an after-hours series of concerts that raises money for the historic jazz venue.
County performer Tyler Childers played Saturday, fresh off his packed performance at the Shell Gentilly Stage, according to a social media post from New Orleans-based photographer Steve Rapport.
Sunday headliner Rod Stewart was spotted in the audience a day before his own set, Rapport’s post showed.
Mt. Joy frontman Matt Quinn, The Revivalists singer David Shaw, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Christian singer Lauren Daigle, Sylvan Esso singer Amelia Meath, Cimafunk and Jelly Joseph also made appearances during the first weekend of performances.
Revivalists play Le Bon Temps Roule
The New Orleans favorites The Revivalists had another notable pop-up performance Uptown, playing a packed set at Le Bon Temps Roule on Sunday.
Last year, the group played at Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge, a significant concert for their lead singer, who had avoided the bar for years after becoming sober.
St. Vincent at the Hotel Saint Vincent
Five years ago, rock singer St. Vincent performed at the opening of Hotel Saint Vincent in the Lower Garden District. On Friday, the singer — whose real name is Annie Clark — returned for another show.
“Five years ago, @st_vincent helped open the doors of Hotel Saint Vincent. Last night, she returned for an intimate set in Chapel Club, and it felt just as special,” an Instagram post from the Hotel Saint Vincent read.
St. Vincent performed at Jazz Fest’s Gentilly stage Sunday.
Maggie Rodgers kicks back
In addition to the prime music opportunities, some stars travel to New Orleans to experience the festival like any other fan.
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers shared photos on Instagram Monday of her own weekend visit to Jazz Fest. She was seen hanging out with Mavis Staples and Stevie Nicks, trying classic like crawfish and beignets, and stopping by jazz lounge Buffa’s.
Jon Batiste to play Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
The ever-busy New Orleans native Jon Batiste plans to keep the weekend fun going Monday with a show at the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro at 626 Frenchmen St.
The 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. pop-up concerts were already sold out by Monday afternoon, according to Snug Harbor’s website.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
