Live Music in New Orleans

Gretna Fest 

Just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter lies Gretna Fest. Gretna Fest returns this October 3-5 with a lineup including Sam Hunt, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Natasha Bedingfield, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Better Than Ezra, and several others. Enjoy delicious food, art, and community at the fest. Fun fact: there are shuttles available for you to park and ride. The Gretna-Canal Street Ferry will also be operating, meaning you can catch the ferry from the French Quarter to get to Gretna Fest! Tickets are $45-$55 for a single day, or $100 for a weekend pass. Children ages 12 and under attend for free. 

Gentilly Fest 

Music, food, and community are all the focus of Gentilly Fest, a neighborhood festival held in Pontchartrain Park. Enjoy various vendors, plus live music, and activities for the kids on the weekend of October 10-12. This fest is free to attend. 

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival 

This October 10-12, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest returns with three days of music, food, and art. Performers include Sierra Green & The Giants, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, and dozens of others. Let’s not forget the food—it’s equal parts music and barbecue festival! Enjoy free admission to the festival all weekend long, which takes place at Lafayette Square Park. 

NOLA Funk Fest 

Get ready to groove to the beats of the funkiest musicians in New Orleans this October 17-19. NOLA Funk Fest is a celebration of Louisiana’s rich music history. Held at Spanish Plaza, performers include Dumpstaphunk, Master P ft. The Soul Rebels, Erica Falls, Jon Cleary, and many more! Tickets start at $56+ for single day general admission. 

Praise Fest 

Every year, Bayou St. John comes alive with Gospel music at Praise Fest. From October 17-19 enjoy three days of handclapping, foot-stomping, and soul-touching Gospel music and praise. The festival is free to attend.  

Tremé Fall Fest 

Returning on October 25, Tremé Fall Fest is a celebration of community with food, live music, art, and performances. Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the country. This free-to-attend festival serves as a fundraiser for St. Augustine Church and various community non-profits. Performers at this year’s fest include Indys Blue, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Herlin Riley and Kermit Ruffins, and more! 

NOLA Reggae Fest 

Enjoy three days of music, food, and vibes in Congo Square this October 24-26 at Nola Reggae Fest. Both international headliners and local musicians take the stage in this celebration of Caribbean culture. Entry is $25 for a one-day pass and $35 for a three-day pass. 

For even more live music in New Orleans, visit the WWOZ LiveWire Music Calendar.