Jazz Fest 2023 was a big success, attracting 460,000 music enthusiasts worldwide to the Fair Grounds Race Course and the vibrant city of New Orleans. Festival organizers praised the magic of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana and the cultural bearers who contributed to the festival’s success.

The festival, which lasted for two weekends, featured an eclectic mix of Louisiana’s music genres, including blues, gospel, rock, R&B, traditional and contemporary jazz, Cajun and zydeco, brass band, and Mardi Gras Indian music, as well as an impressive array of American roots and world music. In addition, the festival served more than 100 dishes of Louisiana’s famous cuisine. Three arts and crafts fairs also featured the handmade crafts of Louisiana and beyond.

The festival’s highlights included an opening day Festival Stage show featuring Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, and Lizzo, who made her exhilarating debut at Jazz Fest. Other memorable performances included farewell tour appearances by Dead & Co. and Kenny Loggins, Ed Sheeran’s return to the festival, and the “Locals Thursday” double bill featuring Louisiana-born blues legend Buddy Guy and Jazz Fest favorite Santana. The festival’s Cultural Exchange Pavilion also celebrated Puerto Rico’s culture, with reggaeton artist Farruko among the musical highlights.

Jazz Fest 2023 also featured a redesigned exhibit tent area named the Bruce Brice Art Village, showcasing the works of artists Richard Thomas, Terrance Osborne, and Brandan “Bmike” Odums. Jon Batiste, who was the subject of the 2022 poster but could not perform last year due to a scheduling conflict, returned to Jazz Fest for a performance on Friday, May 5, featuring members of the St. Augustine Marching Band and the Gospel Soul Children. Batiste also made surprise appearances on the final Sunday with Mumford & Sons and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, bringing the festival to a conclusion.

The festival’s next event is scheduled for April 26 – May 5, 2024. For the latest Jazz Fest information, visit their website.