The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has announced an exciting addition to its 2024 lineup–an extra full day of festivities. The upcoming festival will open on Thursday, April 25, expanding the event to two equal four-day weekends.

Spanning two weekends, the festival‘s dates are as follows: Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, April 28, and Thursday, May 2, through Sunday, May 5. These dates mark the third time this has happened in the festival’s history. Once in 2003 when the first Thursday was sponsored by Popeyes and again in 2019 to honor the 50th anniversary of the festival.

The Jazz & Heritage Festival, held annually at the Fair Grounds Race Course, is celebrated for its diverse musical offerings, with over 5,000 musicians across 14 stages. This expansive musical showcase features virtually every style of music imaginable. In addition to the music lineup, festival-goers enjoy the many local food offerings and craft tents.

This event began in 1970 and has since become an annual pilgrimage for music enthusiasts worldwide. It consistently draws nearly 500,000 attendees from near and far who gather to enjoy the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and the broader Louisiana region.

The previous year’s festival was a success, featuring memorable performances by several New Orleans artists, such as Jon Batiste, Tank And The Bangas and Big Freedia. The festival continues to serve as a platform for showcasing the region’s vibrant musical talents and cultural richness.

With an extra day in 2024, the Jazz & Heritage Festival aims to serve as an even more extensive and immersive experience for attendees, further solidifying its status as a must-visit cultural event on the annual calendar. Click here to learn more about the festival and the Jazz & Heritage Foundation.