New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
WHY IT'S HERE
Founded in 1970 by George Wein and a New Orleans cultural delegation, an iconic celebration of jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and African diaspora music spanning two weekends.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival was founded in 1970 by George Wein, the producer of the Newport Jazz Festival, in partnership with a delegation of New Orleans cultural leaders. Held annually across two weekends at the Fair Grounds Race Course, Jazz Fest features hundreds of performances spanning jazz, blues, R&B, soul, gospel, funk, Cajun, zydeco, Latin, and African diaspora music. The festival also celebrates Louisiana cuisine through dozens of food vendors and showcases visual art, craft, and cultural heritage programming. Past headliners have included Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, and generations of New Orleans music legends.
Other Music Events
The Roots Picnic
Philadelphia • June
Founded in 2008 by The Roots, one of the most culturally respected music festivals in Black music, intergenerational appeal with podcast stages and educational programming.
MUSICCapital Jazz Festival
Columbia • June
Founded in 1992, the longest-running contemporary jazz festival in the United States, premier annual gathering for Black professionals who love smooth jazz, R&B, and soul.
MUSICCincinnati Music Festival
Cincinnati • July
Founded in 1962 as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, one of the oldest continuously running music festivals in the country featuring R&B, soul, and hip-hop legends across three nights.
MUSICAfro Nation Portugal
Portimão • July
Founded in 2019, premier Afrobeats and African diaspora music festival in Europe, draws a global Black audience and serves as a major destination for upscale Black diaspora travel.