New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

It’s that time of year again, for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This event is one of two huge events that happen in New Orleans, La. every year.  The Jazz and Heritage Festival is a 10-day cultural feast that happens every year at the end of April and beginning of May. The event is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course every year since 1970. The event draws thousands of people from all over the country to New Orleans for fun in the sun, great music, and great savory Cajun food.

Jazz Band

There is so much to do at the festival. There are 12 stages that showcases hundreds musical acts throughout the day. People get to hear jazz gospel, Cajun, zydeco, rap, R&B, rock, funk, Latin, Africa, folk, and Caribbean music all day. The festival has had many artist perform on their stages such as: Aretha Franklin, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Gladys Knight, Drake, Wyclef John, LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, and many more other artist.

The festival not only allows people to dance and hear great music but allow the to purchase beautiful painting, jewelry, sculptures, and photographs that were made by not only local artist, but also made by national and international artists. There are artist tents that are set up which give festival-goers the opportunity to view and purchase Louisiana culture, heritage, and tradition through art. These items are collectible items that people can enjoy for many years.

Crawfish

Shrimp Po-boy

Now onto the best part of the festival, the food, New Orleans has the best food and it will be showcased at the festival. Festival-goers can chose from hot sausage po-boy, crawfish, Cajun jambalaya, crawfish bread, shrimp bread, boudin balls, shrimp gumbo, Ya Ka Mein, etc… The food is amazing, and people from everywhere get to see how cooks in New Orleans throw down with food. When you walk through the gates of the Fairgrounds you feel like you're in food heaven.

Coming to the festival makes you feel like there's nothing more in the world than music, food, crafts, and friendship, because this event is an all day event for 10 days. And once festival-goers are finished at the Jazz Fest. they can go to the French Quarters for evening fun.

Crowd at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival