New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026: Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Lorde, Jon Batiste Top Massive Bill

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell has unveiled its sweeping 2026 music lineup, assembling one of the most far-reaching and star-powered bills in the event’s history.

Returning April 23–May 3, Jazz Fest will once again transform the Fair Grounds Race Course into a cultural epicenter, showcasing more than 5,000 musicians across 14 stages and reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most diverse and influential music festivals.

The 2026 edition brings an extraordinary cross-section of global icons, genre innovators, and Louisiana legends. Among the top-line performers are Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Kings of Leon, Lainey Wilson, Teddy Swims, Lorde, Jon Batiste, Tyler Childers, David Byrne, The Black Keys, T-Pain, Raye, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Nas, Widespread Panic, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. They lead a roster that spans rock, pop, blues, jazz, funk, gospel, reggae, Americana, and every shade of Louisiana culture.

The lineup reaches further across generations with appearances by Alabama Shakes, St. Vincent, Herbie Hancock, The Isley Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Lake Street Dive, Mavis Staples, The Revivalists, Carlos Vives, Sean Paul, Dianne Reeves, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Ani DiFranco, Tab Benoit, The Radiators, Dumpstaphunk, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Burning Spear, Stephen Marley, Lettuce, and dozens more. Jazz Fest’s hallmark commitment to homegrown talent is once again front and center, with sets from Cyril Neville, Big Freedia, Samantha Fish, Kermit Ruffins, Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph, Anders Osborne, Steve Earle, Jon Cleary, and the city’s world-renowned brass bands.

A Cultural Celebration Rooted in New Orleans

Since its debut in 1970, Jazz Fest has served as a multi-dimensional portrait of New Orleans—its rhythm, its flavor, its traditions, and its people. This year’s festival continues that mission, offering attendees an immersive experience that extends far beyond its marquee artists. Stages will spotlight everything from traditional jazz and Delta blues to zydeco, bounce, and the spiritual power of gospel choirs.

Beyond the performances, the festival’s culinary program remains a crown jewel, featuring dozens of longtime vendors serving iconic Louisiana dishes—from crawfish bread and Cochon de Lait po-boys to beignets, pralines, and regional specialties rarely found outside the state. A sprawling craft marketplace will host hundreds of artisans presenting handmade works rooted in Louisiana and global traditions.

Jazz Fest Honors Jamaica With One Love Jamaica Pavilion

Each year, the festival’s Cultural Exchange Pavilion highlights a different region of the world, and for 2026, Jazz Fest will pay tribute to Jamaica with One Love Jamaica—a broad, multi-sensory celebration of the island’s artistic legacy and cultural resilience. This year’s spotlight carries special meaning, arriving in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation across the country.

The Pavilion will feature performances from Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Sean Paul, Burning Spear, Protoje, Original Koffee, Lila Iké, Luciano, The Skatalites, Jesse Royal, Lutan Fyah, and other leading and emerging voices in reggae, dancehall, gospel, jazz, and mento. Exhibition spaces will showcase Jamaican artisans whose work reflects the island’s traditions, while a curated food stand will offer signature Jamaican dishes and beverages. The festival will also host a Cultural Exchange Artist Demonstration Tent to support craftspeople affected by the storm.

The One Love Jamaica presentation builds on Jazz Fest’s long-standing tradition of honoring international communities through music, heritage, and shared celebration—while underscoring New Orleans’ own historic ties to the Caribbean.

Tickets, Travel, and “Locals Thursday”

Weekend GA and VIP passes go on sale tomorrow, December 12, at 10 a.m. on nojazzfest.com, with payment plans beginning at $49 down. Louisiana residents will again be eligible for discounted pricing, and the festival’s popular Locals Thursday will return on both weekends (April 23 and April 30), offering additional access at lower rates for in-state attendees.

Jazz Fest has also expanded its travel and lodging partnerships for 2026. On Location will offer bundled packages that combine festival passes, hotel accommodations, and roundtrip shuttle service. A new partnership with New Orleans & Company aims to streamline the hotel booking experience with preferred rates for out-of-town fans.

A Global Stage With Local Soul

With more than five decades of history, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to be one of the most essential gatherings in live music—an event renowned not only for its marquee performers, but for its deep sense of place. The 2026 festival’s vast and varied lineup reflects both the depth of Louisiana’s cultural identity and the global creative community that converges annually in New Orleans to celebrate it.

For full daily schedules, ticket details, hotel offerings, and additional programming announcements, visit www.nojazzfest.com.