About the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

2009 marked the 40th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Held each spring over two weekends the "Jazz Fest" draws thousands of visitors and musicians from all over the world to celebrate music, cuisine and culture. As you explore New Orleans and the festival you learn firsthand why so many people love and make this event every year.

The Jazz Fest takes place in "Mid-City" New Orleans, a charming unique neighborhood not far from the historic French Quarter. 12 stages showcase a variety of acts from all musical genres - you will have an opportunity to choose from about 70 performances each day.

Performance venues range in size from the intimate "tents" dedicated to Gospel, Blues or Traditional Jazz, to large "main" stages and everything in between. There is something for everyone, whether you want to wander around the fest grounds, or stick in one spot.

Come hungry! You will not find a greater variety of delicious food assembled in one place. Local favorites are mango ice, crawfish bread, Cochon de Lait po-boy, fried soft-shell crab po-boy, oysters, and pralines.