New Orleans, Louisiana, is not just a city. Its name alone conjures up a scintillating and singular representation of the confluence of French, African, and American cultures. The city is the embodiment of a round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and spicy cuisine that reflects its melting pot history.
First held in 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) has become an integral part of that history. While the initial fest drew a modest 850 attendees over a long weekend, it has since expanded to two weekends and this year (April 23-26 and April 30-May 3, 2026) approximately 475,000 fans saw over 5,000 musicals and performers. There are 14 stages and 66 food vendors. By all accounts it’s a feast for the senses so overwhelming that could easily result in a state of delirium.
The column was most fortunate to have photographers Astrida Valigorsky and Carl Beust there. They share with us their photos and their experiences with us.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026 by Carl Beust
Once again Jazz Fest unfolded as a blur of unforgettable sets, impossible schedule conflicts, and the kind of musical discoveries that only happen at the Fair Grounds. Across two weekends, the festival once again proved why it remains the defining cultural event in New Orleans and one of the most essential music festivals anywhere in America.
As always, some of the most rewarding performances came away from the main stages. Local artist Sierra Green, Pinstripe Brass Band, Mardi Gras Indian tribe Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles, along with Louisiana roots musician Leyla McCalla reminded everyone that Jazz Fest still belongs first and foremost to the culture of New Orleans. Sets from Cajun band The Pine Leaf Boys, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and zydeco sensation Chubby Carrier created the heartbeat of the festival while larger crowds gathered for national headliners such as Rod Stewart later in the afternoon.
One constant throughout the festival was the impossible choice between stages. Fans sprinted between stages trying to catch fragments of overlapping performances: Trombone Shorty vs. Tedeschi Trucks Band vs. Mavis Staples vs. Steve Earle vs. Herbie Hancock vs. Earth Wind & Fire. As fest veterans often say, the quality of your Jazz Fest is measured by what you missed in order to see what you saw. That feeling seemed especially true this year, when nearly every day presented brutal conflicts between legendary acts and local favorites.
