New Orleans Jazz Fest Announces Massive 2025 Lineup Featuring Pearl Jam, Lil Wayne, Santana, and More

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated music lineup for its 2025 event, scheduled to take place from April 24 through May 4 at the historic Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Widely recognized as a premier celebration of the unique culture, heritage, and musical tapestry of New Orleans and the wider Louisiana region, the festival promises another expansive showcase of talent across multiple genres.

A Sweeping Musical Panorama

The 2025 edition of Jazz Fest is set to span eight days over two weekends, promising an immersive experience for attendees. The festival grounds will feature 14 distinct stages hosting performances by over 5,000 musicians. This vast number reflects the festival’s commitment to presenting virtually every style of American music, from its foundational jazz and blues roots to rock, funk, gospel, country, R&B, and beyond, while also incorporating international sounds.

Headliners and Featured Artists Revealed

The announced lineup is a testament to the festival’s ability to attract a diverse array of globally renowned artists and beloved local legends. Headlining the extensive list are major acts including Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, and Santana. The roster further boasts performances by John Fogerty, Burna Boy, HAIM, Cage The Elephant, Laufey, Bryson Tiller, the quintessential New Orleans talent Harry Connick Jr., the iconic Patti LaBelle, local favorites Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the acclaimed My Morning Jacket, the legendary Gladys Knight, rock veterans Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, R&B star Babyface, jazz luminary Diana Krall, jam band Goose, New Orleans rockers The Revivalists, regional Mexican sensations Banda MS, and the undisputed “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Irma Thomas.

The breadth of the lineup continues with acts like Tank and The Bangas, Branford Marsalis, Kamasi Washington, The Wailers feat. Julian Marley, the inimitable Big Freedia, Ledisi sings Nina, PJ Morton, international artist Youssou N’Dour, Galactic feat. Jelly Joseph, the historic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly “The Legacy Band”, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, New Orleans funk legend Cyril Neville, country/rockabilly artist Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, singer-songwriter James Bay, and funk powerhouse Dumpstaphunk. This extensive list highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing both international stars and the deep wellspring of talent originating from New Orleans and Louisiana.

Ticketing and Access Information

Tickets for the expansive event are currently available. Weekend Passes and various VIP Packages are now on sale, offering different levels of access and amenities for festival-goers planning to attend for multiple days. Recognizing the importance of local support, the festival continues its tradition of offering special general admission pricing specifically for Louisiana Residents. Furthermore, the popular “Locals Thursday” program will return on both initial Thursdays of the festival, April 24 and May 1. Advanced tickets for these specific dates will be priced at $50 for Louisiana residents, with information regarding their purchase availability to be announced at a later date.

Cultural Exchange Focus: Celebrating Mexico

A significant component of the 2025 festival will be the cultural exchange program, held at the Expedia Cultural Exchange Pavilion. For this edition, the festival will shine a spotlight on the vibrant music and culture of Mexico. This focus will be integrated throughout the festival, notably featuring performances by artists with strong ties to Mexican heritage, including Santana and Banda MS, who are also featured in the main lineup. The pavilion will specifically host performances by Lila Downs, alongside a diverse representation of nineteen bands hailing from both Mexico and the United States, further underscoring the rich cultural ties between the two nations.

The announcement of the 2025 lineup sets the stage for another dynamic and culturally rich New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone event in the global music calendar.