The 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is gearing up for one of its biggest years yet, unveiling a lineup that merges classic-rock royalty with powerhouse names across jazz, soul, R&B, pop and beyond. Set for April 23–26 and April 30–May 3 at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the festival’s two-weekend spread reflects New Orleans’ unmatched musical identity with a roster that spans generations and genres.
Among the marquee attractions are the Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart. For fans of classic rock, the Eagles’ appearance is especially significant: it marks their first performance outside the Las Vegas Sphere since March 2026, breaking a long period of exclusive shows. Stevie Nicks’ set is expected to be a major draw as well, with Jazz Fest currently standing as her only confirmed performance of 2026. Rod Stewart will appear in the midst of his global farewell tour, adding another layer of history to an already momentous lineup. David Byrne and several major contemporary performers round out the top tier, expanding the festival’s reach far beyond any single genre.
The depth of the 2026 lineup highlights Jazz Fest’s broad musical embrace. Acts like Kings of Leon, Lorde, The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, St. Vincent, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Herbie Hancock, Irma Thomas and The Isley Brothers reinforce the event’s long-standing commitment to honoring legacy artists while championing modern innovators. Multiple stages across the Fair Grounds will spotlight everything from blues to funk, from gospel to global fusion, all rooted in the city’s signature musical heartbeat.
Ticket sales open December 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. local time, with general admission and VIP options available through the festival’s official website. Louisiana residents will once again have access to discounted tickets on the festival’s two Thursdays, April 23 and April 30, keeping alive a tradition that prioritizes local community participation.
With its 2026 edition, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to evolve into a massive cultural convergence point. By blending world-renowned rock icons, contemporary stars and celebrated artists from New Orleans’ own musical lineage, Jazz Fest reinforces its reputation as one of America’s most vibrant, eclectic and essential music gatherings.
