New Orleans Jazz Fest 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The 2025 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, set to kick off in late April, has announced a star-studded lineup featuring a mix of legendary performers and rising stars. The festival, a cornerstone of New Orleans culture, will showcase over 500 acts across 12 stages, blending jazz, rock, country, and local music traditions.

Headliners include rock icon Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Jett, known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is expected to draw massive crowds with her high-energy performance. “Joan Jett is a living legend, and her presence at Jazz Fest is a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal,” said festival organizer Quint Davis.

Grammy-winning indie rock band Cage the Elephant will also make a highly anticipated return to the festival. Known for hits like “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Cigarette Daydreams,” the band last performed at Jazz Fest in 2017. Their unique blend of raw energy and eccentric stage presence has made them a fan favorite.

Country music star Kacey Musgraves will bring her genre-defying sound to the festival, following her acclaimed performance at Coachella in 2024. Musgraves, whose music often explores themes of love and acceptance, has been praised for her ability to connect with audiences. “Her live performances are transformative,” said music critic Sarah Johnson. “She has a way of making every song feel personal.”

Rising jazz and classical artist Laufey, whose music has gained a massive following on TikTok, will also perform. The Icelandic singer-songwriter aims to modernize jazz for younger audiences, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences. “Laufey is redefining what jazz can be,” said festival attendee Emily Carter. “Her music feels both timeless and fresh.”

Local talent remains a cornerstone of the festival, with performances by New Orleans-based acts like Trombone Shorty, Big Freedia, and Patti LaBelle. Trombone Shorty, a festival staple, will once again close out the event with his signature blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Big Freedia, the “Queen of Bounce,” will bring her high-energy New Orleans hip-hop to the stage, while Patti LaBelle, the “Godmother of Soul,” will deliver a powerhouse performance.

The festival will also feature the alternative rock band Mutemath, whose music is deeply rooted in New Orleans’ post-Katrina resilience. “Our music is a love letter to this city,” said Mutemath frontman Paul Meany. “We want to honor its spirit and history.”

Spanning two weekends, Jazz Fest 2025 will take place from April 25 to May 4 at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Tickets are available on the festival’s official website, with single-day passes starting at $95 and weekend passes at $250. Organizers expect over 400,000 attendees, making it one of the largest music festivals in the country.

“Jazz Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “It brings people together from all walks of life to experience the magic of this city.”