Event Dates
From: Friday, April 26, 2024
To: Sunday, May 5, 2024
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often known as Jazz Fest, is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often known as Jazz Fest, is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana.
- Jazz Fest packs the city, so book early. Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter, and take a rideshare to the fairgrounds hosting the festival.
The Jazz Festival
- New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, celebrates the best of its deep roots of music culture from blues, R&B, gospel, folk, cajun, jazz, bluegrass and more in October.
- Jazzfest is a fusion of music, local cuisine, crafts and plenty of other attractions. Awiting line up for the 2023 event.
- The lineup features the biggest names in Jazz with an impressive 12 stages and tents together with four different parades for a non stop weekend of partying and fun.
- ‘The combination of food, music, people, crafts and parades is like a buffet for the senses. Enjoy dishes such as delicious crawfish enchiladas with great craft beers.
- Stay at the Brakeman Hotel, a charming 3 star hotel with a perfect location, spacious rooms. The hotel has been classically restored and is one of our top recommendations in New Orleans, close to all the city’s gay bars and clubs.
The Venue
- The event is has been held in the the Fair Grounds Race Course since 1972. The event has seen everyone from Lionel Richie to Elton John perform on stage over the past decade.
- Jazz Fest is split up between the Louisiana Folklife Village and Native American Village where festival-goers can learn about the historic traditions and culture of Mardi Gras Indians as well as the heritage of Louisiana’s indigenous people.
- Additionally, the event will feature a main Grandstand that contains four unique stages and smaller tents for special exhibits.
- The fairgrounds are a 10-minute drive from the gay bars along Bourbon Street.
Gay After Parties
- Most of the unaffiliated bars and clubs on Bourbon street host special gay after parties during the New Orleans Jazz Fest! Look out locally for special guest announcements.
Where to stay?
- The Garden District and Central Business District are great places to stay for those looking to stay close to the Fairgrounds.
- The Fair grounds are a 9 minute taxi ride from the gay district. The following hotels closer to the gay bars are currently trending with our readers:
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
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The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
For information and advice on
New Orleans Jazz Fest Website
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
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We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Highlights from the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans doesn’t have distinct gay neighbourhoods in the same way as some other cities like West Hollywood or Chelsea in New York City. However, the city is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll find gay-friendly establishments and events scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, especially along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.