August 17, 2026
Ideally situated at the intersection of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street—the vibrant three-block corridor renowned for live music—sits the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Through dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances, the beloved museum celebrates and honors jazz in the city in which it was born.
While jazz is certainly the museum’s primary focus—it showcases the most comprehensive jazz-related collection in the world, with more than 25,000 artifacts!—a visit to the historic building offers so much more. The acclaimed museum plays host to more than 365 concerts and 15 festivals annually and pays tribute to the multicultural roots of jazz. For instance, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month the museum, in partnership with NOLAxNOLA26, showcases the exuberant culture of Latin, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin musical traditions that have profoundly shaped the sound and spirit of New Orleans jazz. Stop by the New Orleans Jazz Museum September 16 through October 16 for free live music events featuring acclaimed local and international artists, who continue to celebrate and advance these rich, multicultural traditions. As part of the celebration, lively musical performances are sure to excite attendees every Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the museum’s Performance Center. Groove to the electrifying beat during two special courtyard balcony concerts, scheduled for September 15 and October 13, beginning at 5:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Gather your crew and head to the museum on September 12 for the 12th Annual NOLA River Fest, one of the Jazz Museum’s signature events. It brings together music, ideas, art, and community to celebrate the waterways, which continue to shape New Orleans. This year’s theme, “Sounds of the River: Water as the Collective,” encourages audiences to experience the Mississippi River as more than simply a topographical feature and, instead, as a living macrocosm that connects people, traditions, commerce, and artistic expression from around the world. The free, fun-filled festival kicks off with a spirited second line through Jackson Square featuring the N’awlins D’awlins Baby Dolls and Big Queen Mary Kay of the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas. Following the parade, kick back and enjoy a full day of dynamic performances by acclaimed local and international artists, including Treme Lafitte Brass Band, Yusa, Sari Jordan, and Jena McSwain. Attendees can also partake in thought-provoking conversations on sustainability, AI, and Louisiana’s water future.
Then on December 5, music enthusiasts will fill the New Orleans Jazz Museum grounds for the 9th Annual Improvisations Gala, an action-packed, spirited soiree that is sure to delight! With the theme “The Coolest Night in New Orleans,” guests are invited into a dazzling winter lights wonderland, where the magic of the holiday season meets the soul of New Orleans. You’ll be transported into an enchanting landscape of shimmering lights, frosted elegance, and immersive experiences that capture the spirit of this extraordinary celebration. The 2026 Improvisations Gala promises an unforgettable evening featuring captivating musical performances across multiple stages, exceptional cuisine, specialty cocktails, and engaging museum exhibits.
For more information on the New Orleans Jazz Museum, museum events, and the Improvisations Gala, visit nolajazzmuseum.org.
While jazz is certainly the museum’s primary focus—it showcases the most comprehensive jazz-related collection in the world, with more than 25,000 artifacts!—a visit to the historic building offers so much more. The acclaimed museum plays host to more than 365 concerts and 15 festivals annually and pays tribute to the multicultural roots of jazz. For instance, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month the museum, in partnership with NOLAxNOLA26, showcases the exuberant culture of Latin, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin musical traditions that have profoundly shaped the sound and spirit of New Orleans jazz. Stop by the New Orleans Jazz Museum September 16 through October 16 for free live music events featuring acclaimed local and international artists, who continue to celebrate and advance these rich, multicultural traditions. As part of the celebration, lively musical performances are sure to excite attendees every Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the museum’s Performance Center. Groove to the electrifying beat during two special courtyard balcony concerts, scheduled for September 15 and October 13, beginning at 5:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Gather your crew and head to the museum on September 12 for the 12th Annual NOLA River Fest, one of the Jazz Museum’s signature events. It brings together music, ideas, art, and community to celebrate the waterways, which continue to shape New Orleans. This year’s theme, “Sounds of the River: Water as the Collective,” encourages audiences to experience the Mississippi River as more than simply a topographical feature and, instead, as a living macrocosm that connects people, traditions, commerce, and artistic expression from around the world. The free, fun-filled festival kicks off with a spirited second line through Jackson Square featuring the N’awlins D’awlins Baby Dolls and Big Queen Mary Kay of the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas. Following the parade, kick back and enjoy a full day of dynamic performances by acclaimed local and international artists, including Treme Lafitte Brass Band, Yusa, Sari Jordan, and Jena McSwain. Attendees can also partake in thought-provoking conversations on sustainability, AI, and Louisiana’s water future.
Then on December 5, music enthusiasts will fill the New Orleans Jazz Museum grounds for the 9th Annual Improvisations Gala, an action-packed, spirited soiree that is sure to delight! With the theme “The Coolest Night in New Orleans,” guests are invited into a dazzling winter lights wonderland, where the magic of the holiday season meets the soul of New Orleans. You’ll be transported into an enchanting landscape of shimmering lights, frosted elegance, and immersive experiences that capture the spirit of this extraordinary celebration. The 2026 Improvisations Gala promises an unforgettable evening featuring captivating musical performances across multiple stages, exceptional cuisine, specialty cocktails, and engaging museum exhibits.
For more information on the New Orleans Jazz Museum, museum events, and the Improvisations Gala, visit nolajazzmuseum.org.
