New Orleans makes the music.
You make the memories.
April 23–26 & April 30–May 3, 2026
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — better known as Jazz Fest — is part of growing up in New Orleans. And while it might seem like more work than fun to have the little ones in tow for an event like this, most parents we know wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ve gotta start them on the Zydeco early!
If you do decide to Jazz Fest with the fam, here are a few tips. You might want to bring a beach blanket or a chair with an umbrella for quick naps. If you’re worried about music levels on your little one’s ears, throw some ear muffs or headphones into the stroller. And invest in a pair of those cute little rain boots, just in case.
The Official Jazz Fest Shuttle will get you right inside the gate. Once inside, head for less crowded stages like the Jazz & Heritage and Fais Do-Do stages. Plus, the Blues and Gospel tents offer chairs. And don’t forget the Jazz Fest Kids Area! Your children will love the Ochsner Children’s Tent with shows specifically tailored for kids.
The Cultural Arts Tent is a great place to get those creative juices flowing. Your kids will be able to work with Mardi Gras flower makers, float painters and builders, papier-mâché sculptors, puppeteers, costume makers and more. Each Saturday at 2 p.m., a petit carnival parade rolls through the area — and your kids can join in!
There’s also the Ochsner Children’s Activity Tent offering fun STEM-focused health and wellness activities. The Interactive Technology Tent lets kids play with motion graphics using props and a green screen. And the JF Peace Garden offers mindful movement, games and activities that encourage quiet observation and gentle sensory play. Have a tween in your household? They can take part in a Silent Disco Dance Party from 3–5 p.m. daily.
And all this is just the tip of the iceberg! Some people might recommend going on Thursdays or Fridays to avoid the larger crowds, but some of the best acts are on the weekend — so we say, just go for it.
Photo credit: Missy Fields Dalton
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