Stop what you’re doing. Jazz Fest just jumped the calendar. I can confirm the full 2026 lineup is out today, weeks earlier than usual. It is a blockbuster mix of icons, chart leaders, hometown heroes, and a massive salute to Jamaica. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. CST. Plan fast, because New Orleans is already humming. 🎺
The headliners and the heartbeat
This is a star front line with real depth behind it. The Eagles and Stevie Nicks bring rock royalty. Rod Stewart adds swagger. Lorde delivers modern pop glow. Nas and The Black Keys bring edge and muscle. Jon Batiste returns for a victory lap in his own backyard. David Byrne and Kings of Leon round out a slate built for singalongs and surprises.
- The Eagles
- Stevie Nicks
- Lorde
- Nas
- Jon Batiste
New Orleans flavor stays central. Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Freedia, and Trombone Shorty are in the mix. Expect brass, bounce, gospel, zydeco, and second lines circling the Fair Grounds all day. That balance is the Jazz Fest promise. Stars on top, culture in the soil.
Why the early reveal matters
Jazz Fest usually waits until January. Dropping in early December changes the game. It gives fans time to book travel, sync squads, and map both weekends. It also plants a flag while spring festival calendars are still moving. The message is simple, get to New Orleans first.
Festival dates lock in two long weekends. Weekend one runs April 23 to 26, 2026. Weekend two runs April 30 to May 3, 2026. That leaves room for repeat visits, or one perfect sprint if you pick a side.
Tickets, GA and VIP, go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. CST. Do not wait.
One Love Jamaica takes center stage
This year’s Cultural Exchange Pavilion is titled One Love Jamaica. It is a full spotlight on reggae, dancehall, ska, food, craft, and style. The lineup inside that pavilion is a mini festival on its own. Think sun on your face, bass in your chest, and patty in hand.
- Ziggy Marley
- Sean Paul
- Burning Spear
- Protoje
Jamaican artisans and chefs will join the music, which fits the Jazz Fest spirit. It is celebration and education, not a side stage. Expect roots history and new-school fire sitting side by side. That conversation is the cultural win of this poster.
Celebrity moments to watch
The Eagles’ catalog will turn the infield into one loud choir. Stevie Nicks will float, then punch, like only she can. Nas can flip a jazz band into a hip hop seminar. Jon Batiste knows how to turn a home crowd into a family meeting. David Byrne loves brass, so keep an ear open for a local horn cameo.
That cross talk between headliners and locals is the secret sauce. You come for the big font names. You leave talking about a Mardi Gras Indian chant that stopped you in your tracks.
Locals Thursday returns on both weekends, with Louisiana resident discounts available.
Dates, tickets, and how to play it
If you want room to roam, weekdays often breathe a bit more than Saturdays. If you want the big crowd surge for a massive closer, circle the Sundays. Hotel blocks will move fast near the Fair Grounds and the Quarter. Book now, or commit to rideshares and comfy shoes.
Pick two must-see acts a day, then let the day surprise you. The best sets find you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Jazz Fest 2026?
A: Weekend one is April 23 to 26. Weekend two is April 30 to May 3.
Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. CST. GA and VIP options will be available.
Q: Who are the big headliners?
A: The Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Lorde, Nas, Jon Batiste, David Byrne, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, and more.
Q: What is One Love Jamaica?
A: A Cultural Exchange Pavilion honoring Jamaican music and culture, with sets by Ziggy Marley, Sean Paul, Burning Spear, and Protoje.
Q: Are there local discounts?
A: Yes. Louisiana residents get special pricing, and Locals Thursday runs on both weekends.
The bottom line, Jazz Fest just planted its flag for 2026, early and loud. The poster blends legacy names, modern stars, deep New Orleans roots, and a rich Jamaica focus. It is commercial and cultural, big and local, all at once. New Orleans is calling. Answer it.
