By Lucia Gonzalez
Photo by Lucia Gonzalez
Fifteen different stages featuring our region’s best music and headliners known around the world, the smell of delicious food from Louisiana and beyond, and massive crowds of people so big they make the vastness of the fairground seem tight, all having fun in the grass at the same time.
This is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, one of the most exciting events in New Orleans. Every year since 1970, people have come together to enjoy live performances, local food, and the culture of the city. For many students and families, it’s a highlight of the year and something they look forward to months in advance.
One of the biggest reasons people love Jazz Fest is the music. There are so many artists and different types of music all in one place.
“My favorite thing about Jazz Fest is the music because there are so many different artists and styles all in one place,” Willow ninth grader Naomi Gugel said.
Many big performers performed on JazzFest stages in 2026, including Stevie Nicks, Lorde, and Tyler Childers. With 15 stages playing at once, people can walk around and discover new artists while also seeing their favorites perform live.
Besides music, the food is another huge draw.
“My favorite food is the beignets because they’re really good and kind of a New Orleans classic,” Gugel said.
Stella Gorman, another Willow ninth grader, said, “My favorite food is the crawfish bread because it’s something you can’t really get anywhere else.”
Willow freshman Max Braunig said, “I like the jambalaya the most because it’s filling and tastes really good.”
From sweet desserts to traditional Louisiana dishes, the food at Jazz Fest gives people a real taste of the city’s culture. The overall atmosphere is something people really enjoy, too.
“I like the vibe the most. Everyone is just there to have a good time and listen to music,” Gorman said.
This mix of music, food, and culture creates a unique experience that can’t easily be found anywhere else. People of all ages attend, and it’s common to see families, tourists, and locals all enjoying the festival together.
Even though Jazz Fest is fun, there are some things that Willow students would change.
“I would change how crowded it gets because it’s hard to move around sometimes,” Gugel said.
Braunig added, “I would add more seating because it’s a lot of standing all day.”
Gorman said ticket prices should be lower because they can be out of reach for many students and those who don’t have an extra $100+ for a ticket and more for food and drinks.
But people will find a way to make it work.
“I’m most excited to see Lorde because I really like her music,” Gugel said.
Gorman said she is excited to see Stevie Nicks, and Braunig is looking forward to Tyler Childers. Their excitement shows how much Jazz Fest means to young people in the community.
