Live Music in New Orleans

The birthplace of jazz delivers world-class live music seven nights a week — much of it free to walk in and hear. Here's where to go.

In short: For local, authentic music head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. For traditional acoustic jazz, book Preservation Hall. Bourbon Street is louder and more touristy but iconic. You can hear great music any night — bring small cash to tip the bands.

Frenchmen Street

Just downriver from the French Quarter in the Faubourg Marigny, Frenchmen Street is where locals go for live music. Within a couple of blocks you'll find a dense cluster of clubs — jazz, brass, funk, blues, and more — many with no cover or a small one. Venues like The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and The Maison anchor the strip, and there's an open-air night art market too. It's the single best place to experience the city's living music scene.

Preservation Hall

For traditional New Orleans jazz in its purest form, Preservation Hall (726 St. Peter St. in the French Quarter) is the institution. Founded in 1961 to protect and present classic New Orleans jazz, it runs intimate, acoustic, no-frills concerts — no drinks, no amplification, just master musicians in a small room — over 350 nights a year. Shows are short (about 45 minutes) and popular; arrive early or reserve, as space is limited.

Bourbon Street & beyond

Bourbon Street in the Quarter is the loud, neon, tourist-facing side of the scene — cover bands, big bars, and crowds. It's worth experiencing once. Beyond the famous strips, music is everywhere: the Frenchmen Art Market, neighborhood clubs like Tipitina's and the Maple Leaf Uptown, brass-band brunches, and street performers throughout the Quarter. During festival season (Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest) the whole city becomes a stage.

Tips for a great music night

Start on Frenchmen Street and club-hop — you can sample several bands in an evening.
Bring small cash to tip musicians and cover any small charges.
For Preservation Hall, arrive early or book ahead; shows sell out.
Many venues are all-ages early and 21+ later — check if you have kids along.

Music tours & experiences

Guided music-history walks, jazz cruises, and club crawls are a great intro — check live availability and prices.

Frequently asked questions

Where do locals go for live music in New Orleans?

Frenchmen Street in the Marigny is the locals' favorite — a dense strip of clubs with jazz, brass, funk, and blues, often with little or no cover.

What is Preservation Hall?

A historic French Quarter venue founded in 1961 that presents intimate, acoustic traditional New Orleans jazz over 350 nights a year. Shows are about 45 minutes and space is limited.

Is Bourbon Street good for live music?

It's iconic but touristy — expect loud cover bands and big crowds. For more authentic local music, head to Frenchmen Street or book Preservation Hall.