Apply to Play at Jazz Fest 2027
The application period is now open for musicians and performers interested in being considered for the 2027 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell.
Those interested can apply online by submitting the online application at nojazzfest.com/apply. The application window runs from June 15 to September 1, 2026.
All musical artists and performers are welcome to apply. However, because the festival's mission is to promote, preserve, and celebrate Louisiana's unique music and cultural heritage, over 85% of the artists selected each year are Louisiana-based musicians. The festival showcases a wide range of genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, folk, Latin, country, rock, rap, and other styles that reflect the rich cultural traditions of Louisiana and New Orleans.
After applications are submitted, the Jazz Fest Music Department reviews all materials and will contact selected applicants by phone or email as the process moves forward.
What is Jazz Fest?
Known worldwide simply as "Jazz Fest," the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated cultural festivals in the United States. Founded in 1970, the festival is held annually at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans and attracts over a hundred thousand visitors each year.
While music is at the heart of the event, Jazz Fest is also a celebration of Louisiana's food, crafts, culture, and traditions. Multiple stages feature local, national, and international performers, with an emphasis on showcasing Louisiana artists and preserving the state's rich musical legacy.
The festival also serves as the primary fundraiser for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the cultural economy of Louisiana. The Foundation uses proceeds from Jazz Fest to fund year-round educational programs, grants, and community events. Through free music education, artist development programs, heritage projects, and community outreach, the Foundation works to preserve and promote the music, arts, and cultural traditions that make Louisiana so unique!
