Live Music · Free · Event listing
NOLA River Fest 2026
A free day of live music, a second line and conversations about the Mississippi River at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Inside the event
NOLA River Fest 2026: music, second line and river stories
Spend a Saturday exploring how the Mississippi River shapes New Orleans through music, conversation and a festival at the Jazz Museum.
A free festival at the Jazz Museum
The 12th NOLA River Fest takes place September 12, 2026, at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Avenue. The festival’s organizer describes admission as free and open to the public, with local food vendors and drinks available.
Music and the opening second line
The published program opens with an 11 a.m. second line featuring Treme Lafitte Brass Band, the N’awlins D’awlins Baby Dolls and the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas Indians. Main-stage performers include Grayhawk Perkins, Coralai, Jenna McSwain, Sari Jordan, Kumasi, Yusa and Kinfolk Brass Band.
Talks beyond the main stage
The museum also lists presentations about canals, green infrastructure and Louisiana’s relationship with water, plus a reading with poet Gina Ferrara. Check both the stage and Performance Center schedules when planning your afternoon.
Planning your visit
The detailed music program runs through 7:45 p.m., although the museum’s calendar header says 6 p.m. We use the detailed program here; confirm the final schedule with the museum. Decide whether you want to join the opening second line or arrive directly at the museum.
Sources: Jazz Museum program · River Fest organizer and free admission
Event details
Back to all events11 a.m. opening second line; detailed stage schedule ends at 7:45 p.m. Confirm final hours with the museum.
Quick actions
Directions, official information, sharing, and photo galleries.