These Are The Top Concert Venues In New Orleans

New Orleans doesn’t just have a music scene—it is the music scene. From the raw, sweat-soaked dives of Frenchmen Street to the gilded grandeur of historic theaters, our city pulses with live sounds that could make even the statues in Jackson Square tap their toes.

Whether you’re chasing traditional jazz, funky brass bands, or big-name rockers, we’ve got venues that deliver the Crescent City’s sonic soul. We’ve scoured the latest buzz (and a few po’boys along the way) to bring you the top concert spots in New Orleans. Grab your tickets, a cold Abita, and let’s get the show on the road.

In this article, I’m going to show you some of the best concert venues in New Orleans.

Best Concert Venues In New Orleans

Here are some of the best concert venues in New Orleans.

Preservation Hall

726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

Tucked in the French Quarter, this unassuming wooden shack has been safeguarding New Orleans jazz since the 1960s, when it ditched its art gallery roots for nightly sets by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Expect intimate, standing-room-only crowds swaying to clarinets and tubas—pure, unfiltered tradition in a space that seats just 100.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Preservation Hall: “Incredible music! Unbelievably skilled and entertaining musicians! Small venue so get there early if you want to be able to see the performance well from your wooden bench. No AC so it gets hot and stuffy, we used the flyer the staff hands out before the show as a fan. Good chance some band members will stay for a few minutes to say hello when the performance is over!”

Joy Theater

1200 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 528-9569

Here’s what one reviewer says about Joy Theater: “My favorite theater style venue in New Orleans! It’s so well run and organized. You can get tickets at the box office in advance, online, or on the day of the show. I’ve seen 2 VIP shows here, and both were phenomenal experiences.”

Tipitina’s

501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 895-8477

Uptown’s legendary roadhouse, named after Professor Longhair’s hit, has been rocking since the 1970s with a lineup that’s hosted everyone from Dr. John to Lenny Kravitz. This 1,000-capacity spot blends funk, R&B, and zydeco under neon signs, complete with a balcony for prime people-watching. Catch the Fais Do-Do series for Cajun twirls this fall.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Tipitina’s: “Tipitinas is home. It is one of the staples of New Orleans. All of the greats have played there and you never know who may show up and jam together. Plus it has been home to so many new and upcoming bands that have gone off to be huge hits. Great staff & owners. Just all around top notch. Glad it has survived the pandemic and can’t wait to see a show!”

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 949-0696

Here’s what one reviewer says about Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: “Snug Harbor was amazing! I’m a first time visitor to the venue from out of town. I purchased my tix online and picked them up on the day of the show from Will Call. Saw the 8pm show with Jamison Ross….AMAZING show. Eat before you go to the show….only drinking allowed during show in the music room. AMAZING AMAZING show!”

Final Word

If you’re trying to catch a concert in New Orleans, there are some very nice places to go around the city. New Orleans has a long history of iconic performance locations even before the days of Louis Armstrong

New Orleans has some of the finest venues in the United States, including the Superdome, but that’s not all.

Explore the city to see what all it has to offer. Catch some live shows in some of the smaller joints. Attend some of the big tours at the stadiums and have a good time the Nola way!

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