(August) Another fantastic New Orleans festival produced by French Quarter Festivals Inc., Satchmo Summerfest is an entire weekend dedicated to showcasing the music and legacy of one of jazz’s founding fathers and a native son of NOLA, Louis Armstrong. Over two days at the beginning of August, thousands pour in to watch local legends play the finest in New Orleans Jazz on two stages out on the Esplanade, surrounded by hundreds of local food and craft vendors (these vendors and corporate sponsorship keep the festival free).

Satchmo Summerfest also includes educational seminars, children’s events, a jazz mass, and parades. The seminars often feature scholars, musicians and even some who knew Mr. Armstrong personally and now are passing the torch to the next generation of jazz musicians who owe their music to Satchmo. If you are a jazz lover and planning a trip to New Orleans, we highly recommend timing your trek to catch Satchmo Summerfest: it’s all the best of New Orleans jazz in one great French Quarter setting.

Satchmo Summerfest Information

• Public Transportation: Good (steps from buses 5 and 55 at Decatur Street/Esplanade Avenue, and a short walk from the Riverfront Streetcar at Esplanade Avenue)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances: 25-30 performances over two days
• Ticket Prices: Free.