Satchmo summerfest
FAQs
What is Satchmo SummerFest?
Satchmo SummerFest is the premier American festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. It features live music, New Orleans cuisine, and fascinating lectures about Louis Armstrong and jazz music. Access to the festival is free, thanks to support from New Orleans & Company. Satchmo SummerFest’s presenting sponsor is the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF). The festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn more about FQFI here.
Where is Satchmo SummerFest?
Satchmo SummerFest, presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF), takes place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Jazz Museum, located at 400 Esplanade Avenue. The majority of the music programming is outdoors on the grounds of the museum, with some programming inside. Access to the museum’s exhibits is FREE during the festival!
How much does it cost to attend?
Entrance to Satchmo SummerFest is free, including admission to the museum. Food and beverages will be available for purchase; outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Satchmo SummerFest is presented free to the community by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to sustaining New Orleans’ cultural economy and supporting the musicians and culture-bearers who make it unique.
In lieu of admission, donations are encouraged to help keep the festival accessible, inclusive, and authentic. You can make a donation here.
What are the hours of satchmo summerfest?
12 noon – 8 pm, daily (Saturday and Sunday)
What items are prohibited inside Festival Gates?
Outside food and beverages
Weapons
Drones
Kites
Glass bottles and containers
Fireworks
Professional radios or walkie-talkies
Bicycles inside of festival grounds
Unauthorized soliciting or vending
Pets
Tents or sun shades
Stakes
Poles
Unauthorized signage, pamphlets, or flyers
Illicit Drugs
Bullhorns or other audio amplification equipment (e.g. speakers)
Personal golf carts or other motorized vehicles
Empty, reusable water containers exceeding 32 oz
Will the festival accept cash and card?
Satchmo SummerFest is completely cashless!
All food, beverage, and merchandise booths will accept major credit cards and digital payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. If necessary, cash can be exchanged for credit on a pre-paid festival RFID card at our Merchandise Booth on-site.
What happens if festival-goers show up at the gate with a prohibited item?
The attendee will have the option to discard or surrender the prohibited item, or they can secure the item at a location of their choice (e.g., car, hotel room). Surrendered items cannot be returned and will be forfeited.
I believe I've lost an item at the festival — what can I do?
Please visit our Headquarters Tent on-site and our team can help you. You can also send us an email at info@fqfi.org with a description of your lost item.
Can I bring prescription medications, baby formula, or milk?
These substances are exempt from the rules above, pending inspection.
Can I bring lawn chairs and seating?
Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are allowed on the festival grounds.
Can I bring my cooler or ice chest?
Satchmo SummerFest does not permit outside food and beverages, coolers, ice chests, or large containers in the main festival areas.
We rely on revenue from beverages, merchandise, and sponsorship to produce this free community event. Support your community and help keep the festival accessible to all by purchasing your beverages on-site.
Note: Empty reusable water containers, size 32oz or less, are allowed on-site to use at the indoor water fountain.
Does the Festival provide ADA resources?
Details on accessible viewing areas, bathroom locations, recommended pathways, and other accommodations can be found on our Accessibility Page or the Information Booth on-site.