Photos by Dino Perrucci

In 1970, the first official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival drew a modest crowd of 350 people to Congo Square, just outside the French Quarter. Over five decades, the intimate gathering has swelled into a regional phenomenon, attracting nearly half a million attendees during the two-week spring format, which honors the songs, spirit, and distinct Big Easy flair. On Thursday, April 23, the 2026 iteration of the beloved cultural event returned to the Fair Grounds Race Course to rev up another vivacious season in the bayou. 

During the first day of music and celebration on the Fairgrounds, an array of seismic acts graced the many festival stages and tents, including the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Stephen Marley, Blind Boys of Alabama, Raye, Cimafunk, Big Chief Donald Harrison featuring Deezle and BlaqNmilD, Charlie Musselwhite & GA-20, Vieux Farka Touré of Mali, Sierra Green and The Giants, Foot Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, and so many more. 

Photographer Dino Perrucci was on location and generously shared his shots from day one of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. See below.