Jazz Fest Opened Applications for 2027
Local artisans can now apply for exhibition space in the upcoming New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Jazz
Live Poll
Do you believe local festivals provide enough support for local craftspeople to reach their target audience?
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has officially opened craft applications for its 2027 edition. Artists interested in showcasing their work have until December 1, 2026, to submit their entries.
Why it matters
Securing a spot in the festival marketplace provides artisans with significant exposure to the thousands of attendees who travel to New Orleans for the annual event. These spaces serve as a core component of the festival's focus on preserving regional and cultural artistry.
Applicants may apply for space across three distinct areas, including the Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, and the Louisiana Marketplace. Each application requires a $35 fee for consideration.
The players
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
This annual music and cultural event is a long-standing New Orleans tradition that celebrates regional food, music, and crafts.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation
This organization supports the cultural life of New Orleans through programs and the production of the city's largest festival.
The details
Artists can apply for multiple craft categories but are restricted to exhibiting in only one area if selected. The Congo Square African Marketplace is the only section that permits the display of handcrafted imports.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation holds a crafts application social at 1205 N. Rampart St.
December 1, 2026: The final deadline for all festival craft applications.
April 22-25, 2027: The first weekend of the 2027 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
April 29-May 2, 2027: The second weekend of the 2027 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Industry Dynamics
The festival remains one of the largest cultural gatherings in the United States, positioning it as a vital platform for regional artisans. By maintaining specialized marketplace areas, the organizers continue to balance contemporary demand with the preservation of New Orleans cultural heritage.
Local artisans seeking to exhibit must utilize the official digital portals to complete their submissions before the winter deadline. Potential applicants can direct specific questions to the craft department at (504) 410-6103.
The takeaway
Artists should ensure their applications clearly specify which of the three marketplace areas best fits their craft before the December deadline. Paying the required fee is the first step in the competitive selection process for the upcoming festival season.
What happens next
Prospective exhibitors can attend an information session at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the city's musical culture, visit our New Orleans Jazz section.
More information
To apply for space or view the guidelines, visit the festival craft application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by OffBeat Magazine.
Live Poll
Do you believe local festivals provide enough support for local craftspeople to reach their target audience?
