Satchmo SummerFest Celebrates the Legacy of Louis Armstrong

Photo courtesy of Satchmo SummerFest on Facebook

Satchmo SummerFest started in 2001 as a tribute to Louis Armstrong, one of New Orleans’ most prominent native residents, on his 100th birthday (“Satchmo” was one of Armstrong’s several nicknames). Ever since, the fest remains the August highlight and just the respite we need from the long weeks of summer.

The annual festival, traditionally held over the first weekend of August in the French Quarter (falling on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026), is easy to navigate and get to. The fest will be spread on two stages at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (at the Old U.S. Mint).

The 2026 music lineup includes Preservation Brass Band, Charmaine Neville, and Tribute to Ma Rainey featuring Lars Edegran and Thais Clark on Saturday. Sunday brings you Treme Brass Band, John Boutté, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins’ tribute to Louis Armstrong, and more.

MassAmong the festival’s traditional special events, the annual Jazz Mass will again be held at St. Augustine church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.) on Sunday, August 2, at 10 a.m. It’s a popular event, so arrive early if you plan to attend. There are also a series of lectures scheduled on both days.

Immediately following mass, join the “Satchmo Salute” second line parade, which will make its way from the church to Armstrong Park before secondlining down to Esplanade Avenue and the festival’s grounds at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

For schedule, lineup and updates, please check the event’s website, Instagram, or its Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Satchmo SummerFest on Facebook

You may also want to know:

Admission is free.

There will be shaded picnic tables on the grounds for dining.

Parking: For street parking, you may want to look along the stretch of the French Market and at the foot of Esplanade Avenue. There is also a 24/7 parking lot by the French Market along the river. Enter from St. Peter Street.

Pops’ Playhouse for Kids at the Jazz Museum will have children’s activities.

No coolers or ice chests, and no outside food or drink, please.

Festival details:

What: The annual Satchmo SummerFest

When: Saturday-Sunday, August 1-2, 2026

Where: New Orleans Jazz Museum (at the U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., French Quarter)

Admission: Free

Schedule and food vendors: https://satchmosummerfest.org/

Coming to New Orleans in August?

Check out our guide to where to stay in the French Quarter, and be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.

For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

Happy August!

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