As a college student, what could sound better than a free music festival? Held every Thursday until Oct. 29, Jazz in the Park is the definition of New Orleans culture. At Jazz in the Park, you can hear live music, see artwork from local artists and eat at the best New Orleans food vendors.

This year’s Jazz in the Park lineup kicked off on Sept. 3 with a performance by Jon Cleary & the AMG and Charmaine Neville. The upcoming lineup includes Russel Batiste and Friends, Raw Oyster Cult, Mike “Soulman” Baptiste and Marion Jordan Band. Jazz in the Park is a great way to expand your music taste and hear some authentic New Orleans music.

The artwork and food is also another great reason to go to Jazz in the Park. You’ll be able to view amazing crafts and paintings by local artists that you can’t find anywhere else, accompanied by a wide variety of food vendors to choose from.

Jazz in the Park offers the chance to not just watch a concert, but also be right in the middle of parades and marching bands. Every week is a unique experience and no two Thursdays at Jazz in the Park are going to be exactly the same.

Jazz in the Park’s is held 4-8 p.m. on Thursdays at Louis Armstrong Park. The park is easy to get to from anywhere in the French Quarter, and street parking is free after 5:30 p.m. Even though this is a bit far from Tulane’s Uptown campus, it’s worth the trip.

If you’re looking for a chance to experience more of New Orleans, or a cool place to hang out and listen to live music with no admission charge, Jazz in the Park is the place to be.