Mardi Gras may be over, but there are still many opportunities for fun festivals in New Orleans. This spring, various music festivals are hosting artists for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With genres ranging from jazz to hyperpop, there will be events for all music fans to enjoy.

The first music festival this season is the BUKU Music + Art Project, which takes place March 25-26. Located on the bank of the Mississippi River, this festival hosts artists from the genres of alternative, hip-hop, electronic and more. 

Tame Impala is headlining Friday, and $uicideboy$, Rezz, Trippie Redd and 100 Gecs are among others performing that night. On Saturday, Tyler the Creator is headlining, and other artists performing include Alison Wonderland, Glass Animals, Baby Keem and Kali Uchis. 

A one-day general admission ticket starts at $120.

The NCAA is hosting the March Madness Music Festival during their Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four April 1-3. The festival is set to take place in Woldenberg Park, and admission is free for basketball fans and locals alike. 

Performers include Khalid, Imagine Dragons, Macklemore, Grouplove and more.

For local music, there is the French Quarter Festival April 21-24. The festival is located along the riverfront and in the French Quarter, and general admission is free. It celebrates New Orleans culture through food and music, so the lineup is comprised of local artists, including New Wave Brass Band, the Zulu Gospel Choir and the New Orleans Swinging G’s.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the longest music festival this season. The large event will span two weekends between April 29 and May 8, just in time for students to attend before heading home for summer break. 

Headliners include The Who, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffet, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, The Black Crowes, Willie Nelson, Charlie Wilson and Erykah Badu. There are hundreds of other performers in a variety of genres, and single-day tickets start at $75. 

Daze Between New Orleans is a new festival this year, which will be held between the weekends of Jazz Fest May 3-4. The festival will host funk, jazz and folk artists, including The String Cheese Incident, Snarky Puppy, Lettuce and Rebirth Brass Band. 

A one-day general admission ticket starts at $65, and a portion of all proceeds will be benefiting the Rex Foundation.

With an eclectic mix of artists and genres, the music festivals in New Orleans this spring offer students an opportunity to experience the city outside the Tulane University bubble.