Your Guide to Satchmo SummerFest
Experience the premier jazz festival dedicated to the life and music of New Orleans' Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.
Discover New Orleans' rich musical heritage at the annual Satchmo SummerFest, a multi-day jazz festival celebrating the life of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. With live performances across two stages, an indoor lecture series and lots of locally made beer and cuisine, festival-goers are sure to get a taste of the Big Easy’s vibrant culture.
What to Know:
Who is Louis Armstrong? New Orleans native Louis Armstrong hit his stride in the 1920s as an inventive trumpet and cornet player. His style of music was influential in the jazz genre by inserting solo performances into the collective improvisational music. Armstrong’s recognizable gravelly voice also made him famous as a vocalist. He enjoyed scat singing, or vocalizing using sounds and syllables instead of actual lyrics. Armstrong’s career ended in the 1960s as a famed, popular and highly influential musician who continues to leave his imprint on the world of jazz. Learn more about Louisiana’s jazz history.
What is Satchmo SummerFest? The first SummerFest was held in 2001 to celebrate what would have been Louis Armstrong’s 100th birthday. Thousands of Louisianians and visitors showed up to celebrate Armstrong, and the tradition began. Now, Satchmo SummerFest is held annually on the first weekend of August at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The festival is free and open to the public and features live music, local food and non-food vendors, indoor seminars and lectures, and more.
Festival Information:
Music: Experience live music all weekend featuring traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, brass bands and children's programming across multiple stages. From up-and-coming artists to festival veterans who have taken the stage for years, to Grammy-nominated (and winning) acts, you'll get a taste of all the musical talent Louisiana has to offer. View the full music lineup.
Special Events: Get a deeper appreciation for the festival with a visit to the Satchmo Legacy Stage - which features a variety of national and international speakers, including jazz scholars, people who knew and worked with Louis Armstrong, historians, Armstrong House Museum faculty and musicians. Past presentations have included discussions, live music and film clips about New Orleans jazz and the life and music of Louis Armstrong. View the seminar options.
Food and Drink: No New Orleans party would be complete without amazing Louisiana food and drink. Abita Brewing serves up the Official Beer of Satchmo SummerFest. Try out some of the fabulous cuisine that Louis Armstrong loved, plus dishes from local vendors. View the food vendors.
