Best Live Music in New Orleans

Real videos of Live Music in New Orleans — 12 places, filmed by creators on the ground.


Ranked venues

  1. IntimateAuthenticCulturalLive jazzSouthern cuisineHistoric venue

    About the venue

    Mahogany Jazz Hall, located on Chartres St in New Orleans, Louisiana, showcases live jazz performances in a historic setting. The venue features a stage that hosts local musicians, drawing in jazz enthusiasts looking to experience authentic New Orleans vibes. The menu offers classic Southern dishes, such as gumbo and po'boys, complementing the music experience. With an intimate atmosphere, it’s a favored spot for both locals and tourists alike to enjoy a night of music and culture.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a live music performance in a dimly lit bar. The camera focuses on a table where patrons are seated, while in the background, three musicians perform on stage: one playing the double bass, another strumming a guitar-like instrument, and the third singing into a microphone while playing the piano. The performance area is adorned with a green curtain and string lights, creating a cozy atmosphere. There is no noticeable movement from either the audience or the performers.

    125 Chartres St

  2. $$LivelyCraft beerCajunHouse-brewed beerJambalayaSpacious patio

    About the venue

    Crescent City Brewhouse, located at 527 Decatur St in New Orleans, Louisiana, combines craft beer with classic New Orleans cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere. Open since 2003, the brewery features an extensive selection of house-brewed beers along with dishes like jambalaya and po'boys. The spacious patio provides a lively backdrop for enjoying food and beverages amidst the bustling French Quarter. Regular music performances enhance the experience, blending local culture with good food.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a live musical performance in a bar, featuring a saxophonist and other musicians playing to an audience. The environment is lively, with patrons seated and enjoying drinks while the band performs.

    527 Decatur St

  3. $$LivelyCasualEnergeticMultiple performanceFull barLocal and

    About the venue

    Howlin' Wolf is an iconic live music venue located in the heart of New Orleans, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse music events. With multiple performance spaces, it regularly hosts live performances from local bands and renowned artists. The venue features a full bar, offering patrons an extensive drink menu. The casual setting encourages mingling and discovering new music in an energetic environment.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a lively scene inside a dimly lit bar where a brass band performs. The camera pans across the room, showing patrons recording the performance with their phones. The band then exits the bar and plays on the street, with the camera following them as they move along the sidewalk.

    925 S. Peters

  4. IntimateMusicalCulturalLive jazzCreole cuisineHandcrafted cocktails

    About the venue

    Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has been a New Orleans mainstay since 1998, situated on Frenchmen Street. It features a cozy atmosphere with live jazz performances every night, showcasing both local and touring musicians. The restaurant's intimate setting makes it a favorite for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy classic Creole dishes alongside handcrafted cocktails. Menu highlights include shrimp and grits, gumbo, and a variety of fresh seafood options, enhancing its authenticity in the heart of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a live jazz performance at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro in New Orleans, beginning with a wide shot of the stage featuring a musician playing the double bass. The venue's name is clearly visible on the wall behind the performer, and the setting includes a grand piano, drum set, and keyboard, establishing a classic jazz club atmosphere. The lighting is dim and intimate, enhancing the mood. The camera gradually zooms in on the double bass player, focusing on his technique and the instrument, creating a focused, immersive experience. The performance is uninterrupted by dialogue or narration, relying solely on the music and visuals to convey the ambiance. The video is shot in a vertical orientation, with intentional framing and smooth camera movement, suggesting a deliberate creative choice rather than generic stock footage. The content clearly presents a visitable location and a replicable experience—attending a live jazz show at a renowned New Orleans venue.

    626 Frenchmen St

  5. $$CharmingSweetHistoricGourmet beignetsIce creamVintage decor

    About the venue

    Cornet, located on Bourbon St in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a unique dessert café celebrated for its gourmet beignets and ice cream creations since 2017. Patrons can order classic beignets or inventive versions filled with unique flavors like Nutella or salted caramel. The café showcases a charming, vintage-style decor that complements its location in the heart of the French Quarter. It draws both locals and tourists looking for a delightful treat after exploring the vibrant streets.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a lively scene at a bar where a man and a woman are energetically dancing to live music performed by a band consisting of four members. The band plays against a brick wall backdrop illuminated by purple stage lights, with neon signs reading 'KRAZY' and 'THE DAILY WALKERS CASH ONLY' flanking the stage. The camera work is handheld, adding to the dynamic feel of the video.

    700 Bourbon St

  6. LivelyVibrantFestiveLive musicHand GrenadeMardi Gras

    About the venue

    Tropical Isle Bayou Club & Music Bar on Bourbon St is renowned for its lively atmosphere and live music since it first opened in 1996. This 2500-square-foot venue features performers most nights, along with a signature drink menu that includes the famous Hand Grenade cocktail. Decorated with Mardi Gras themes, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience New Orleans' vibrant nightlife. The bar draws in a diverse crowd, creating a party-like atmosphere.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a lively bar scene where a band is performing live music, with two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, and a keyboardist who is also singing. The audience is dancing energetically to the music, and the setting is vibrant with colorful lights and decorations.

    600 Bourbon St

  7. HistoricLuxuriousClassicCarousel pianoCreole cuisineRooftop pool

    About the venue

    Hotel Monteleone, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, has been operating since 1886 and is renowned for its historic charm and luxurious accommodations. The hotel features an iconic carousel piano bar that has been a staple for live music in the area. Guests can enjoy upscale dining options, highlighting local Creole cuisine, while relaxing by the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city. This historic gem attracts both tourists and locals, combining rich history with modern comforts.

    What the videos show

    The video captures the ambiance of a dimly lit bar with a carousel-themed bar counter, showcasing patrons engaged in conversation. It then transitions to the exterior of Hotel Monteleone at night, followed by the hotel's lobby where a live band performs under chandeliers. The camera moves through the lobby, highlighting people enjoying the music, before returning to the bar area, focusing on patrons and the carousel bar counter.

    214 Royal St

  8. WelcomingCulturalRelaxedMiddle EasternKebabsLive music

    About the venue

    Cafe Istanbul in New Orleans specializes in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, renowned for its flavorful dishes and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu that includes kebabs, hummus, and spiced rice dishes, appealing to a diverse clientele. The inviting decor and cultural ambience create a unique dining experience for visitors seeking a taste of the Middle East in the heart of the city. Regular live music performances enhance the dining experience.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a woman with blue hair performing aerial acrobatics using a metal hoop. She swings back and forth, hanging upside down, and the camera follows her movements, though there is a moment of motion blur when the camera moves downwards. The setting is a dimly lit venue with a bar in the background, suggesting a nightlife environment.

    2372 Saint Claude Ave

  9. IntimateLivelyLocalLive musicIntimate settingCraft beers

    About the venue

    BMC Balcony Music Club in New Orleans is a vibrant venue known for supporting local musicians across various genres. The club features an intimate space with a balcony for elevated viewing of performances. Regular live music events attract a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere. With a selection of craft beers and cocktails, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy quality music.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a live music performance by a band at Red & Bad Big Band Bar. The band includes a female vocalist in a black dress, a guitarist, a seated bassist, another standing bassist, and a drummer. The vocalist begins to dance slightly while singing, and the band continues to play their instruments.

    1331 Decatur St

  10. $

    What the videos show

    The video captures a live music performance at Cafe Negril, featuring a band with a vocalist, guitarist, bassist, trombonist, keyboardist, and drummer. The audience is actively engaged, dancing and enjoying the performance. The Cafe Negril signage is prominently displayed, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the venue.

    606 Frenchmen St

  11. UniqueCharmingSophisticatedRotating barVieux CarréLive music

    About the venue

    The Carousel Bar, located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, features a rotating bar that has been serving classic cocktails since 1949. This bar is renowned for its signature drink, the Vieux Carré, crafted with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine. It offers an upscale yet laid-back atmosphere with comfortable seating and a classic New Orleans vibe. The bar frequently features live music, making it a favorite spot for both hotel guests and locals looking for entertainment.

    What the videos show

    The video begins with a panoramic view of a room filled with people sitting at tables and chairs, with a band playing music on stage. The camera then pans right, moving past more seated patrons towards a bar area where several individuals stand around talking. It focuses on two women standing at the bar counter, engaging in conversation while holding drinks. One woman wears glasses and has her hair tied back, while the other has pink hair styled up high. In the background, bartenders work behind the counter preparing drinks.

    214 Royal St

  12. $$HistoricPlayfulVibrantRotating barLive pianoClassic cocktails

    About the venue

    Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge, located on Royal St in New Orleans, offers a unique experience with its rotating bar and live piano music. This historic venue features cozy seating and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists. The cocktail menu is extensive, with a focus on classic New Orleans drinks. The rotating bar adds a playful element to the experience, making it a memorable stop in the French Quarter.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a live jazz performance featuring a saxophonist, a singer, an accordion player, and a tambourine player. The camera pans across the stage, capturing the musicians and their instruments.

    214 Royal St