Aug 2, 2024 - Things to Do

Satchmo SummerFest returns to New Orleans this weekend

Chelsea Brasted

Four women and a girl pause during a second-line. — The Satchmo Summerfest second-line takes a pause in 2006. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Satchmo SummerFest returns to New Orleans on Saturday and Sunday for the festival's 24th year.

Why it matters: The free festival highlights the city's most famous native son, Louis Armstrong, and his ongoing cultural influence. Plus, it's a reason to celebrate his Aug. 4 birthday.

Zoom in: The festival takes place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, which opens a new exhibition for the fest.

The exhibition, "It All Started in Jane Alley: Louis Armstrong in New Orleans," opened Thursday and examines the jazz pioneer's early years in and return visits to his hometown, according to a press release.

If you go: Satchmo SummerFest is a mix of music, a jazz Mass, educational presentations, a Sunday parade and food vendors like Plum St. Snoballs, 14 Parishes and Southerns.

On stage, headliners include the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Catherine Russell and John Boutté and the Brass-A–Holics with Flagboy Giz.
See the full music schedule and special event details.

Go deeper: More things to do this weekend.

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Satchmo SummerFest returns to New Orleans this weekend

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