The streets of New Orleans are about to come alive with the sound of swinging trumpets and joyful shouts as Satchmo SummerFest celebrates its 25th anniversary! On August 2-3, the New Orleans Jazz Museum will transform into a vibrant celebration of Louis Armstrong’s enduring legacy; complete with sizzling jazz performances, mouthwatering local cuisine, and the city’s signature second-line magic; all completely free to the public.
This milestone year features over 30 electrifying performances across two outdoor stages and intimate museum settings. Festival-goers can expect show-stopping sets from James Andrews & the Sons of Satchmo, the groundbreaking Original Pinettes Brass Band, and the legendary Charmaine Neville; all carrying forward Armstrong’s revolutionary spirit through their music.
New Orleans 25th Anniversary Satchmo Summerfest 2025 Secondline Parade!
The festival’s signature second-line parade has become the stuff of legend; with attendees describing it as “pure New Orleans magic.” “When that brass band starts up and the umbrellas open”; says local musician Terrence Simon; “you can practically feel Satchmo smiling down on us. It’s not just a parade; it’s a moving celebration of life.”
Beyond the music, this year’s expanded offerings include fascinating lectures on Armstrong’s impact; hands-on coconut painting workshops with Junior Zulu; and special cooling stations to beat the summer heat. New exhibits will showcase 25 years of festival history and Armstrong’s incredible journey from New Orleans streets to international stardom.
Satchmo Fest New Orleans
The celebration reaches its spiritual peak Sunday morning with the traditional Jazz Mass at historic St. Augustine Church; followed by the exuberant Satchmo Salute parade through Tremé. As the procession winds through Armstrong’s old neighborhood; the connection between the artist, his community, and the music he revolutionized becomes beautifully clear.
For those wanting to dive deeper into Armstrong’s world; the Jazz Museum offers year-round exhibits featuring Satchmo’s personal artifacts. But as any festival regular will tell you; there’s nothing like experiencing his spirit alive in the streets, the music, and the joyful crowds that keep his legacy swinging strong a quarter-century after this festival began.