Louisiana grew out of a unique, muddy substrate of North American cultural soil. This state is rich in history, with roots in the African diaspora, Acadian French exiles, Irish immigrants, and the Creole society of New Orleans. Louisiana has long cherished that the essentials of life revolve around good food, good drink, and good tunes. This philosophy underlines the state’s vibrant atmosphere, making it a destination brimming with great live music.
Baton Rouge
The state’s capital is primarily known for her annual blues festival, one of the largest in the country. However, locals will tell you that Baton Rouge is also a hub for singer-songwriters. The music scene is not limited to acoustic guitars and soft melodies; you can find plenty of growly country ballads and raw blues riffs.
Immerse yourself in the city’s singer-songwriter scene at the Third Street Songwriter Festival, often overlooked even by Louisianans. This laid-back event features a series of songwriter ‘rounds’ performed throughout Baton Rouge’s downtown 3rd Street, akin to a pub crawl but teeming with music. For a quieter spot to enjoy a more intimate music setting, visit the Red Dragon Listening Room, which is warmly lit and filled with cozy sofas.
If larger venues appeal to you, expect regular performances from established country and rock acts at the Texas Club. Meanwhile, the city’s premier large venue is the Varsity Theatre, a former art deco movie theater near the LSU campus that offers an eclectic mix of music spanning various genres.
Lafayette & Cajun Country
The Acadian heartland of Lafayette is the prime destination for Cajun and zydeco music in Louisiana. Cajun music features lively fiddle and accordion pairings, enhanced with drum sets, rhythm guitars, and bass. In contrast, zydeco music combines Cajun and African influences, emphasizing quick tempos and expressive accordion solos.
Lafayette offers an accessible gateway to the region’s rich musical landscape, home to a remarkable concentration of Grammy-winning artists. The city’s signature venue is the Blue Moon Saloon, which also provides cozy accommodations for music lovers. If you seek zydeco vibes, visit El Sido’s, one of the remaining venues dedicated to that lively genre. In nearby Breaux Bridge, Buck and Johnny’s serves a delightful zydeco breakfast that marries local cuisine and music beautifully. For something beyond the classic Louisiana sound, explore Artmosphere, a cozy gallery and arts venue where live music takes center stage every night.
On Saturday mornings, venture north of Lafayette to Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, a quaint bar hosting an energetic Cajun dance party starting at 9 AM. Later on Saturday evenings, drive to Eunice on the Cajun prairie for a lively atmosphere at the Liberty Theater, where visitors can partake in a live broadcast of Rendez-vous des Cajuns, an entertaining local musical variety show.
New Orleans
No city in Louisiana can match New Orleans when it comes to the sheer variety of live music available.
While Bourbon Street is a well-known hub, it may not consistently offer the best live music options. Key spots include the city’s oldest operating jazz club, Fritzel’s, and Preservation Hall, a venue older than many American states. Don’t let Bourbon Street be your only jazz experience; explore Frenchmen Street, which showcases an excellent array of local live music.
You can’t go wrong at any of the bars along Frenchmen Street, yet favorites include d.b.a and the Spotted Cat. Additionally, St. Claude Avenue is home to various bars presenting contemporary music, from metal singer-songwriters at Siberia to experimental music at the AllWays Lounge. For a relaxing experience away from crowds, Buffa’s on Esplanade Avenue serves delicious burgers, fries, and an eclectic mix of local live performances.
Good music can be found beyond the downtown area of New Orleans. Within the Warehouse District, establishments like the Howlin’ Wolf and Republic regularly feature exciting live performances. Further Uptown, catch a brass show at the energetic Les Bon Temps Roule or the iconic Maple Leaf Bar. On Freret St, Gasa Gasa attracts a student crowd with its cozy atmosphere and diverse contemporary acts. The legendary Tipitina’s remains a staple venue that has witnessed some of the most remarkable musical performances in a city celebrated for its rich music history.
iBestTravel has produced this article and video for the Louisiana Office of Tourism. All editorial views are those of iBestTravel alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.
