Fest season is coming sooner than we realize. Jazz Fest’s 2025 lineup was announced on Wednesday, January 15 and people are already getting ready to see some of their favorite musicians and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Fest again this year. As always, it takes place during the last weekend of April and first weekend of May, so this year, it’ll be from April 24 to May 4. Because of the special Rolling Stones performance last year, the Fest will once again include both Thursdays as discounted days for Louisiana residents.

This year’s lineup includes many artists who have performed at the Fest before and some who are playing in New Orleans for the first time. Here are the six main headliners, along with some songs you might know:

• Pearl Jam (Saturday, May 3) – “Even Flow” and “Alive”
• Dave Matthews Band (Sunday, April 27) – “Crash Into Me” and “Ants Marching”
• Luke Combs (Friday, May 2) – “When It Rains It Pours” and “Beautiful Crazy”
• Lil Wayne & The Roots (Saturday, April 26) – “Love Me” and “Lollipop”
• Lenny Kravitz (Sunday, May 4) – “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly Away”
• Kacey Musgraves (Friday, April 25) – “Butterflies” and “I Remember Everything” (with Zach Bryan)

Of course, many members of the Newman community are excited for the Fest this year and shared their opinions in a poll about this year’s lineup and their favorite parts of Jazz Fest.

What genre of music do you normally listen to?

Most people listen to pop and rock music, with rap, country, jazz, and folk being other common genres. Many people also listen to indie and alternative music, and some even listen to traditional Cajun and zydeco music.

How many times have you been to Jazz Fest?

Most people who answered the poll have gone 10 or more times, but most of them were faculty members. Only a few people who answered have never gone.

If you’ve gone to Jazz Fest before, who was your favorite artist you’ve seen there?

The most common answers were Chris Stapleton, Kendrick Lamar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Hozier, and Stevie Wonder.

What artists are you most excited to see at Jazz Fest this year?

Out of the main headliners, most people were excited to see Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, and Lenny Kravitz. Other artists that people are excited for are Laufey, Cage the Elephant, Joan Jett, Santana, Beverly Hills Polo Club, and HAIM. Additionally, most people who answered the poll have never seen these artists live before.

If you’ve been to Jazz Fest before, how do you think this lineup compares to those of previous years? (For example, the 2024 lineup included the Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, and Neil Young & Crazy Horse.)

Many people agreed that this lineup was either on the level as previous years or subpar. Ms. Izaguirre made an interesting point: “I was surprised that there weren’t any mega headliners. Last year, they did have a lot of heavy hitters, so I’m guessing they needed to financially take a beat, but this is still a great lineup of acts that cater to a wide audience.”

But of course, Jazz Fest is about so much more than music. What else are you excited for?

Most people who responded were excited to both eat the food and enjoy hanging out. Two people who responded will even volunteer at the Fest this year: Señora Montoya will volunteer in the culture tent with her krewe and highlights Mexican and Chicano cultures, and sophomore Maryn will be working a stand for Plum Street Snoballs!

What’s your favorite Jazz Fest food?

Most people love eating snoballs, mango freezes, and crawfish monica. Other common foods people love are jambalaya, poboys, and meat pies.

What’s your favorite thing to do when waiting for your favorite artist to go on?

Most people love to walk around and explore or watch artists at other stages.

See y’all at the Fest!