Enjoying New Orleans Music with Your Kids

Bourbon Street's entertainment options are largely off-limits to children, but younger music fans need not feel excluded. Dozens of options exist outside of barrooms and traditional clubs, and several of the most prestigious clubs offer all-ages shows.

Preservation Hall and Palm Court Jazz Café, both legendary jazz venues, welcome underage patrons. Tipitina's and Howlin' Wolf occasionally host all-ages shows as well. Around Jackson Square, talented street musicians perform most days of the week, and the French Market hosts a regular series of concerts as well as a separate busking stage for local and visiting performers to play for tips. The Louisiana Music Factory, an excellent New Orleans music store, regularly hosts in-store performances. And kids are always welcome at the free shows staged by the National Park Service's New Orleans Jazz Historical Park, both at the park's visitor center and at the shows Tuesday through Saturday afternoon in the French Market.