Congo Square (OUTDOORS)
Congo Square is one of the most hallowed sites in American music history. This area, once a grassy commons behind the original city rampart (now Rampart Street), was one of several gathering places for enslaved people from Africa and their descendants. In the 1700s, under French and Spanish colonial rule, slaves were permitted to buy and sell goods on Sundays. They also played African-style musical instruments and performed dances that originated from their native homes. After New Orleans became part of the United States in the early 1800s, a city ordinance limited gatherings of slaves to this spot, and only until sunset. Still, the weekly ritual sustained a continuum of African culture in the New World, with profound implications for the future of music.
Upcoming Shows
2-8pm | Friday, October 24 – Sunday, October 26, 2025 | Congo Square at Armstrong Park - New Orleans, LA
Congo Square is the heartbeat of New Orleans music and culture, making it the perfect backdrop for a festival that honors reggae’s roots while celebrating its global influence. Each day promises not just performances, but a full-on cultural immersion you won’t find anywhere else.
The 2025 Nola Reggae Fest is set to take over the historic Congo Square for three unforgettable days of music, culture, and fun. From the heartbeat of reggae to the soul of the Crescent City, this festival is where roots run deep and the rhythms never stop. Each day, expect a rich experience of live music featuring world-class international reggae artists, homegrown Louisiana talent, and DJs spinning island-inspired sounds; a vibrant celebration of Caribbean and African culture, blended with the spirit of New Orleans; authentic food, drinks, and vendor markets that transport you straight to the islands; family-friendly vibes by day, and high-energy celebration by night!
