Musical Legends Park
311 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA, 70130
This small pocket park hidden in New Orleans’ French Quarter is a great place to take a break from the bustle of Bourbon Street and celebrate the city’s renowned musical heritage. Local jazz, blues, and funk musicians take to a small courtyard stage for free performances daily. A café inside the square dishes up beignets, cocktails, and Southern comfort food for a no-fuss meal and a show.
The basics
Many visitors stumble across the park or follow the sounds of trumpets, saxophones, and vocalists drifting out of this typical New Orleans courtyard. The stage is small and performances are often impromptu, but the setting and music make for a great place to rest your feet during a day of sightseeing while listening to authentic New Orleans jazz and blues. Tables and chairs are scattered among statues of legendary musicians including Fats Domino, Pete Fountain, and Chris Owens. Café Beignet occupies the back of the courtyard and serves Cajun-style breakfast, coffee, and cocktails all day.
Things to know before you go
- As the name suggests, Café Beignet’s specialty is its beignets—French donuts dusted with powdered sugar.
- Due to shared preparation spaces, menu items cannot be guaranteed seafood- or gluten-free.
- All live performances are free, but musician tips are appreciated.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at the park.
How to get there
Tucked off Bourbon Street between Bienville and Conti streets, Musical Legends Park is really more of a square, and is easily missed unless you're looking for it. Parking in the area is limited, but the park is within easy walking distance to all French Quarter attractions.
When to get there
The park is open year-round, but may be closed on select days of the week. There is no set schedule for performances, but live bands hit the stage periodically all day, with the most performances in the late afternoon and evening.
Live Music on Bourbon Street
Famous as the French Quarter’s most boisterous and boozy thoroughfare, Bourbon Street is also one of the best places in New Orleans to hear live music. Dozens of venues and clubs dot the stretch of Bourbon between Canal and Esplanade; from high-capacity classics like the House of Blues, One-Eyed Jack’s, and B.B. King’s Blues Club—to historic hideouts including Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub and Preservation Hall. Check out Tropical Isle's Bayou Club for authentic Cajun and Zydeco sounds; or hit up The Swamp and Famous Door for a non-stop party.
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