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2025 Best of New Orleans: Entertainment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:15 GMT by NOLA.com
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NOLA’s 2025 Best‑of Entertainment Guide: The Places, People, and Pulse of the Crescent City

In a season where the city’s electric mix of culture, cuisine, and music is at its most vibrant, NOLA.com’s “2025 Best of New Orleans Entertainment” editorial team has distilled the sprawling metropolis into a handful of must‑visit destinations. From the smoky bars of the French Quarter to the neon‑lit rooftops of Uptown, the article charts a roadmap for anyone looking to experience the city’s most compelling sights and sounds in 2025.

1. Jazz on the Mississippi: The New “Satchmo’s” at the French Quarter

The feature opens with a spotlight on the newly renovated Satchmo’s Jazz Club, which reopened its doors earlier this year after a $2 million facelift. The club, now housed in a historic 1850s brick building, has earned rave reviews for its intimate seating, crystal‑clear acoustics, and the return of legendary trumpeter Freddie “Jazz” Thomas to the front line. NOLA.com praised the club’s “fusion of classic New Orleans swing with contemporary grooves,” citing Thomas’s rendition of “All That Jazz” as a highlight. For readers seeking an authentic yet modern experience, the article recommends booking a “Blue Note Package” that includes a private table and a complimentary round of signature cocktails.

Link followed: The club’s official website provided a calendar of performances, price points, and a photo gallery of the recent renovation.

2. The “Electric Rooftop” – Rooftop Bars That Take the City to New Heights

A brief segment catalogues five rooftop bars that combine sweeping views of the Mississippi with innovative drinks. Among them is the Helix on the corner of Canal and Jefferson, where mixologist Maya Lemoine has engineered a rotating “Tropical Fusion” series featuring local rum, hibiscus syrup, and a splash of jalapeño. The article cites an interview with Lemoine, who explained that the bar’s “concept is to make every night feel like a festival, even when the city’s skyline is all you see.” Other highlighted rooftops include the Voodoo Sky Lounge (located in the historic Hotel Galvez) and The 9th Street Skyline.

Link followed: Each bar’s official social media pages were examined for event schedules and user reviews, providing a richer context for the editorial’s recommendations.

3. Vibes and Vinyl: The Best Record Stores for Music Collectors

NOLA.com’s music aficionados are treated to a guide through the city’s best record shops, each offering a distinct sonic palette. Vinyl Revival on St. Charles Avenue is highlighted for its curated selection of rare jazz and funk releases, while The Underground in the Warehouse District boasts an extensive contemporary hip‑hop and indie rock collection. The article underscores the importance of each shop’s community vibe, noting that the staff at Vinyl Revival regularly host listening parties and vinyl swaps, thereby fostering a sense of local camaraderie.

Link followed: The shop websites were consulted to confirm open hours, featured artists, and upcoming events such as “Vinyl Jams” nights.

4. Gastronomy and Entertainment: Food + Drink Pairings at the New Orleans Food & Drink Festival

The piece dedicates a section to the annual Food & Drink Festival, noting its return to the Riverwalk in 2025 after a one‑year hiatus. Festival organizers, according to the article, have shifted the focus from large‑scale tastings to intimate pairings, featuring a “Chef’s Table” where diners can watch local chefs craft dishes while learning about the ingredients. Notably, the festival has added a new segment called “The Cocktail Lounge,” where seasoned bartenders from renowned venues such as Mardi Gras and Maison de la Vengeance showcase signature drinks paired with small plates.

Link followed: The festival’s official website listed a complete schedule of workshops, chef demos, and the list of participating vendors.

5. Nightlife & Comedy: The Best Comedy Clubs for a Laugh‑Out‑Loud Night

No entertainment guide is complete without a look at the city’s comedy scene. The article spotlights The Laugh Factory on the Marigny and The Giggling Grape on the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street. These clubs not only host nationally touring comedians but also provide a platform for local talent. Interviews with club owners reveal their commitment to nurturing the next generation of stand‑up writers, while the piece details the clubs’ “open mic” schedules and special “Comedy & Cocktails” nights.

Link followed: The clubs’ event pages were checked to confirm upcoming dates and ticket availability.

6. Cultural Highlights: A Must‑See Annual Event – The Crescent City Jazz & Voodoo Festival

The editorial concludes with a look at the Crescent City Jazz & Voodoo Festival, slated for September 2025. The festival promises an eclectic lineup that spans traditional New Orleans jazz, electronic dance music, and everything in between. Festival organizers have collaborated with local dance crews and Voodoo practitioners to create interactive performances, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, spirituality, and sound.

Link followed: The festival’s official page confirmed dates, ticket tiers, and a detailed program schedule, ensuring readers have all the information needed to plan their attendance.

Takeaway

While the 2025 Best‑of Entertainment list by NOLA.com is packed with a diverse array of venues and events, what ties them all together is an emphasis on community, authenticity, and the unmistakable rhythm of New Orleans. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first‑time visitor, the article’s curated selection guarantees a soundtrack, a flavor, and an experience that stay true to the city’s identity while pushing the boundaries of contemporary culture.

For those planning a trip—or simply looking to rediscover their hometown—this guide is a one‑stop reference for the best entertainment the Crescent City has to offer in 2025.