One of the highlights of Satchmo SummerFest is the ‘Satchmo Salute’ Second Line Parade honoring Louis Armstrong. (Photo courtesy Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons)

Satchmo SummerFest Honors The Life and Music of Louis Armstrong

louis armstrong

New Orleans has its fair share of connections with the famous and influential. From William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams to Harry Connick Jr. and Ellen Degeneres, many celebrities have NOLA roots in one way or another (and some of them have roots that intertwine with our very own hotel), but New Orleans’ most famous native son is undoubtedly Louis Armstrong. The iconic musician, actor, and lasting cultural icon was born and raised in New Orleans, so it’s no surprise that we have an entire festival for him. He’s commonly known as Satchmo, which is short for “satchel mouth,” due to his famously large and expansive cheeks and mouth.

Satchmo SummerFest takes place in early August each summer, coinciding with Armstrong’s birthday. This year’s festivities take place August 3-5, with plenty of events going on near our French Quarter hotel.

Satchmo SummerFest honors New Orleans' most famous son, Louis Armstrong, with 3 days of music, food, and fun. (Photo courtesy Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons)
Satchmo SummerFest honors New Orleans’ most famous son, Louis Armstrong, with 3 days of music, food, and fun. (Photo by Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons)

Live Jazz Music

Of course, at a festival dedicated to Louis Armstrong, the focus of the event is on local brass bands and jazz performers, specializing in both contemporary and traditional New Orleans music. Look for local favorites like Ellis Marsalis, Charmaine Neville, Irma Thomas, and our own Robin Barnes, who also performs weekly in the Carousel Bar & Lounge.

Enjoy New Orleans Food

Satchmo SummerFestals showcases delicious New Orleans food. Vendors include Cafe Dauphine, Roux Carre, and the Praline Connection, as well as daiquiris and snowballs.

One of the highlights of Satchmo SummerFest is the ‘Satchmo Salute’ Second Line Parade honoring Louis Armstrong. (Photo courtesy Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons)
One of the highlights of Satchmo SummerFest is the ‘Satchmo Salute’ Second Line Parade honoring Louis Armstrong. (Photo by Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons)

Special Exhibits

If you’re craving a little history to go with your music and food, you can check out several special events happening in tandem with the festival. The festival also features three days of fascinating discussions by renowned Louis Armstrong scholars and some of his musical collaborators.

If you’re visiting New Orleans with the whole family for Satchmo SummerFest, you’ll feel right at home at Pops’ Playhouse. It features fun, kid-friendly activities inside the air-conditioned New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint.

Finally, you won’t want to miss the annual Jazz Mass and ‘Satchmo Salute’ Second Line Parade, which begins at 11 a.m on August 5, following Sunday mass.

Getting There

The festival is just a short walk from our hotel. Just head towards the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint, located at 400 Esplanade Avenue. Daily admission to the festival is $5.

Don’t miss out! Take advantage of our special summer rates and book your room today!

Satchmo SummerFest honors New Orleans' most famous son, Louis Armstrong, with 3 days of music, food, and fun, each August in the French Quarter.

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