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Preservation Hall in New Orleans

Updated: April 21, 2023

This post is about how to see a jazz performance at the legendary Preservation Hall in New Orleans, including tickets, schedules, and reviews. 


Tickets and Schedule

Preservation Hall is small. This keeps the scene intimate, just like it was at the beginning of New Orleans jazz.

There are only 100 admissions for each set.

Each set is 45 minutes long, but you can only stay for one. Between each, there is a complete turnaround of guests and you must purchase another ticket if you'd like to get back in.

The Quarter is lively any night of the week, and Preservation Hall keeps the same schedule, with several shows per night, every night.

Schedule

  • DAILY -shows are at 5pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm, and 8:45pm with doors opening 15 minutes beforehand;
  • Saturday and Sunday - they add a 2:30pm and 3:45 pm show

While they’re closed on some holidays, on others they offer a limited schedule. The show is brief – only around 35-40 minutes from when the performers enter until it’s time to admit the next crowd.


Prices

Preservation Hall is card only. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the set.

  • General Admission Standing - $25
  • General Admission Seated - $40
  • First Row Seated - $50

Get tickets here.

NOTE: All ages are admitted. This is a family-friendly venue. Children under 2 years old get in free.

TIP: If you are traveling with children, check out our post of things to do with kids in New Orleans.


Reviews of Preservation Hall

In many ways, Preservation Hall feels like a step back in time. This can be both charming and limiting.

At its start, the Hall employed out-of-work and underappreciated musicians from the early days of jazz – contemporaries of Louis Armstrong – and today they still focus on that traditional sound.

The venue is humble, more a living room than a concert hall. The 100 patrons admitted to each show is enough to make the place crowded.

The first to enter, including those with Big Shot tickets, will have access to simple wooden benches and floor pillows, with the first couple of rows within arm’s length of the performers.

Mostly, though, it’s standing room only, with a limited view of the performers. Counting time spent in line, this can mean nearly two hours of standing without much movement. Also importantly, the venue is not air-conditioned and has no restroom.

All of this certainly creates a historical ambiance, and for a fan of the music, it can be absolutely worth it.

But it does mean Preservation Hall can be a poorer fit for the elderly, restless kids, and those who aren’t used to as much walking as a visit to the French Quarter involves.

In that case, nearby venues like the Jazz Playhouse, the Carousel Bar, Palm Court Jazz Café, or the Bombay Club can offer a similar genre of music with seating more likely or guaranteed.


How to get here

Located at 76 St. Peter in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is only a block and half from Jackson Square and just half a block from Bourbon Street.

It’s an area full of foot traffic, safe for walking in the evening.  Use this Google map for directions to Preservation Hall from anywhere in New Orleans.  

Learn more about things to do in the French Quarter.


Drinks

Preservation Hall does not serve or operate a kitchen or bar. Bottled water is permitted. Alcohol and Food, however, is not allowed. Don't try to bring in something in a glass container, though - plastic only!

And be sure to check our free Music, Arts and More Tour of New Orleans, every Friday and Saturday @2:30 pm.

Also, check out our master guide on things to do in NOLA.


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About The Author

Sarah Hester

Sarah first moved to New Orleans in 2001 to work for the American Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana. While working in the communities of New Orleans she fell in love with the unique culture of the Big Easy; it's food, music, architecture, wildlife, and most of all history. Read More... Sarah began her career with FTBF, first as a guide, then as an owner/operator. She believes every day is a good day if she gets to impart her love of her beloved New Orleans with Free Tours By Foot guests. She especially likes to convert new Who Dat Saints Fans!
Updated: April 21st, 2023
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