2 Big Events in New Orleans April 24-27

​If you're planning a spring getaway to New Orleans, you're in for a treat. The city comes alive with two major events: the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a golf aficionado, or both, here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of these iconic festivals.​

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🎷 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2025 

Dates: April 24–27 & May 1–4, 2025
Location: Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans
Website: nojazzfest.com​TPC Network+6Jazz Fest+6JamBase+6New Orleans Magazine

🎤 Lineup Highlights

Jazz Fest 2025 boasts an eclectic mix of genres across 14 stages, featuring over 5,000 musicians. Headliners include:​JamBase+2New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival+2Jazz Fest+2AP News+1Jazz Fest+1

• Pearl Jam

• Dave Matthews Band

• Luke Combs

• Lil Wayne & The Roots

• Lenny Kravitz

• Kacey Musgraves

• Santana

• John Fogerty

• Burna Boy

• HAIM

• Cage The Elephant

• Harry Connick Jr.

• Patti LaBelle

• My Morning Jacket

• Gladys Knight

• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

• Big Freedia

• Tank and The Bangas

• Branford Marsalis

• Kamasi Washington

• The Wailers feat. Julian Marley

• Ledisi sings Nina

• PJ Morton

• Youssou N’Dour

• Galactic feat. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph ​Axios+5JamBase+5Jazz Fest+5TPC Network+10Jazz Fest+10AP News+10AP News+3Axios+3Jazz Fest+3

The Cultural Exchange Pavilion will spotlight Mexican music and art, featuring performances by Santana, Banda MS, Lila Downs, and 19 other bands from Mexico and the U.S. Authentic Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktails will be available near the pavilion. ​Jazz Fest+2WRKF+2Axios+2

🍽️ Food & Drink

Jazz Fest is renowned for its culinary offerings. Nearly 70 food vendors serve up classic New Orleans dishes like: ​AP News

• Crawfish Monica

• Cochon de Lait Po’ Boys

• Praline Beignets

• Jambalaya

• Gumbo​ AP NewstalkSPORT+6Jazz Fest+6Zurich Classic of New Orleans+6

Notably, the festival eschews typical fair food—no burgers or fries here. ​AP News

🎟️ Tickets & Local Discounts

• General Admission: Weekend passes and VIP packages are available now.

• Single-Day Tickets: Early-bird pricing is available through April 8.

• Louisiana Residents: Special pricing includes $50 "Locals Thursday" tickets on April 24 & May 1, and discounted weekend passes. ​JamBase+4New Orleans Magazine+4Jazz Fest+4

🚍 Transportation

The Jazz Fest Express offers air-conditioned shuttle service directly to the festival gates, with pick-up locations at:​Audacy+1Jazz Fest+1

• Sheraton Hotel (Canal St.)

• French Quarter (Steamboat Natchez Dock)

• South Market District (Loyola Ave.)

• Wisner Lot (City Park)​ Jazz Fest+1Audacy+1Audacy+1Jazz Fest+1

Shuttles run continuously throughout the day. ​

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⛳ Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2025

Dates: April 24–27, 2025
Location: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, LA
Website: zurichgolfclassic.com​Jazz Fest+3talkSPORT+3TPC Network+3talkSPORT+5talkSPORT+5Zurich Classic of New Orleans+5Zurich Classic of New Orleans

🏌️‍♂️ Tournament Overview

The Zurich Classic is the only team-format event on the PGA Tour, featuring 80 two-man teams competing over four rounds:​TPC Network+3talkSPORT+3talkSPORT+3

• Rounds 1 & 3: Four-ball (best ball) format

• Rounds 2 & 4: Foursomes (alternate shot) format​New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival+5talkSPORT+5talkSPORT+5talkSPORT

Notable teams include:​

• Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry (defending champions)

• Matt & Alex Fitzpatrick

• Rasmus & Nicolai Hojgaard

• Collin Morikawa & Kurt Kitayama​talkSPORT+3talkSPORT+3Golf Monthly+3Golf MonthlytalkSPORT+2talkSPORT+2talkSPORT+2TPC Network+2talkSPORT+2Golf Monthly+2

The winning team earns 400 FedExCup points each and a spot in the PGA Championship. ​talkSPORT

🗓️ Schedule of Events

• April 21 (Mon): Monday Pro-Am (Free Admission)

• April 22 (Tue): Practice Rounds & Children's Hospital Celebrity Shootout (Free Admission)

• April 23 (Wed): Wednesday Pro-Am ($40 Admission)

• April 24–27 (Thu–Sun): Tournament Rounds ($45 Admission per day)​Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Gates open at 6:30 a.m., with tee times starting around 7:00–9:00 a.m. ​Zurich Classic of New Orleans

The Hidden Cost of Homeownership: How Insurance Rates Are Reshaping Real Estate in 2025

When most people think about buying a home, the first things that come to mind are mortgage rates and home prices. 

But in 2025, there's another cost quietly reshaping the housing market: property insurance. From Baton Rouge to the California coast, skyrocketing premiums are changing what people can afford and where they choose to live. 

Whether you're buying, renting, or investing, understanding how insurance impacts real estate is crucial.

To Search New Homes in your Area

1. Why Insurance Costs Are Rising Climate-related risks like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are causing record-breaking insurance payouts. In response, many insurers are raising premiums, pulling out of high-risk regions, or requiring stricter underwriting. States like Louisiana are seeing some of the highest increases due to flood risk and aging infrastructure.

2. How This Affects Homebuyers and Renters In high-risk areas, insurance can add hundreds—even thousands—of dollars to your monthly housing expenses. This can drastically affect your buying power. For example, a home that seems affordable on paper might push your budget over the edge once you factor in homeowners or flood insurance.

Renters aren’t immune either. As landlords face higher insurance premiums, they often pass those costs on through rent hikes.

3. The Local Angle: Baton Rouge and Beyond In Greater Baton Rouge, flood zones are a major concern. Homes in designated floodplains are often required to carry separate flood insurance, which can be costly. Some buyers may unknowingly purchase in a high-risk area without realizing the long-term cost implications.

4. What You Can Do as a Consumer

• Do Your Homework: Check FEMA flood maps before buying.

• Shop Around: Not all insurance companies price risk the same way.

• Consider Mitigation: Elevating HVAC systems or improving drainage can reduce premiums.

• Ask Questions: During the home buying process, ask for the seller’s current insurance premium as a reference.

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5. The Bigger Picture Insurance affordability is becoming a critical issue in real estate. Some policymakers are even calling for reforms or subsidies to keep housing affordable in disaster-prone areas. Until then, it's up to consumers to stay informed and prepared.

Conclusion: As the climate continues to change, so too will the real estate landscape. By understanding how insurance plays into the equation, you can make smarter decisions whether you're buying your first home, signing a lease, or investing in property.

 Don’t let hidden costs catch you off guard. Get informed. Get a good agent. Get a gameplan!

To Search New Homes in your Area