Jazz, nightlife and live music near The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers in-house live jazz at Davenport Lounge (third-floor lobby level) on Wednesday–Saturday evenings, plus cocktails and afternoon tea. Staying on Canal Street puts you a block from Bourbon Street and within easy walking distance of many other live-music venues and the New Orleans music museums.
In this guide
Live jazz at Davenport Lounge
Davenport Lounge is the hotel's on-site jazz lounge on the third-floor lobby level. The lounge serves refined cocktails and hosts scheduled live jazz led by trumpeter Jeremy Davenport and his ensemble.
Per the hotel's listings, live performances run Wednesday–Thursday from about 5:30 PM–9:30 PM and Friday–Saturday evenings from about 8:00 PM–12:00 AM. Afternoon Tea is also offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with reservations required.
- Location: third-floor lobby level
- Typical live-music nights: Wed–Thu (early evening) and Fri–Sat (later evening)
- Afternoon Tea: Sat & Sun (reservations required)
- Dress code at Davenport Lounge: Smart Casual
| Service / Offer | Typical Hours (per hotel listing) |
|---|---|
| Davenport Lounge open hours | Mon–Thu & Sun 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–12:00 AM |
| Live jazz schedule | Wed–Thu 5:30 PM–9:30 PM; Fri–Sat 8:00 PM–12:00 AM |
| Afternoon Tea | Saturday & Sunday (reservations required) |
Where to hear jazz and nightlife within easy walking distance
The Ritz-Carlton sits on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter, placing you a short walk from Bourbon Street and other French Quarter nightlife. The hotel notes Bourbon Street is roughly one block away (about 1,640 feet).
Within walking distance you’ll find clubs, bars, and music venues that run a mix of traditional jazz, brass bands, blues, and contemporary live music; the Saenger Theatre is also nearby for larger concert events.
- Bourbon Street — roughly 1 block (hotel-listed distance of ~1,640 feet)
- Saenger Theatre — a short walk from the hotel
- Royal Street — about a 5-minute walk (antique shops and street musicians)
- Venues for bigger concerts: Smoothie King Center / Caesars Superdome area listed among nearby attractions
| Nearby Spot | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bourbon Street | Nightlife strip with many clubs and bars; walkable from the hotel |
| Saenger Theatre | Historic theater a short walk for concerts and performances |
| Royal Street | Stroll for street musicians, galleries, and quieter evening options |
Jazz museums and daytime music attractions
If you want music-focused daytime plans, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is listed among nearby cultural sites; it's not on the hotel’s immediate block but reachable from downtown. Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde, and other French Quarter highlights are also walkable from the hotel.
The concierge can help with directions, hours, and tickets for museum visits or scheduled concerts; if you prefer a guided option, ask them about curated music or museum tours.
- New Orleans Jazz Museum — listed among nearby cultural sites (check current hours before you go)
- Jackson Square & Cafe du Monde — good daytime spots to hear street music and local performers
- Concierge assistance — ask the hotel's concierge for tickets, directions, or recommendations
| Attraction | What to expect |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Jazz Museum | Exhibits about the city's jazz history; check current location/hours |
| Jackson Square | Street performers, local musicians, buskers in daytime |
| Cafe du Monde | Classic beignets and strong foot traffic where street music is common |
In-hotel dining and late-night options for music lovers
M bistro is the hotel's main restaurant on the third-floor lobby level and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. Its hours on the hotel's listings are roughly 7:00 AM–2:00 PM and 5:30 PM–10:00 PM, with a weekend breakfast buffet on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you want music and food in one spot, plan to visit Davenport Lounge in the evening for cocktails and jazz. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service if you prefer to listen to music from your room after a late show.
- M bistro hours (hotel-listed): 7:00 AM–2:00 PM; 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: M bistro offers a breakfast buffet (7:00 AM–12:00 PM)
- Davenport Lounge provides live jazz evenings and afternoon tea on weekends
- 24-hour room service available
| Hotel Dining Venue | Primary Offerings / Hours |
|---|---|
| M bistro | Breakfast, lunch, dinner; Saturday–Sunday breakfast buffet |
| Davenport Lounge | Cocktails, live jazz evenings, afternoon tea (weekends) |
| Spa Café | Casual menu, open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
Practical tips for planning your evenings
Davenport Lounge lists a Smart Casual dress code; M bistro follows the same. Walk-ins are usually welcome at the lounge, but reserve for Afternoon Tea and consider reservations for large groups or weekend dinner at M bistro.
The hotel is on Canal Street near many venues, so allow time for walking between spots. If you need a car late at night, the hotel offers on-site valet parking; note that the property provides no airport shuttle—airport transfers are arranged separately.
- Dress: Smart Casual for Davenport Lounge and M bistro
- Reservations: required for Afternoon Tea; advisable for weekend dining and large parties
- Transport: walk to many venues; valet parking available on site; no hotel airport shuttle
| Need | Hotel note |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | On-site valet parking is available (fee applies) |
| Airport transfer | Hotel does not provide shuttle service; private livery options listed on the hotel's site |
| Concierge | Can help with tickets, directions, and local recommendations |
Bringing family or visiting with kids
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is marketed as family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The hotel runs a Ritz Kids program and indicates kids can stay free in some circumstances; check at booking for specific policies.
Live-music evenings at Davenport Lounge are scheduled mid-to-late evening; if you’re traveling with children, plan nights out accordingly or use the hotel's room service and in-room entertainment. Also note the hotel's indoor heated pool has published hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM).
- Hotel is family-friendly (Ritz Kids program referenced on hotel materials)
- Pool access hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (hotel-listed)
- Live jazz nights in the lounge are evening hours—consider babysitting options or earlier family dinners
| Family Concern | What the hotel provides |
|---|---|
| Children in hotel | Property welcomes guests of all ages |
| Pool | Indoor heated pool open year-round, with posted hours |
| Evening music | Davenport Lounge music occurs in the evening; not an all-ages performance schedule |
