The 12th Annual Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival will take place March 6–29, 2026, at venues across New Orleans. The multi-week event features concerts, educational programs, interviews and community events highlighting the life and work of Danny Barker.

The festival concludes March 27–29 with a three-day program at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Programming includes live music on two stages and a series of interviews curated by Sally Young, longtime traditional jazz programmer and host at WWOZ. A full schedule and ticket information are available at dannybarkerfestival.com.

Barker, a guitarist and banjoist, performed with leading jazz artists during a career spanning more than 70 years and mentored musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Herlin Riley, Leroy Jones, Gregg Stafford and Dr. Michael White. In addition to performances, the festival includes workshops, master classes and clinics for students, along with outreach programs for seniors.

Festival Events

March 6 | Fundraising Concert (6–9 p.m.)
The festival opens with a fundraising concert at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart St.). Performers include John Rankin, Steve Masakowski, Brian Seeger, Mahmoud Chouki, Seva Venet, David Bandrowski and Detroit Brooks. Leo Nocentelli will make a special presentation. Tickets are $30.

March 20 | 2nd Annual Danny Barker Golf Tournament (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
The tournament will be held at Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course. The format is a four-man scramble. Registration is $520 per foursome and $130 for single players.

March 24 | Patron Party
A Patron Party will be held at Terrell House Bed & Breakfast (1441 Magazine St.). Entertainment includes Dr. Michael White, Gregg Stafford, Mari Watanabe, Detroit Brooks, Chris Severin, Jason Marsalis, Freddie Lonzo, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and The Dixie Cups. Tickets are $50.

March 25 | Banjo Clinic & Gala Night
A free Danny Barker Banjo Clinic will take place from 1–3 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, led by Cynthia Sayer and Don Vappie.

The Festival Gala will be held from 6–9 p.m. at the New Orleans Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Circle). Featured guests include Doreen Ketchens, Cynthia Sayer, Don Vappie Creole Jazz Band and Irma Thomas with the Mark Brooks Family and friends. Tickets are $75 ($50 for students).

March 26 | Clinics & Special Concert
A free Banjo & Guitar Clinic will be held from 12:30–1:45 p.m. at the University of New Orleans Performing Arts Center, Room 215, hosted by Brian Seeger with Seva Venet and Steve Masakowski.

That evening, Cynthia Sayer and Don Vappie will perform at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St.) at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $46.95 via snugjazz.com.

March 27–29 | Festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum
The three-day Danny Barker program at the New Orleans Jazz Museum runs noon–6 p.m. daily, with five interviews each day on the museum’s second-floor stage.

Daily admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students, children ages 5–11 and current or former military. Children under 5 are admitted free.

Tickets and a complete schedule are available at dannybarkerfestival.com.