Congo Square
701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA, 70116
Congo Square might look like a typical plaza, but this corner of Louis Armstrong Park holds a significant role in Louisiana Black culture and music history. For much of the 19th century, this site was the only open space in New Orleans where Black people were allowed to play drums—which helped preserve African rhythms and laid the foundation for modern jazz.
The basics
Statues and historic markers honoring the legacy of Congo Square make this an easy destination to visit on your own, but you can learn even more when you go with a guide. The park is included on many New Orleans jazz tours alongside sites like Preservation Hall and the Mahalia Jackson Theater, in addition to tours of the vibrant Tremé neighborhood. Time your visit with an event like a concert or a drum circle to feel the heartbeat of Congo Square—as a gathering space for music, dance, and community.
Things to know before you go
Due to its cobblestone plaza, Congo Square is not wheelchair accessible.
There is no bathroom in the park, but public restrooms are available nearby.
Scattered benches provide some seating options.
There is limited shade; come dressed for the weather.
How to get there
Congo Square is part of Louis Armstrong Park, on the border between the Tremé neighborhood and the French Quarter. From Jackson Square, walk along Orleans Street for about 10 minutes to reach the park entrance. Congo Square is also accessible on the 46 Rampart/Loyola Streetcar Line and the 8, 55, and 91 bus lines.
When to get there
The best time to visit Congo Square is during a live performance. Check local calendars for events like the Congo Square Rhythms Festival and Jazz at Congo Square, or show up on a Sunday to catch the weekly drum circle. The square is also home to the annual Juneteenth Festival, where you can catch celebrations, vendors, and of course live music.
The origins of jazz in New Orleans
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact time and location that jazz burst onto the scene, but many find its roots in the drumming and Voodoo rituals that took place at Congo Square. These African and Caribbean rhythms blended together with spiritual hymnals and brass instruments popularized during the Civil War to shape early jazz—nowhere more significantly than in New Orleans.
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