SANDALS Resorts, in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, will bring the spirit of the Caribbean to the Big Easy as official sponsor of the Sandals Resorts Jamaica Cultural Exchange Pavilion at the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest).

Taking place over two weekends, April 23–26 and April 30–May 3, the pavilion — which is celebrating three decades as a hallmark of Jazz Fest — will this year bring forward Jamaica’s cultural influence across generations through music, flavour, and craft.

Headliners Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, and Sean Paul will highlight Jamaica’s deep musical roots and ongoing impact, alongside artistes such as Lutan Fyah, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Koffee, Sevana, and Grammy nominee Lila Iké in the city world renowned for Mardi Gras.

Guests will savour authentic island bites — from slow-braised oxtail and rice and peas to jerk-spiced mushrooms and escoveitched fish — paired with a signature Appleton Rum cocktail, the One Love Rum Punch, served in branded Sandals Resorts cups.

The space will also celebrate the island’s craftsmanship, with artisans showcasing handmade goods using locally sourced materials.

During both weekends Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, will highlight two Jamaican artisans — Sheldon Daily, known for his handcrafted straw goods, and Dana Bauch, whose ceramics reflect contemporary island design.

Their participation is an extension of Sandals Foundation’s artisan programme which empowers local crafters while creating a deeper connection to the Caribbean’s creative heritage for guests. Steps away, the Sandals Resorts and Jamaica Tent will be an island respite between performances.

“Here, guests can step into a one-of-a-kind photo moment, transporting themselves to the shores of Sandals Resorts in Jamaica or iconic island experiences like floating down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft,” the sponsors said. “Creating a space for guests to step in, snap a photo, or simply linger, the dedicated space will also feature installations inspired by BLUM , Sandals Resorts’s signature café concept rooted in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, alongside a stylised Dunn’s Rum Club bar seating area, modelled after the location at Sandals Dunn’s River.”

The Caribbean’s leading resort brand also promised that guests can enjoy a game of dominoes, get exclusive access to rum cocktail recipes, and receive a coupon for free shipping of their own bottle of Appleton Estate® Signature Jamaica Rum via ReserveBar to enjoy back at home.

Designed as a place to recharge, the tent also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and phone charging, making it the perfect spot to reset between sets.

A festival-exclusive sweepstakes rounds out the experience, “giving attendees a daily chance to win exciting getaways to Jamaica”. These include a four-day, three-night, all-inclusive stay for two adults at Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, or Sandals South Coast — as Sandals Resorts prepares to unveil a fully transformed resort experience at these Jamaican resorts this winter – or a four-day, three-night all-inclusive stay for a family of four at Beaches Negril.

“Jazz Fest is rooted in discovery, connection, and the unifying power of music,” said Scott Peiffer, executive creative director at Unique Vacations, Inc, an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.

“Jamaica is where Sandals Resorts was born, and this moment allows that spirit to be carried beyond the island, immersing guests in its rhythm, flavour, and vibrant energy in a way that invites them to feel and experience it.

“The festival is grateful to Sandals Resorts and the Jamaica Tourist Board for helping us bring the magic of Jamaica to Jazz Fest this year,” said Quint Davis, producer-director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. “Both cultures are famous for giving the world music that inspires great joy, and we hope our celebration of Jamaica inspires people to experience the country for themselves.”

For more information on the 2026 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Sandals Resorts Jamaica Cultural Exchange Pavilion, visit NoJazzFest.com/cultural-exchange-pavilion/ or visit Sandals.com.

Koffee