First known as Place Gravier, it became Lafayette Square after Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans in 1825. Bordered by Poydras Street and St. Charles Avenue, Lafayette Square is located across from the historical Gallier Hall, former City Hall and another great site for music throughout the years.
Lafayette Square has been the site for inaugurations, yearly pilgrimages by school bands, and jazz concerts for over 150 years. In 1864, famed bandleader Patrick S. Gilmore presented his legendary concert with a 500 plus member band, a choir of thousands of school children, and a bell ringer.
Today Lafayette Square is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of New Orleans right in the heart of the Central Business District. Lafayette Square is also host to the Wednesday at the Square, a free summer concert series featuring the top names in local acts. The Square is also home to a fall blues music festival.
