Across its first 40 years, the French Quarter Festival had already grown to be one of Louisiana’s largest annual events. The fest still decided to go even bigger for its 40th anniversary in 2024, expanding its footprint along the riverfront and adding new features, like a dedicated DJ stage.
Those additions weren’t a one off, and French Quarter Fest will be a similarly big event during its 41st edition with more than 300 performances running Thursday, April 10, through Sunday, April 14. The free festival will again feature 21 stages of music, including the return of the DJ stage, and there will be New Orleans and Louisiana artists playing a range of genres, from funk, soul, jazz and blues to zydeco and Cajun music to hip-hop and electronica.
There also will be a culinary stage, where chef and TV host Kevin Belton will interview local chefs. And speaking of food, this year’s festival will have more than 70 vendors serving up all kinds of dishes. Plus, there will be vendors pouring beer, wine, soft drinks, iced tea and coffee and specialty drinks.
The Mahogany Brass Band performs during the kickoff parade for French Quarter Fest 2023.
Along with the music, French Quarter Fest has several special events. The annual second-line parade will kick off the festival on Thursday, starting at 10 a.m. at the 200 block of Bourbon Street and heading to Jackson Square for the opening day ceremony. The FQF After Dark series will see nightly performances at local venues. There are daily dance lessons at some stages, a STEM Zone with kids’ activities on Saturday and Sunday, events marking the 50th anniversary of the Steamboat Natchez, and a celebration on Saturday of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 visit to New Orleans.
The fest this year has expanded its wellness and accessibility offerings, including with the Benny’s Sensory Activation Vehicle, a quiet space at the Aquarium Plaza at Woldenberg Riverfront Park. And there will be American Sign Language interpretation at select performances (more info can be found at frenchquarterfest.org/access).
French Quarter Fest is free to attend, and there are VIP tickets available with access to lounges, elevated viewing stands and other amenities. The festival is cashless.
Gambit’s preview of the 2025 festival has recommendations for can’t-miss musicians and a few curated lineups to make things a little easier for festivalgoers. There also is information about this year’s DJ stage, the food offerings and events happening after the fest. And the festival’s official program, which includes a schedule, is included as a pull out section.
More information can be found at frenchquarterfest.org and via a festival app.
Music starts up at 11 a.m. on six stages spread along the Riverfront and at Jackson Square and the Jax Brewery Parking lot.
French Quarter Fest expands to 14 stages on Friday. Here are artists to see.
French Quarter Fest expands to 21 stages on Saturday, April 12. Here are artists to catch.
French Quarter Fest 2025 ends with a day full of music on all 21 stages.
With more than 300 performances at French Quarter Fest this year, there’s a lot to choose from.
DJ Jubilee, Raj Smoove, DJ RQ Away, Legatron Prime, C’est Funk, Antwigadee! and a lot more will be spinning on the Willow DJ Stage.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
