Want to get to know New Orleans? Some might direct you to the nationally acclaimed Jazz Fest, which, don’t get us wrong, is certainly one for the bucket list. But if you really want to soak in New Orleans — particularly the French Quarter underneath all that tourist pomp — head to the French Quarter Festival. Every band that plays at this fest has a connection to Louisiana and plays the state’s famous brands of jazz, brass, cajun, and rock. And the music happens everywhere — on huge outdoor stages and under shade umbrellas in the middle of the street, moving in parades and stationary with belting sound systems.
In 2023, The Soul Rebels feat. Big Freedia, Rebirth Brass Band, Flow Tribe, and Samantha Fish were among the festival’s funkadelic and dance-worthy headliners.
The 2024 festival lineup includes Ivan Neville, Big Freedia, ÌFÉ, DJ Raj Smoove, Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, Chapel Hart Band, Partners N Crime, TBC Brass Band, Teedra Moses, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, The Original Pinettes Brass Band with Mia X, DJ Kelly Green, John Boutté, Water Seed Present The Journey to Funkstar, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, and DJ RQ Away. The rest of the festival’s lineup is available here.
And what’s a visit to New Orleans without devouring some of the city’s best dishes? Lucky for you, the French Quarter Fest caters to the tongue, as well as the ears. Expect outdoor food booths from beloved southern and Creole restaurants like Jacques-Imo’s, Galatoire’s, Heard Dat Kitchen, and Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady to line famed spots like Jackson Square and Canal Street. Plus get tipsy real quick on some classic French Quarter eye-opening cocktails, like a Sazerac or a spicy Creole Bloody Mary.
This festival is free and open to the public. All you need to do is get to the French Quarter and boogie in.
The Specs
- Nearly 875,000 people attended the festival in 2023.
- The festival is free and open to the public.
- Here’s the festival’s app to help guide you through the weekend.
- Planning a trip to the Big Easy? Check out Fifty Grande’s Best Things to Do in New Orleans.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the French Quarter Festival?
Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located a 25-minute drive (15 miles) from the French Quarter.
What are the festival hours?
On Thursday and Sunday, the festival is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, it’s 11 am to 9 p.m.
What’s the parking situation?
Parking will be challenging. If you plan to drive there, arrive early to park in these lots: French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, Canal Place and various locations within walking distance. Public transportation is probably your best bet.
Where is the festival held in New Orleans?
French Quarter Festival is held throughout the French Quarter neighborhood. Stages are located at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Bienville Triangle, Preservation Hall, the French Market, St. Mary’s at the Ursuline Convent, and New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint, according to the festival’s site. Food booths will be found in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Jax Brewery parking lot, and New Orleans Jazz Museum. Special events take place at various locations throughout the French Quarter. There’s also a map.
Who produces the festival?
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), the nonprofit that also produces Satchmo Summerfest and Holidays New Orleans Style.
Is there a sponsor for the event?
The French Quarter Festival is presented by Chevron.
Does the festival have an official address?
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is located at 400 North Peters.
Which artists are on the French Quarter Festival 2024 lineup?
The 2024 festival will be headlined by Ivan Neville, Big Freedia, ÌFÉ, DJ Raj Smoove, Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, Chapel Hart Band, Partners N Crime, TBC Brass Band, Teedra Moses, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, The Original Pinettes Brass Band with Mia X, DJ Kelly Green, John Boutté, Water Seed Present The Journey to Funkstar, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, and DJ RQ Away. The rest of the festival’s extensive lineup is available here.
Poster
