Who to See at French Quarter Fest 2025
The 2025 French Quarter Festival is set to transform the historic streets of New Orleans into a vibrant celebration of local music and culture from April 10-13.
With over 300 acts performing across 22 stages, this free festival showcases the best of Louisiana's musical talent, from traditional jazz and blues to contemporary bounce and Zydeco. From legendary performers like Irma Thomas and Little Freddie King to exciting newcomers like Jelly Joseph and Roi Anthony, this year's lineup offers an authentic New Orleans experience that can't be found anywhere else.
Here's our guide to the must-see performances across all four days of this iconic festival.
Thursday, April 10
1. Jelly Joseph
Jack Daniel's Stage | 5:00 PM - 6:20 PM
One of the most versatile and powerful voices in New Orleans today, Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph has quickly made her mark on the music scene. Her hit song "Fya" with HaSizzle showcases her dynamic range and commanding stage presence, proving herself as a rising star in entertainment.
2. Bag of Donuts
Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage | 6:15 PM - 7:45 PM
Celebrating over 30 years of high-energy performances, this New Orleans quartet brings their "Superpop" style—covering popular hits from any era with a unique NOLA twist. Six-time Offbeat Award winners and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductees, Bag of Donuts delivers an unforgettable show complete with kabuki makeup, extravagant costumes, and a dynamic horn section.
3. Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
The Berger Company & JAX Brewery Parking Lots | 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
New Orleans jazz icon Kermit Ruffins brings his signature trumpet sound and charismatic vocals to French Quarter Fest. Drawing inspiration from Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan, Ruffins and his Barbecue Swingers deliver a vibrant blend of traditional jazz, swing, and New Orleans flavor that keeps audiences dancing and smiling.
4. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Abita Beer Stage | 6:40 PM - 8:00 PM
A cornerstone of New Orleans music since 1977, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band revolutionized the brass band genre by incorporating funk and bebop into traditional jazz. Their innovative sound has influenced generations of musicians and continues to energize audiences with their powerful horns and infectious rhythms.
5. ANTWIGADEE!
Jack Daniel's Stage | 6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
Known as the GROOOVE MASTER, DJ Antoine Barriere (ANTWIGADEE!) is bringing his signature high-energy performance style to French Quarter Fest. Drawing from his New Orleans roots and global influences, his dynamic sets blend genres and cultures into a musical "gumbo" that keeps crowds moving. His decade of experience and creative transitions have made him a standout figure in the local music scene.
Friday, April 11
1. Al "Lil Fats" Jackson
Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage | 1:50 PM - 2:50 PM
Al "Little Fats" Jackson celebrates his idol and mentor, Fats Domino, whenever he takes to the stage. "Little Fats" is a popular entertainer at festivals around the Gulf South, and his smooth voice and soulful setlist celebrates classic tunes by Frankie Ford, Huey "Piano" Smith, and other New Orleans legends, and, of course, the great Fats Domino.
2. George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners
Windsor Court Stage | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
A legendary figure in New Orleans funk, George Porter Jr. leads his dynamic project the Runnin' Pardners, bringing decades of musical mastery to French Quarter Fest. As the band leader of this respected ensemble, Porter has assembled talented veterans who expertly blend funk, jazz, and soul into their signature sound, earning acclaim on both the festival circuit and jam band scene.
3. The Soul Rebels
Jack Daniel's Stage | 6:40 PM - 8:00 PM
This eight-piece New Orleans brass ensemble revolutionizes the traditional brass band framework by seamlessly blending soul, jazz, funk, hip hop, rock and pop music. Their dynamic performances showcase the evolution of New Orleans brass while maintaining deep roots in the city's musical heritage.
4. Jake Landry
House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Jake Landry dishes up talented vocals and tasty guitar licks with his energetic mix of blues, jazz, R&B, and Top 40 hits. Landry is a staple on the local music scene, whether with a small combo or a full nine-piece band, with regular gigs at the House of Blues and other notable clubs, or as a popular musician for weddings and special events.
5. Legatron Prime
Willow DJ Stage | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
A multi-genre DJ and creative force in New Orleans' music scene, Legatron Prime creates safe, inclusive dance spaces with her signature high-energy sets. As co-founder of "Where My Girls At? NOLA" and host of the weekly "PRIMETIME" at Dragons Den, she's performed at major venues and festivals including BUKU, Essence, and Boiler Room. Since 2015, she's been championing cultural preservation while pushing New Orleans' music scene forward with her "CONSENT ONLY DANCE FLOOR!" philosophy.
Saturday, April 12
1. Irma Thomas
Abita Beer Stage | 5:00 PM - 6:20 PM
Known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," Irma Thomas is a Grammy-winning legend and one of the city's most beloved performers. With her powerful, soulful voice and commanding stage presence, Thomas has been captivating audiences for over six decades. Her timeless classics and dynamic performances continue to showcase why she remains one of New Orleans' most treasured musical icons.
2. Bonerama
Abita Beer Stage | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
This powerhouse New Orleans brass funk rock band, formed in 1998 by trombonists Mark Mullins and Craig Klein (both former members of Harry Connick Jr.'s big band), deliver an electrifying blend of rock, funk, and jazz through their innovative horn-heavy sound. Their unique approach of using multiple trombones as lead instruments creates a distinctive musical experience that's quintessentially New Orleans.
3. Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
GE Stage | 4:15 PM - 5:45 PM
Grammy-nominated accordionist and vocalist Dwayne Dopsie leads his high-energy Zydeco Hellraisers in a dynamic performance that pushes the boundaries of traditional Zydeco music. Known for his masterful accordion skills and powerful stage presence, Dopsie and his band deliver an electrifying blend of contemporary Zydeco with elements of funk, blues, and rock that keeps audiences dancing throughout their shows.
4. Little Freddie King
Chevron Stage | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
A true living legend of Delta blues, Little Freddie King will bring his raw, electrifying style to French Quarter Fest. Drawing influence from John Lee Hooker while crafting his own distinctive sound, King's authentic approach to electric blues and his decades of experience performing make him one of New Orleans' most respected bluesmen.
5. DJ RQ Away
Jack Daniel's Stage | 6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
New Orleans native DJ RQ Away has made a name for himself by being able to create a distinct vibe no matter where he spins. His eclectic sound and ability to blend genres has captured ears in intimate spaces of downtown New Orleans, neighborhood bars in Brooklyn, and the pubs of London.
Sunday, April 13
1. Big Freedia
Abita Beer Stage | 6:50 PM - 8:00 PM
Known as the "Queen of Bounce", Big Freedia (Freddie Ross Jr.) has helped popularize New Orleans' signature bass-heavy hip hop style called bounce. With high-profile collaborations including Beyoncé, Drake, and Lizzo, Freedia's energetic performances have brought bounce music to national audiences, earning appearances on major television shows like Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
2. Denisia feat. HaSizzle
Jack Daniel's Stage | 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
Making their French Quarter Fest debut, Denisia teams up with HaSizzle, the "King of Bounce," for an electrifying performance. HaSizzle, known for being sampled by Drake and performing at Coachella 2023, brings his signature New Orleans bounce energy, while Denisia adds her distinctive vocal style. Together, they'll deliver a high-energy set featuring their "Love" mashup collaboration and other dynamic performances.
3. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles
Abita Beer Stage | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, the legendary Big Chief of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian tribe, brings his unique blend of traditional Black Masking Indian culture and music to French Quarter Fest. Known for his influential collaboration with Big Chief Bo Dollis in The Wild Magnolias, Boudreaux continues to be a vital force in preserving and celebrating New Orleans' rich cultural heritage.
4. Amanda Shaw
Chevron Stage | 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee Amanda Shaw will bring her masterful fiddle playing and vibrant vocals to French Quarter Fest. A prodigy who began performing at age 8, Shaw has become one of the region's most respected Cajun musicians, blending traditional Louisiana music with contemporary influences to create an energetic and authentic sound that celebrates her cultural heritage.
20. Raj Smoove
Jack Daniel's Stage | 6:50 PM - 7:50 PM
A New Orleans-based DJ with over 30 years of experience, Raj Smoove is one of the city's most recognized musical talents. As the Game Day DJ for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and a regular performer at major events like Essence Festival, Jazz Fest, and NBA All-Star Weekend, he's become one of the region's most successful DJs. His contributions to local culture have earned him multiple proclamations from the New Orleans City Council.
A Celebration of Both Local & National Legends
As the largest free music festival in New Orleans, French Quarter Festival embodies the spirit of New Orleans hospitality, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the city's unique cultural heritage. The festival transforms the historic French Quarter into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture that defines the essence of New Orleans.
