French Quarter Festival 2025
The biggest free festival in the South, French Quarter Fest, is returning to New Orleans April 10 to 13, 2025, transforming the French Quarter into a celebration of local music, cuisine, and culture.
The four-day event kicks off with the Festival Kickoff Parade on Thursday morning at 10 a.m., winding from the 200 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square for the Opening Day Ceremony.
Getting There & Parking
- Public Transportation: RTA buses and streetcars provide service to the French Quarter; bike valet service is available at multiple locations; rideshare drop-off zones are also designated throughout the festival area
- Parking: Premium parking is available at various French Quarter lots and garages
Music Highlights
Over 20 stages will be set up at French Quarter Fest to showcase the best of New Orleans music across the French Quarter. While a full list of the music performances is available on French Quarter Fest's website, some of what can be enjoyed includes:
- Traditional jazz and brass bands at Jackson Square
- Contemporary jazz at the U.S. Mint, including special evening shows
- Zydeco and Cajun music at the Chevron Stage with dance lessons
Special Events & Entertainment
Beyond the daytime festivities, FQF After Dark extends the celebration with evening concerts at venues throughout the city from 9 p.m. until from April 10-13. Other special highlights will include:
Steamboat Natchez's 50th Jazz Brunch Celebration Cruise (400 Toulouse St. | 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., April 12-13)
- Daily dance lessons at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and Chevron Stage (traditional jazz, Charleston, swing, Cajun, and Zydeco)
Food & Beverage Highlights
Festival-goers can enjoy everything from traditional New Orleans fare to innovative fusion dishes from over 60 local vendors. Notable offerings include:
- Traditional favorites from Tujague's Restaurant and Jacques-Imo's: chicken and andouille jambalaya, plus hearty gumbos available throughout the grounds
- Fresh Gulf seafood from restaurants including Voleo's and Red Fish Grill: crawfish, oysters, and shrimp prepared in various styles
- Classic desserts from Cafe Beignet and Loretta's Pralines: fresh-made beignets, hand-crafted pralines, and bread pudding
- Bars vendors featuring local Abita craft beers and specialty cocktails from Pat O'Brien's and Tropical Isle locations
Family Activities
The festival offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment:
- Chevron Children's STEM Zone with interactive exhibits (Riverboat City of New Orleans | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 12-13)
- Daily calliope concerts on the Natchez (10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.)
