Get the Most Out of the French Quarter Fest

Photo by Zack Smith Photography. Courtesy of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

French Quarter Fest is back, baby! And it’s its 42nd anniversary, no less. For four days (Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13, 2025), a big chunk of the French Quarter — also known as the Vieux Carré, French for the “old square” (or “old quarter”) — will be transformed into a series of festival stages, each showcasing a different brand of music either rooted in or heavily influenced by, the sounds of Louisiana. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about French Quarter Fest 2025.

Stage & Music Lineup Highlights

Since 2023 welcomed more than 875,000 fans over four days, this year again expect the total of 22 stages with over 300 performances scheduled. You can find the lineup by stage and, at the same time, by day on the event’s website. The performers are too numerous to mention, but the highlights are the best of what the city and the state have to offer, many of whom have performed at the festival before. There are, of course, artists from elsewhere, and a few newcomers.

We are excited about the music lineup every year, and this year is not exception. Come see Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic, BeauSoleil featuring Michael Doucet, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bag of Donuts, Panorama Jazz Band, Anders Osborne, The Soul Rebels, Mardi Gras Indians, and a whole lot of brass, zydeco, blues, and much more.

In other words, the who-is-who of the local music scene is returning or joining this year. Expect beyond excellence when it comes to the French Quarter Fest music lineup.

Food Vendor Highlights

As in the previous year, expect a mouthwatering melting pot of traditional New Orleans dishes such as fried shrimp or catfish, stuffed crabs, locally brewed beers, meat pies, crawfish macaroni and cheese, and hot sausage po-boys. Beyond that, there will be plenty of global flavors.

There will be about 70 culinary vendors on site. Our favorite vendors that are returning include Jacques-Imo’s Cafe, Tujague’s Restaurant, Plum Street Snoballs, 14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant, Pat O-Brien’s, Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady, Desire Oyster Bar, Morrow’s, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, Addis NOLA, Cochon King BBQ, and many more.

This year, Chubbies Famous Fried Chicken will have its culinary debut at the festival. (See the full culinary lineup here.)

In addition, Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage, located in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Kohlmeyer Lawn, will feature one-on-one interviews with iconic local chefs and culinary favorites, including Fritai NOLA, Southerns, 14 Parishes, Baroness, Smoke N Honey, and more. Hosted by renowned Chef Kevin Belton, the program will also feature Mike’s Amazing’s own Chef Eleazar Fuerte who will share signature recipes.

Special Events

Every year, the festival features special events. Here are the 2025 highlights.

The French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade and Opening Day Ceremony

The annual parade is held this year on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street down to St. Ann Street, where it turns and makes its way to Jackson Square for the Annual Opening Day Ceremony.

Dance Classes

The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, swing, Cajun jitterbug, and zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers and are free and open to the public. Check out the lesson schedule on the festival’s website.

Children’s STEM Zone

On Saturday and Sunday, families are invited to take a journey of discovery at the Chevron STEM Boat: A Voyage of Discovery.

French Quarter Fest After Dark

The festival offers nighttime programming at various local venues from 9 p.m. till midnight to keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes at 8 p.m.

Getting Around the Fest

Getting around the Fest should be fairly easy if you’re walking or biking. Parking will be limited, so arrive early and try these lots: French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, The Garage at Canal Place, plus street parking within walking distance.

We do suggest that instead of driving, you use RTA buses, streetcars, rideshare services bikes, cabs, or the ferry to get to the festival. In addition to increased traffic, some streets will be closed for the duration of the festival beginning at approximately noon until 8:30 p.m. (Those who live in the area will need to have access passes from the NOPD Eighth District Station.) The streets that will be closing are Iberville, N. Rampart, Dumaine, and Decatur.

A Few Facts About French Quarter Fest

Here are a few facts about the fest and what to expect this year:

• The Fest celebrates local music and represents every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. It’s a medley, and a great way to sample the local music scene.
• It debuted in 1984 as a way to bring residents back to the Quarter following the World’s Fair and extensive sidewalk repairs in the French Quarter.
• The Fest employs more than 1,800 local musicians, with over 60 local restaurants participating as culinary vendors.
• The food and beverage vendors are set up in several locations throughout the French Quarter: Jackson Square, the Jazz Museum at the Mint, JAX Brewery, and Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
• You can buy the official 2025 poster at one of the merch booths at the festival, as well as online.
• To streamline your music experience and navigation, you can download an app on the fest’s website (either for IOS or Android).
• The live-music hours every day of the festival are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• No coolers and ice chests, please. Help keep the festival free by purchasing food and beverages at the festival.
• The festival is cashless. All booths accept major credit cards and digital payments. Need cash exchange? Visit Jax Lot (500 Decatur St.).
• And yes, the fest is free unless you opt to buy a pass for a VIP experience.

If you’re planning a stay in New Orleans, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.

---