French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) has announced that dates for the 2020 French Quarter Fest originally slated for April 2-5 have been rescheduled for April 16-19.

The change in dates is due to the NCAA Women’s Final Four, which takes place in  New Orleans April 2-5, 2020. Typically, French Quarter Fest takes place during the second weekend of April, but it’s been rescheduled before in the past because of Easter. Though a major break from tradition, the date change will ensure the success of the Festival, which has become “critical to our city’s economy and to all the vendors and culture bearers that it employs each year,” says Stephen Perry, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company.

French Quarter Fest employs more than 1,500 musicians each year, not to mention the opportunities it provides for the countless food and art vendors. With an economic impact nearing $200 million in 2019, the Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell underscores the importance of the event, which is free to attend. “Since 1984, the French Quarter Festival has been a vital part of the city’s cultural economy and a world-class live event that both our residents and visitors look forward to every year,” she said. “Not only does the festival provide entertainment for all, it generates a positive economic impact for the city and shines a light on our local musicians, artists and culture bearers. The later dates for French Quarter Fest will ensure that April will be a great and thriving month for our city and the cultural economy.” 

“As one of the largest free music and food festivals in the United States, we always want to ensure our impact and footprint is in the best interest of the City and our French Quarter neighbors and businesses,” said Emily Madero, CEO of FQFI.

Hosting a sporting event as large as the NCAA Women’s Final Four “takes incredible coordination between the entire New Orleans hospitality community, New Orleans & Company, the City, NOPD, and our local and national event owners,” said Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President and CEO Jay Cicero. The French Quarter Festival has grown into another iconic New Orleans event, and we appreciate their partnership to help New Orleans continue to host the NCAA’s marquee championship events.” 

For more information on French Quarter Festival, click here.