The French Quarter Festival (FQF), presented by Chevron, will return from April 13-16. The festival, which bills itself as the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, will feature over 50 music performance debuts, ten new culinary experiences, nighttime programming, and unique 40th-anniversary components. Festival goers can OffBeat‘s interactive lineup to find bands they want to see, with stages and performance times here, or use the FQF app, which is updated, to access the schedule, culinary lineup, maps, and more.
As a free event, French Quarter Festival has always been accessible to all. Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festivals Inc., expressed her excitement about celebrating this milestone with the community. “We are proud to be able to produce an event that truly represents the depth and diversity of New Orleans’ creative spirit…” she said. “Our team is excited to bring fan favorites back like Fireworks on the River, the FQF After Dark Series, and launch special features like the 40th Anniversary Hub, and so many new and upcoming artists and restaurants.”
The festival’s music lineup will feature over 270 performances from various genres across 20 stages. The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage will bring four days of music, including headliners The Soul Rebels featuring Big Freedia, Ani DiFranco, Samantha Fish, and Tank and the Bangas. The Chevron Stage, a longtime Cajun/zydeco destination well-known for its dancing crowds and energetic sounds, will feature Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Erica Falls, Louisiana’s LeRoux, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, and free dance lessons daily. The GE Stage in Jackson Square will host New Orleans’ some of most respected artists and culture-bearers, including Lena Prima, The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, and more.
The festival’s culinary lineup returns with many of New Orleans’ most popular dishes and new takes on the classics and items that can only be found at the Fest. FQF welcomes 10 culinary debuts this year, including Vietnamese cuisines from 9 Roses with a Pork Belly Banh Mi and Bao Mi with Bulgogi Fries. Acropolis on Freret brings its famous Dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), while Coquette Garden District debuts its Blackened Catfish Taco with Spicy Creole Slaw.
Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners to celebrate this milestone on Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. for the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street and reaches Jackson Square for the annual opening day ceremony at the GE Stage.
