French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the non-profit organization that produces French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, has announced dates for the 2021 festival. Despite speculation from local news outlets that it would be canceled, the event is scheduled to take place September 30–October 3, 2021. In 2022, French Quarter Festival will return to its traditional April date.
“Although French Quarter Fest typically takes place in April, the ongoing COVID crisis has made it necessary for us to remain flexible,” said Emily Madero, CEO of FQFI. “As one of the largest free music and food festivals in the United States, we always want to ensure our impact is in the best interest of the City and our French Quarter neighbors and businesses.”
The history of French Quarter Festival can be traced back to 1984 when businesses in the Quarter were being suffocated by extensive construction surrounding them. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. established that year in hopes of bringing residents and patrons back to the historic neighborhood.
After Katrina in 2005, the future of the city’s music and culture was uncertain. Many local musicians had left the city and/or been displaced. City officials were nervous about once again hosting thousands of visitors during the summer festival season. In April 2006, all this would change. Although the attendance was about 350,000 people, the music had made its comeback to New Orleans. Today, the award-winning festival has grown to be the largest free music festival in the country, showcasing brass bands, folk, gospel, Cajun music, and more.
FQFI worked in coordination with stakeholders, industry peers, and city officials to select a 2021 date to best support the city’s rebound this fall. The annual festival celebrating Louisiana music, food and culture hires over 1,500 Louisiana musicians and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans. In 2019, the attendance was an estimated 825,000 with an economic impact of nearly $200M. The 2020 French Quarter Festival was canceled due to COVID. The 2021 festival will have a modified layout that adheres to CDC protocols and guidelines.
FQFI produces three annual events with a mission to showcase the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and contribute to the economic well-being of the community. In addition to French Quarter Festival, FQFI produces Satchmo SummerFest and Holidays New Orleans Style. In 2020, the organization produced a series of virtual events to support its mission, including the Seven Days of Satch presented by Chevron in August and the Holidays New Orleans Style virtual concert series in December.
“We’re excited to continue our 38-year partnership with Louisiana musical artists, chefs, businesses and volunteers for our 2021 season,” Madero said. “We appreciate our partners and fans for their continued support, and we look forward to celebrating Louisiana’s incredible culture together in October.”
Learn more at www.fqfi.org.
