No New Orleans festivals this year? No Essence, French Quarter Fest or Jazz Fest?

If Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s word is true, then look to 2021.

In a news conference this afternoon, Cantrell said she does not expect any large events to take place in the city for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic..

“My recommendation is absolutely no large events such as French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest, even Essence Festival, as it relates to the year 2020,” Cantrell said. “The focus should shift to 2021.”

Nothing has yet been announced about the total cancellation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, but Essence was postponed, and French Quarter Festival  postponed its regular April event to the weekend of October 1.

The status of Saints football games and Pelicans basketball has not been confirmed.