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 | French Quarter Festival 2025: Get Ready for the Ultimate Celebration of Music, Food, and Community! |
| Hey festival lovers! The countdown is ON for the 2025 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron! Clear your schedules for April 10-13, because we're about to bring the biggest party of the year to the heart of New Orleans.
Enjoy over 300 musical acts across 22 stages, a food lover's paradise with 70+ vendors, the FQF After Dark nighttime concert series, and better accessibility for everyone. And good news for your fest planning—the updated French Quarter Fest app is ready to download now on Android and iPhone! |
| | Kicking Things Off With a Parade, Then Music Everywhere You Turn! |
| | Come join the fun at our annual French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade on Thursday, April 10, at 10 AM! We'll start from the 200 block of Bourbon Street and make our way to Jackson Square for our Opening Day Ceremony at the NewOrleans.com Stage.
After that? It's music, music, MUSIC! With over 300 performances across 22 stages, we're keeping it 100% local and 100% amazing. You'll hear everything from jazz to zydeco, funk to brass bands, and even a stage dedicated to New Orleans' best DJs, sponsored by Willow Pharmacy. |
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| The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage is bringing four days of awesome performances, including fan favorites Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Anders Osborne, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and the one-and-only Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans.
Head over to JAX Lot for the spectacular Chevron Evening Concert Series featuring Chapel Hart Band, The Original Pinettes Brass Band with Mia X, Little Freddie King, and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters. Want to show off your moves? Free dance lessons happen daily at 12:20 PM and 1:50 PM at the Chevron Stage!
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| The NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company in Jackson Square kicks off Thursday after our Opening Ceremony and keeps the good times rolling all weekend with NOLA favorites like Charmaine Neville, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Wendell Brunious, and John Boutté.
Thanks to The Riverwalk Outlets, Spanish Plaza will be rocking with the Jack Daniel's Stage, featuring Indys Blu, The Soul Rebels, and newcomer Jelly Joseph. Over at the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage, you can catch Cupid & the Dance Party Express Band, Fermín Ceballos + Merengue4FOUR, Lisa Amos, Honey Island Swamp Band, Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, and more!
The Willow DJ Stage is bringing fresh talent like DJ FTK, DJ Arie Spins, and DJ Rakimbeau along with returning favorites like DJ Jess, Legatron Prime, and ANTWIGADEE!
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint hosts three stages Friday through Sunday. Inside on the 3rd floor, the Songwriter Stage will feature newcomers Morgan Orion & The Afterburners, Marbrisa, Gina Leslie, and Carolyn Broussard Band. Outside, get ready for more than a dozen brass bands on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage. The Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage welcomes debut artist Shawn Williams and showcases Loyola Student performers, including the Loyola University Commercial Ensemble, Vienna Notarianni, The Dewdrops, Young Bucks Jazz Orchestra, Kota Dosa, Kai De Lua, rene', Rénaissa Avari, TYJOHNSON & Friends, fish band!, Tired Eyes, Lizette, Left Hook, and more. Don't miss the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage Friday through Sunday for awesome Latin beats, world music, and Jazz from Vivaz, Ingrid Lucia, and newcomers like Cactus Thief and Ovi-G presents "Xtra Cash!". And check out Ernie's Schoolhouse Stage at the Natchez Wharf for talented youth performances, including debut shows by the Sarah T. Reed Marching Band and the Martin Behrman School Marching Band.
We're bringing music and dancing throughout the French Quarter neighborhood with the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage (with daily free dance lessons!) and the French Market Dutch Alley Stage, both in the French Market District. More traditional jazz stages join the lineup on Saturday and Sunday on Royal and Bourbon St., including the Café Beignet Stage at Musical Legends Park, Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, the Omni Royal Orleans Stage, and Hancock Whitney Stage.
FQF also welcomes the KREWE Stage at 600 Royal Street, featuring newcomers Jesse Morrow Trio, Jacky Blaire & The Hot Biscuits, and the Nanci Zhang Trio. The BK House Garden Stage returns within the gates of BK Historic House and Gardens, kicking off on Saturday with performances by Monty Banks, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, and many more. Finally, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Kids Stage will be creating special moments from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday with performances from Arrowhead Jazz Band featuring National Park Service Rangers and special guests and the Creative Arts Momentum.
The complete music schedule is now available at frenchquarterfest.org/music.
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| | Come Hungry—We’ve Got 70+ Food Vendors on Festival Grounds |
| | Foodies, you’re up! Our culinary program is showcasing the best of New Orleans' world-famous food scene with exciting new flavors in 2025. We're talking 70+ food vendors serving up incredible dishes for every taste.
Craving classics? Don't miss Vaucresson's Creole Hot Sausage Poboy and Lasyone's Famous Meat Pies. Want something with a twist? Try LUFU NOLA's chicken tikka masala taco. Loretta's Pralines is bringing their amazing Crab Meat Beignet, and Friends of Codey's offers their Bayou Comfort Grits Bowl—creamy grits topped with chicken and andouille sausage. New to the fest is Chubbies Famous Fried Chicken, joining returning favorites like Cafe Dauphine, Love at First Bite, Monday, and Addis Nola. A complete list of confirmed culinary vendors can be found at frenchquarterfest.org/food.
Don't miss Mike's Amazing Culinary Stage in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Kohlmeyer Lawn. The legendary Chef Kevin Belton will host exclusive one-on-one interviews with iconic local chefs and culinary favorites, including Fritai NOLA, Southerns, 14 Parishes, Baroness, Smoke & Honey, and more. Plus, Mike's Amazing's own Chef Eleazar Fuerte will join festival vendors on stage to share signature recipes featuring Mike's Amazing products.
Thirsty? Abita Beer is back as a major festival sponsor with plenty of local brews to enjoy. You'll also find spirits and mixed cocktails at beverage booths throughout the grounds, featuring Jack Daniel's, Fords Gin, Diplomático Rum, el Jimador Tequila, and Korbel California Champagne. New drinks this year include selections from Caymus Vineyards, Emmolo, Sea Sun Wines, and White Claw Vodka.
Bringing the kids or skipping the alcohol? We've got you covered with Pepsi products, including Gatorade and Aquafina water, available everywhere to keep you cool and hydrated.
Remember to swipe or tap! This year, we’re going cashless. All booths accept major credit cards and digital payments. Exchange your cash in the Jax Lot (500 Decatur St.). |
| | Want to Upgrade Your Experience? Go VIP! |
| | While FQF is always free and open to everyone, super fans can level up with our VIP packages. Your purchase supports our mission while giving you access to some seriously cool perks!
New for 2025: Fest Family VIP pass holders get an extra-special experience aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS overlooking the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage. This exclusive addition includes a private bar and viewing area on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00AM - 5:00PM. |
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| Want the ultimate luxury experience? Go for our Fest Family VIP Plus passes for prime viewing spots at four front-of-stage locations.
All Fest Family VIP Members enjoy private bars with three complimentary drinks per day at four different VIP locations (redeemable at all festival beverage spots), air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive perks, and more! Add a 4-Day Parking Pass for stress-free arrival. Get your four-day weekend passes for $449 or single-day passes for $149 at frenchquarterfest.org/fest-family. Hurry—limited spots available! |
| | | Keep the Party Going with FQF After Dark! |
| Why stop when the sun goes down? Our FQF After Dark series is back for its fourth year with awesome nighttime shows at special venues around the city. The party keeps going after the last festival stage closes at 8:00 PM! Ticket prices and additional information can be found at frenchquarterfest.org/special-events. |
| Thursday, Apr 10, 2025 Jack Daniel’s presents Black & Loud Fest with Omari Neville and the Fuel, King Youngblood, and more House of Blues Parish Room, 225 Decatur St. 9:00 PM – until Purchase your tickets here.
Friday, Apr 11, 2025
Big Sam’s Funky Nation at Good Measure The Barnett, 600 Carondelet St. 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Purchase your tickets here. |
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| Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 Jack Daniel’s presents Black & Loud Fest with Cyril Neville, Shamarr Allen, Irvin Mayfield, King Youngblood, and more House of Blues Parish Room, 225 Decatur St. 9:00 PM – until Purchase your tickets here.
Sunday, Apr 13, 2025
Steamboat NATCHEZ: 50th Anniversary Jam Session 400 Toulouse Street 9:30PM – until Purchase tickets here. |
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| | All Aboard the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone Maritime Experience |
| | The Chevron Children's STEM Zone is back with a super cool twist—it's on a boat! This interactive space shows kids how STEM subjects lead to exciting careers, and this year it's all about maritime science, marine biology, and Louisiana's waterway heritage.
You'll find it in a NEW location: aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, docked behind the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage at the Riverwalk Gazebo. Kids (and kids at heart) can dive into fun science, technology, engineering and math activities designed for all ages. |
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| The Chevron STEM Zone runs Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's a unique chance to learn about the science behind our region's waters. Don't miss this dockside adventure! |
| | Festival Fun for Everyone: Wellness & Accessibility |
| We want everyone to have an amazing time, so we've expanded our wellness and accessibility initiatives this year with our new "Keeping You Well" program. This awesome partnership with LCMC Health brings enhanced first aid services and wellness resources to the festival. Healthcare providers will be on-site with comprehensive first aid, wellness tips, and support to keep you feeling great all weekend.
Parents, we've got you covered! Through our partnership with LCMC, we're proud to offer the Touro LCMC Health Nursing Nest, a private space for moms to nurse and care for their babies. Find it in Jax Lot from Thursday through Sunday.
Need a sensory break? Benny's Sensory Activation Vehicle provides a quiet space for anyone who might feel overwhelmed. It's located on the aquarium plaza of Woldenberg Riverfront Park and offers a calming environment away from the crowds.
New for 2025: ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be available at select performances! Check the schedules at Information Booths or in our upcoming Accessibility FAQ. Want ASL for a specific show? Email [email protected] by March 17 at 5:00 PM CST. For all accessibility offerings—including viewing areas and more—visit frenchquarterfest.org/access. |
| | | Take Home a Piece of the Fest: Get Merch and a Commemorative Poster |
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| | This year's poster is absolutely gorgeous, created by celebrated local artist Ceaux. "Secondline culture and the idea of a Grand Marshal kicking off festival season inspired my design," Ceaux explained. "I wanted to reflect the vastness of the festival and the unique vibes of each location through a colorful, fluid style that embodies the spirit of French Quarter Fest—eclectic, vibrant, and full of life."
Want one for your collection? A limited edition of 600 signed and numbered artist-proof silkscreen prints (18" x 24") are available for $100 each. The design is also featured on our commemorative shirts. Bring your digital dollars to purchase merch since we’re going cashless this year. You can always exchange your cash in the Jax Lot (500 Decatur St.). Get your poster, shirts, hats, and more at shop.fqfi.org before the festival. During the festival weekend, get your merch items onsite at our designated merch booths! |
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| | | Special Events, Festival Fun, and Announcements You Won’t Want to Miss! |
| FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARADE: The parade will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. and depart from the 200 block of Bourbon Street, making its way to Jackson Square for the Opening Ceremony.
FREE DANCE LESSONS: Throughout the festival, free dance lessons sponsored by the French Market Corporation will be held at both the Chevron Stage and the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage. |
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| 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE'S VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS: On Saturday, April 12 from 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM the Louisiana Museum Foundation will host a special event in partnership with The Louisiana State Museum | Cabildo to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to New Orleans. Join Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser for a historical re-enactment of Lafayette's address to the citizens of New Orleans from Jackson Square on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company. |
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| STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION BRUNCH: On Sunday, April 13 from 9AM - 11AM the Steamboat NATCHEZ will host an exclusive 50th Birthday Celebration Brunch to honor the NATCHEZ and commemorate her remarkable 50 years! A limited number of tickets are available.
CASHLESS FESTIVAL: The 2025 French Quarter Festival will be completely cashless! All food, beverage, and merchandise booths will accept major credit cards and digital payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. FQFI will provide an on-site cash exchange station conveniently located in the heart of the festival footprint at Jax Lot, 500 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, for attendees without access to cashless payment methods.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Chevron proudly fuels our volunteer program, and registration is now open. Volunteers play a vital role in the festival's success and receive exclusive benefits, including a collectible festival t-shirt, beverage tickets, entries into a festival merchandise raffle, and more. For additional details or to apply, visit frenchquarterfest.org/volunteers. |
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| | Thank You, Sponsors & Super Fans for Keeping the Festival a FREE Community Event
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of our 42-year history of bringing high-quality events to locals and visitors alike. To keep the festival free, we rely on our amazing sponsors, partners, and all of you who support us by purchasing merchandise, upgrading your festival experiences, sponsoring performances, and donating directly throughout the year.
French Quarter Fest Sponsors Include:Chevron, Abita Brewing Company, Acadian Ambulance Service, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Aquaculture Stewardship Council/Laguna Blanca Salmon, The Bec-Croche Giving Fund, Beignet Fest Foundation, The Berger Company, BK House, Blue Bikes, Brown-Forman, Caesars New Orleans, Café Beignet, Campaign for Equity New Orleans, Capital Vacations, Catch 504 Booking, Caymus Vineyards, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, el Jimador Tequila, Emmolo, Fords Gin, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, French Market Coffee, French Market Corporation, Friend Of Fest, Funny Bird, Good Measure at The Barnett, Hancock Whitney, Hilton Riverside New Orleans, The Helis Foundation, House Of Blues, Humana Healthy Horizons of Louisiana, I.T.S Fire Alarm Security, Jack Daniel’s, Jack Daniels Presents Black & Loud, KREWE, LCMC Health, Louisiana Fish Fry, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Louisiana Museum Foundation, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development - Division of the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana State Museum Cabildo, Loyola University, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Merri & John Lynch, Mike's Amazing, Music Performance Trust Fund & American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz Museum At The Old U.S. Mint, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Service, New Orleans Public Belt, New Orleans School of Cooking, New Orleans Steamboat Company, New Orleans Tourism And Cultural Fund, New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, NOLA.com, Omni Royal Orleans, OUTFRONT, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Pennington Holloway Kim LLP, Pepsi, Phelps, The Plant Gallery, Port of New Orleans, Republic National Distributing Company, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Riverwalk Outlets, Sal Borelli, SBP, Sea Sun Wines, Tropical Isle, The Westin New Orleans, Willow Pharmacy, The Windsor Court, White Claw Vodka, Woody and Kathy Jay, and WWL-Louisiana. |
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