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French Quarter Festival 2026 Unveils Full Music Lineup, Culinary Delights and Exciting Highlights

French Quarter Festival 2026 | April 16–19

Four days. 302 performances. 20 stages. Over 275 dishes from 70+ local vendors. French Quarter Festival 2026 is the biggest and boldest yet and it's all free.

Hundreds of Local Performances Across 20 Stages

This year’s music lineup is stacked with more than 300 performances that spotlight the artists who define Louisiana’s sound, alongside exciting first-time appearances. Highlights include:

275+ Culinary Experiences Showcasing the Best of New Orleans Flavor

More than 70 local vendors will serve 275+ dishes all weekend! Signature offerings include Loretta's Pralines Crabmeat Beignets, 14 Parishes Jamaican Patty and Creole Country Cafe's Seafood Pasta.

New this year: Spicy Mango's oxtail melt and Willie Mae's famous fried chicken.

Look for the LCMC Health heart logo on select menu items throughout the festival for healthy choice options still packed with New Orleans flavor, and stay hydrated with water available at official festival beverage booths all weekend long.

Debuting a new spirit from Abita, Upbeat Vodka is making its French Quarter Fest premiere!

MIKE’S AMAZING CULINARY STAGE

The Mike's Amazing Culinary Stage on the Kohlmeyer Lawn, Chef Kevin Belton will host four days of exclusive one-on-one interviews with iconic local chefs and culinary personalities. Social media influencer Lavelle Dunn takes the stage Saturday, April 18, for a special "happy hour" segment highlighting festival dishes and beverages.

The Mike's Amazing Airstream Cafe, located in the Jax Brewery Lot, will serve a curated Cuban-Creole menu throughout the weekend, and 100 percent of proceeds from all Airstream sales go directly to FQFI to support festival programming.

French Quarter Festival 5K presented by LCMC Health

Kick off French Quarter Festival weekend the most New Orleans way possible—by running straight through the heart of the city that knows how to celebrate.

The French Quarter Festival 5K presented by LCMC Health is a fun, fast, and festive run through unmistakable Crescent City energy. Every step immerses you in the culture, rhythm, and soul of New Orleans' French Quarter.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, jogging with friends, or soaking it all in at an easy pace, this 3.1-mile course is designed for runners of all levels. All participants receive a commemorative race shirt, finisher swag, and post-race access to one of the city’s most beloved festivals. Costumes are encouraged, smiles are guaranteed, and good times are non-negotiable.

Elevated Festival Experiences

Fest Family VIP passes are selling quickly! Experience exclusive amenities and premium viewing experiences throughout the festival weekend. Fest Family VIP members enjoy access to private hospitality areas at four VIP locations, featuring:

• private bars with three complimentary drinks per day

• air-conditioned restrooms,

• shaded seating
  & more!

  
  

Four-day Fest Family weekend passes: $480 | Single-day passes: $160.

Official 2026 Poster and Festival Merch

Merch presales are live! Local artist Anne Lipscomb designed this year's official poster, a stunning New Orleans Modern Art Nouveau tribute to the festival and the city. Shop the full 2026 collection now before items sell out.

• Commemorative poster prints

• Poster T-shirts

• Lineup T-shirts

• 2026 apparel and accessories

Festival Highlights

French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade | Thu, April 16 | 10 AM
Departs the 200 block of Bourbon Street, ending at Jackson Square for the opening ceremony.

French Quarter Festival 5K Run presented by LCMC Health | Sat, April 18 | 8 AM Runners receive an official race shirt, $10 RFID festival card and early festival access. Prices increase March 28. Register at runsignup.com/fqf5k.

Free Dance Lessons presented by French Market Corporation | April 16–19
At the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and Willow Dispensary Stage throughout the weekend.

Cashless Festival: All booths accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Cash exchange station at Jax Lot, 500 Decatur St.

Volunteer Opportunities: Receive a collectible T-shirt, beverage tickets, raffle entries and more. Apply at frenchquarterfest.org/volunteers.

Sponsors and Fans Keep the Festival a Free Community Event

French Quarter Festival is only possible with the help of our community. Please donate now in support of local artists and festivals for all!

For more than four decades, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. has produced high-quality community events that welcome locals and visitors alike. In addition to donations from fans and sales of beverages and merchandise, support from businesses and philanthropic organizations is critical to producing accessible, authentic arts programming that uplifts our community.

French Quarter Fest Sponsors Include:

Abita Brewing Company, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Airbnb, AT&T, Baker Donelson, The Barnett, The Bec-Croche Giving Fund, Beignet Fest Foundation, The Berger Company, Blue Bikes, Brown-Forman, Café Beignet, Capital Vacations, Caymus Vineyards, Chevron, Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation, DECOY, Delta Utilities, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, el Jimador Tequila, Emmolo, Entergy, Fidelity Bank, Fords Gin, French Market Corporation, Friend Of Fest, Funny Bird, Hancock Whitney, The Helis Foundation, Historic New Orleans Collection, House Of Blues, Hornbeck Offshore, I.T.S Fire Alarm Security, Jack Daniel’s, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, KREWE,The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, LCMC Health, Louisiana Fish Fry, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Loyola University, Luzianne Iced Tea, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Mike's Amazing, The MISI, Music Performance Trust Fund & American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Service, New Orleans School of Cooking, New Orleans Steamboat Company, New Orleans Tourism And Cultural Foundation (NOTCF), NOLA.com, Omni Royal Orleans, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Park First, Pepsi, The Plant Gallery, Port of New Orleans & New Orleans Public Belt, The Reeves Family, RosaMary Foundation, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Sal Borelli, Sea Sun Wines, Tropical Isle, Upbeat Vodka & Upbeat Vodka Cocktails, The Westin New Orleans, Willow Pharmacy, The Windsor Court, Woody and Kathy Jay,  WWL-Louisiana, and YPO.

French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that also produces Satchmo Summerfest and Holidays New Orleans Style in December.

FQFI promotes the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high-quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. For more information on all FQFI festivals and events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org.