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| | What’s New at French Quarter Festival 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a year of exciting growth for the festival — with more music, more flavor, and even more ways to experience everything you love. As the festival and the city continues to invest in the future of the French Quarter, this year brings thoughtful updates designed to make the experience even better while still honoring the historic neighborhood at the heart of it all.
A New Riverfront Festival Site
This year, the festival expands along the Mississippi River with a new site in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf. Guests can enter from the riverfront or access the park at the foot of Esplanade Avenue, near the French Market and the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
More Music, More Days
Music fans can expect more live performances than ever and several stages will appear in new locations this year. The Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage relocates to Governor Nicholls and expands to feature four full days of music.
The Jack Daniel’s Stage heads downriver to Governor Nicholls with a dance-ready lineup featuring Cupid & the Dance Party Express, Irma Thomas, and Big Freedia.
Due to construction at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage will temporarily move to the riverfront in front of the Audubon Aquarium. Also expanding to four days, this stage becomes a high energy hub, bringing together top New Orleans brass bands and DJ talent on one stage. Expect sets from bounce favorite DJ Poppa and powerhouse brass performances from the Big 6 Brass Band.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum remains a key festival location, hosting programming Friday through Sunday, including performances at the Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage and the Songwriter Stage.
The House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage expands the festival’s music offerings with four full days of programming, plus a special Thursday night FQF After Dark show at the iconic venue. If you’re VIP, stop by the House of Blues Fest Family VIP Lounge in Jax Brewery Lot throughout the weekend!
French Quarter Festival 5K
On Saturday, April 18, the festival introduces its inaugural 5K run through the French Quarter, combining fitness, culture, and community celebration. Registration is open now! |
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2026 Musical Lineup Preview
300+ acts, including returning favorite Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans and festival debuts Dawn Richard and Bobby Rush |
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| | 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.
Returning favorites include: Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans Cyril Neville Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars Hasizzle with TBC Brass Band Cupid & the Dance Party Express
Festival debuts include: |
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| | | Savor the Flavors: Over 275 Culinary Experiences |
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Food remains central to the festival experience, with new vendors joining longtime staples.
New participants include: Chicken’s Kitchen and Willie Mae’s
Returning favorites include: Vaucresson Sausage, Ms. Linda the Yakamein Lady, Thai Nola, Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House, and Loretta’s Authentic Pralines.
The Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage returns with live cooking demos, where the team will be on site sharing recipes that complement signature festival dishes.
Keeping the flavor going, Abita returns as a major festival sponsor and will debut Upbeat Vodka Cocktails, a refreshing ready-to-drink beverage that will launch at this year’s festival.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy a range of spirits and wine selections including Jack Daniel’s, Fords Gin, Diplomático Rum, and el Jimador Tequila. Wine offerings include selections from Caymus Vineyards, Emmolo, and Sea Sun Wines. |
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Local artist Anne Lipscomb created the official 2026 commemorative poster in a style she describes as “New Orleans Modern Art Nouveau.”
The poster design will also be featured on a commemorative festival shirt, both available for purchase through the festival shop. Posters are priced at $35, with commemorative poster T-shirts available for $33, offering fans near and far the opportunity to take home a piece of the 2026 French Quarter Festival. |
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French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is committed to keeping the festival free and open to the public. Fans can support that mission by purchasing Fest Family VIP passes, which offer access to 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: Four-day Fest Family weekend passes: $480 | Single-day passes: $160.
VIPs may also enhance their experience with optional add-ons, including a four-day parking pass for convenient and stress-free access.
For attendees seeking the ultimate close-up experience, Front-of-Stage Access Passes are available, providing prime viewing areas at select stages to enjoy performances up close.
A limited number of passes are available, and proceeds directly support the production of the free, locally focused festival. |
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| | | Give a little, Groove a lot! |
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Each year, French Quarter Festival showcases more than 300 performances by Louisiana artists, creating a world-class platform for the musicians who define New Orleans’ sound and culture. While the festival generates revenue through sponsorships and beverage sales, production costs exceed what the event can raise on its own. In 2026, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. anticipates a $500,000 funding gap that must be filled in order to sustain the cultural impact the festival provides.
To help close that gap, FQFI is launching its first full-scale grassroots fundraising effort. Admission remains free, and attendees are invited to give as they are able. A suggested $5 for Fest donation supports paid performance opportunities for nearly 1,800 local musicians and helps maintain the quality and accessibility the community relies on.
Guests can give by scanning the $5 for Fest QR code, tipping at official beverage booths, or opting into round-up contributions at points of sale, ensuring this shared cultural tradition continues for generations. |
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| | | Sponsors and Fans Keep the Festival a Free Community Event |
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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, Airbnb, The Bec-Croche Giving Fund, The Berger Company, Brown-Forman, Caesars New Orleans, Café Beignet, Capital Vacations, Caymus Vineyards, Chevron, Collins C. Diboll Private Foundation, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, el Jimador Tequila, Emmolo, 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, LCMC Health, Louisiana Fish Fry, Luzianne Iced Tea, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Mike's Amazing, 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 Steamboat Company, New Orleans Tourism And Cultural Foundation (NOTCF), NOLA.com, Omni Royal Orleans, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Pepsi, The Plant Gallery, The Reeves Family, RosaMary Foundation, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Sal Borelli, Sea Sun Wines, Tropical Isle, Upbeat Vodka & Upbeat Vodka Cocktails, Willow Pharmacy, Woody and Kathy Jay, and WWL-Louisiana |
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