Win VIP Tickets to FQF 2027 + Highlights from 2027

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FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL 2027: A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

French Quarter Festival 2026 is officially in the books, and what a weekend it was. From April 16–19, the French Quarter came alive with 306 performances across 20 stages, 75 local food vendors, a brand-new riverfront footprint, and four days of beautiful weather. Thank you for being part of it.

Complete our post-festival survey for a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to French Quarter Festival 2027. Your feedback helps us keep making this festival better every year.

SAVE THE DATES

The fun doesn't stop here. Mark your calendars for two can't-miss events coming up:

Satchmo SummerFest: August 1–2, 2026 | Celebrate the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong with live music, food, and culture at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Interested in getting on the big stage? Performance applications are due May 1!

French Quarter Festival April 8–11, 2027 | French Quarter Festival is back next year! Stay tuned for lineup and vendor announcements. Follow us on social and keep an eye on your inbox so you don't miss a thing.

2026 MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS

This year's lineup was one for the books. Grammy Award-winning New Orleans native PJ Morton headlined the Abita Beer Stage in his first French Quarter Festival appearance since 2014, delivering a long-awaited homecoming performance.

The debut of the Jack Daniel's Stage at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf brought electrifying sets from Irma Thomas, Bobby Rush, Big Freedia and Cupid and the Dance Party Express to a stunning new green space along the Mississippi River.

The Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage welcomed festival debuts from Leyla McCalla and Stanton Moore, while Jackson Square featured New Orleans favorites Robin Barnes & The Fiya Birds, Charmaine Neville, John Bouttè and Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra.

Across all stages, the festival presented 306 performances with 63 debuts spanning traditional jazz, brass band, funk, R&B, Latin, zydeco and more. Every single performer, a Louisiana local.

2026 FOOD HIGHLIGHTS

French Quarter Festival once again delivered one of the most celebrated culinary lineups in the region, with more than 75 Louisiana restaurants and chefs serving dishes that ranged from classic comfort to bold debuts.

New this year: Spicy Mango, Willie Mae's, and Chicken's Kitchen made their debut, while returning crowd favorites like Loretta's Pralines, Fritai and Monday kept the lines moving all weekend. Standout dishes included Loretta's Pralines Crabmeat Beignets, 14 Parishes Jamaican Patty, and Nori Guys Sushi Tacos.

Chef Kevin Belton hosted four days of one-on-one interviews with local culinary personalities on the Mike's Amazing Culinary Stage, and the Mike's Amazing Airstream Café in the Jax Brewery Lot served a curated Cuban-Creole menu all weekend, with 100% of proceeds supporting festival programming.

5K RUN HIGHLIGHTS

The French Quarter Festival 5K presented by LCMC Health was a hit! On Saturday, April 18, 1,200 runners from 39 states and five countries laced up for a scenic run along the riverfront before the stages opened for the day.

Top finishers Stephen Borutta and Megan Gohres led the pack, and every participant received a commemorative race shirt, a festival RFID card and early access to the festival grounds.

It was the perfect way to start a festival morning and we are thankful to all of our participants.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FESTIVAL

French Quarter Festival is free and open to everyone, and it stays that way because of you! This year, festivalgoers raised over $200,00 in grassroots donations, up 46% from 2025.

That funding goes directly toward performance fees for more than 300 acts, rising production and security costs, and preserving free public access for all.

As costs continue to grow, your support matters more than ever.

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.