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Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience as French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), unveils the final details for the much-anticipated French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, April 11-14, 2024. Celebrated as the epitome of Louisiana’s vibrant spirit, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled fusion of music, gastronomy, and cultural splendor.
The festival will feature over 70 music performance debuts, 16 new culinary experiences, nighttime After Dark programming, and two new stages. Today, Android and iPhone users can dive into the immersive world of the festival with the latest French Quarter Fest app update.
Organizers continue to push the envelope with new programming and stages welcoming debut artists, while paying homage to living legends, “Our organization prides itself on not only bringing back beloved legends year after year but also on providing a platform for emerging talents to shine,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “This year’s festival is a testament to that commitment, offering 21 music stages, including a DJ stage, a culinary stage, 16 culinary debuts, and over 70 musical debuts.”
Journalists, bloggers, and influencers are invited to immerse themselves in the festivities alongside festival organizers, sponsors, and partners on Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. for the Annual French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street and makes its way to Jackson Square for the annual opening day ceremony at the NewOrleans.com Stage.

Music Schedule Revealed
More than 300 Performances including 70+ debuts

The music lineup is sure to please everyone with more than 300 performances from a
variety of genres across 21 music stages, including a DJ stage.

The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage brings four days of performances including headliners Ivan Neville & Friends, ÌFÉ, and Chapel Hart. Returning to JAX Lot, the Chevron Stage, well-known for its Cajun and Zydeco performances, mixes this year’s Chevron Evening Concert Series set up with performances from Big Freedia, the Soul Rebels, John ‘Papa’ Gros, and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters. Attendees are invited to free dance lessons daily at 12:20pm and 1:50pm.

The NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company in Jackson Square kicks off Thursday following the Festival’s Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the weekend with New Orleans’ favorites including Lena Prima, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, and Charmaine Neville. Thanks to The Riverwalk Outlets, new programming will be happening in Spanish Plaza where the Jack Daniel’s Stage brings a variety of sounds including performances from Rebirth Brass Band, The Coven, Grace Gibson, and debut Teedra Moses. At the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage, the lineup includes several debuts including Assata Renay, Bettis + 3rd Degree, Chris Thomas King, Vale! ULB featuring Deezle, The New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, and more. The new PosiGen Solar DJ Stage will have twenty-four new artists including Captain Charles, Nesby Phips, Saint Amethyst, DJ Jess, and DJ Lil Jodeci.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint with programming Friday – Sunday, is home to three stages; the Louisiana Seafood Songwriter Stage inside the museum on the 3rd floor, includes performances from debut artists Sari Jordan, Max Bien-Kahn, Past Imperfect, and Amethyst Starr. Outside, fans can enjoy more than a dozen brass bands on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage. The Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage brings debut George Brown Band, and four sets by Loyola Student performers including the Loyola University Commercial Ensemble(s), Read the Room featuring Renaissa Avari, Rene, Aaniyah & Noa Jamir, and more to the festival. Stop by the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage Friday-Sunday for a fusion of Latin beats, World Music, and Jazz from Ingrid Lucia, Anaïs St. John, and debuts like Conjunto Tierra Linda and Mahmoud Chouki. Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage, now located in Aquarium Plaza, brings youth from across the city to perform including debuts Bonabell High School Concert Band and Crescent City Allstar Band.

The festival brings more music and dancing to the French Quarter neighborhood with the return of the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, which also features free dance lessons, and the French Market Dutch Alley Stage, both located in the French Market District. More Traditional Jazz stages join the Festival’s 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 BK House Garden Stage and BK House Courtyard Stage within the gates of BK Historic House and Gardens which kicks off Saturday with performances by Jamil Sharif, The Helen Gillet French Music Allstars, and many more.

The complete Music Schedule is now available on frenchquarterfest.org.

Embark on a Culinary Adventure
16 Debuts, Chef Kevin Belton Interviews FQF Chefs & More

The 2024 French Quarter Festival Culinary Lineup, sponsored by Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, promises to tantalize taste buds with over 60 culinary experiences. Returning with New Orleans’ most iconic dishes and innovative twists on classics, this year’s lineup is a feast for the senses.

Prepare to indulge in sixteen culinary debuts, featuring an array of flavors and cuisines. From Afrodisiac NOLA’s Jerk Turkey Necks to Nori Guys’ Spicy Tuna Sushi Taco and Fatty’s Cracklin’s Fried Chicken Cracklin there’s something to satisfy every palate. Couvant will entice with their Duck and Brie Spring Roll, while Eatalian Happy Ice offers sweet and refreshing delights like OMG Pina Colada and Kiss My Strawberry Italian Ice. Smoke & Honey brings Greek flavors to the table with The Lambeaux, a slow braised lamb leg with whipped feta, onion garlic jam, red onions, and cucumbers on John Gendusa french bread.

Also joining the lineup are esteemed newcomers such as Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, Chef Shonda, Codey’s NOLA, Sun Chong, Pho Bang, Fritai Nola, Miss River, Wolf Burger, Lufu NOLA Indian Kitchen, and Lizzy’s Catering. Returning favorites including Lasyone’s Meat Pies, Walker’s Southern Style BBQ, Voleo’s Seafood, Restaurant R’Evolution, and Patton’s Caterers ensure there’s something for everyone.

Experience the magic firsthand at The Culinary Stage presented by Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Kohlmeyer Lawn. Renowned Chef Kevin Belton will host the four-day stage, featuring one-on-one interviews with iconic local favorites such as Jacques Imos, Vaucresson’s Sausage Company, Broussard’s, Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, Cafe Dauphine and more!

Elevate Your Festival Experience!

French Quarter Festival continues its four decade long commitment to keeping the festival free for all to enjoy. This year, fans looking to support the event’s mission and experience French Quarter Festival in style can elevate their experience by purchasing VIP Passes! As an addition to the Fest Family membership, attendees can now upgrade to a VIP premium pass with a Fest Family Plus pass that includes front-of-stage access at four Riverfront stages. Four-Day Pass holders also have exclusive access to reserved parking on the Riverfront near the Abita Beer Stage.

Pass holders will enjoy exclusive elevated viewing stands near the riverfront Abita Beer Stage, hospitality lounges at the Chevron Stage and Jack Daniel’s Stage, and an indoor lounge at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. Passes also include chair massages brought to you by Spa 2 Geaux daily from 1pm-3pm in JAX Brewery Lot near the Chevron Stage. Pass benefits include private bars with 3 complimentary drinks per day (and option to redeem at all festival beverage locations), air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive programming, access to the 2024 Satchmo SummerFest VIP Lounge, and more!

This year, Fest Family passes will offer four-day weekend passes for $449 or single-day passes for $149, in advance. Single-day passes at the festival will be $199. Fest Family Plus passes include a four-day weekend pass with front-of-stage access for $1,200. A limited number of memberships are available and help to fund the free, local event. Fans can become a member and support the fest by purchasing your passes today.
FQF After Dark
And the beat goes on!

For the third year, The FQF After Dark Series expands the fan experience by offering nighttime programming. The curated series will be held at special venues around the city to keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes at 8pm. Ticket prices and additional information can be in the coming weeks in the Special Events section of the site.

Thursday, April 11, 2024
FQF After Dark at Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery ft. Where y’Art Works: Off the Record Art Exhibit & Music by Cole Williams Trio
Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Time: 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Friday, April 12, 2024
FQF After Dark at Three Keys at ACE Hotel ft. Pat Casey & The New Sound featuring Robin Barnes
Address: 600 Carondelet St. New Orleans
Time: 9:30 pm – 11:00pm

Sunday, April 14, 2024
FQF After Dark at Four Seasons Hotel Garden Featuring B. Lew and the Grits
Address: 2 Canal St. New Orleans, 70130
Time: 9 pm – 10:15 am

Chevron Children’s STEM Zone
The STEM Exscavaganza: A Louisiana Scavenger Hunt

On Saturday and Sunday of French Quarter Festival, families are invited to take a journey of discovery at Chevron’s STEM Exscavaganza: A Louisiana Scavenger Hunt. “We welcome kids from the Crescent City and around the world to the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone at the festival. This fun, interactive environment is designed to foster a passion for learning by showing young men and women how science, technology, engineering, and math are the foundation of their future success,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “This year we will showcase STEM Exscavaganza and ask kids to scavenge for exciting STEM concepts presented by eleven of our community partners. We’re proud to once again bring the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone to French Quarter Festival and invite everyone to stop by.”

Community partners who will host stations include Audubon Nature Institute, NASA Astro Camp, Project Lead the Way, The Water Institute, NAMI St. Tammany, STEM NOLA, Central Creativity & LA STEM, Pontchartrain Conservancy and Northshore Technical Community College.

Chevron Children’s STEM Zone will be located on the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street at the river and be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm.
Special Events, Programs, and Festival Extras

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARADE: The parade will take place Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. and departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street, making its way to Jackson Square for the Opening Ceremony.

FREE DANCES LESSONS: Free dance lessons sponsored by the French Market Corporation will occur at both the Chevron Stage and the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage throughout the festival.

OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST MEET-N-GREET: On Saturday, April 12, Monica Rose Kelly, the 2024 French Quarter Fest Official Poster Artist will be signing posters from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park Merchandise Booth (near the Abita Beer Stage). Both versions of the poster design are available for purchase today.

BALDWIN & CO. BOOKSTORE’S BEHIND THE MUSIC CHAT: An intimate exploration of the artist’s journey and inspirations behind their music and lyrics. Locally owned and operated Baldwin & Co. bookstore will host this special one-on-one interview on Friday, April 12, immediately following the Songwriter Stage performance at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (3rd floor, U.S. Mint). Stay tuned for details on our exciting new collaboration! Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the heart of the music-making process.

CONGO SQUARE TO THE WORLD: THE EARLY YEARS OF NEW ORLEANS JAZZ: Opening April 11, 2024 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the U.S. Mint, this installation will chronicle the history and evolution of New Orleans jazz, exploring its diverse roots and varied trajectory, as well as highlighting the lives and legacies of key performers such as Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Lizzie Miles, and Jelly Roll Morton. The exhibit will include interactive technology, listening stations, multimedia installations, immersive experiences, and built environments optimized to convey the story of early jazz and its ongoing evolution.

ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT: Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3 PM. Free and open to the public

Sponsors & YOU Help To Keep French Quarter Fest a
FREE Community Event

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 41-year history of providing high-quality community events that welcome locals and guests. In order to keep the festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, as well as beverage and merchandise sales. We also recognize and appreciate all of our festival fans who contribute to our success by purchasing merchandise and upgraded festival experiences, becoming a musical performance sponsor, and donating directly to our organization throughout the year.