French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) announced highlights for the 2026 French Quarter Festival, the nation’s largest free celebration of Louisiana music, food and culture. The four-day festival returns to the French Quarter from April 16–19, 2026, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience live music, local cuisine and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans.

“Each year, French Quarter Festival brings the culture of New Orleans to life in a way that feels both authentic and welcoming,” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of FQFI. “We’re excited to be expanding our footprint and look forward to welcoming our community to celebrate the music, food and traditions that make the French Quarter unlike anywhere else.”

What’s New in 2026

A Bigger Festival Footprint, Expanded Music Programming, and a New 5K run

French Quarter Festival 2026 marks a year of exciting growth and expansion, bringing more music, more flavor, and more ways to experience the festival than ever before. As the festival and the city continue investing in the future of the French Quarter, this year introduces thoughtful changes that enhance the attendee experience while honoring the historic neighborhood that makes the event so special.

This year, the festival footprint expands along the Mississippi River with a new site in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf. “Expanding access to the riverfront from Crescent Park offers locals and visitors an unmatched view of the Mississippi River,” said Michael J. Sawaya, chief executive officer of Audubon Nature Institute and L. Ronald Forman Chair of Conservation Leadership. “We look forward to partnering with French Quarter Festival to introduce this beautiful park to the community.”

The new riverfront park site adds green space and opens additional programming opportunities along the Mississippi River. Guests can enter along the riverfront or access the park at the foot of Esplanade Avenue, adjacent to the French Market and New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Music lovers can look forward to more live music than ever before, including additional Thursday performances. This year, several stages will appear in new locations. The Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage will return in 2026 at Governor Nicholls Park at the foot of Esplanade, and will feature four full days of programming.

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. The stage will highlight an expanded mix of DJs and brass bands, adding a strong street music presence to the festival footprint. Its schedule will also extend to four days.

The House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage will further expand the music lineup with four full days of stage programming and a special Thursday night FQF After Dark show at the iconic venue, keeping the music going after the festival closes on opening night. Festival-goers can also visit the House of Blues Fest Family VIP Lounge in Jax Lot throughout the weekend, styled in the venue’s signature look for an immersive on-site experience.

As the New Orleans Jazz Museum undergoes exciting updates, it will remain a major festival site, hosting programming Friday through Sunday, including performances at the Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage and the Songwriter Stage.

Expanding how attendees experience the festival beyond music and food, French Quarter Festival will introduce a 5K run in 2026. Taking place Saturday, April 18, the race will combine fitness, community, and celebration through the French Quarter. Registration opens Feb. 3, with details available at runsignup.com/fqf5k.

2026 Musical Lineup Sneak Preview

300+ acts, including returning favorite Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans and festival debuts Dawn Richard and Bobby Rush

This year’s festival promises an expansive lineup of more than 300 performances, blending beloved local icons with highly anticipated debuts. Returning favorites include Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Hasizzle with TBC Brass Band, Cyril Neville, and Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars along with a highly anticipated debut from Dawn Richard. The lineup reflects the depth and diversity of Louisiana’s musical landscape, with genres ranging from jazz, funk, soul, rock, zydeco and beyond.

Festival premieres this year include nationally acclaimed singer Bobby Rush, soul and funk group Sir Chantz Powell & The Sound Of Funk (S.O.F.), and Kyle Roussel’s Church of New Orleans, a leading voice in New Orleans music. Additional first-time performers include rising regional favorites Victor Campbell & Timba Swamp, T’Monde, B. Cam & The Zydeco Young Bucks, Yvette Landry & the Jukes, and Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and the Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band. Genre-spanning acts making their festival debut include R & R Smokin’ Foundation, LSD Clownsystem, Lily Unless and The If Onlys, The River Benders, and Ashton Hines and the Big Easy Brawlers.

The Louisiana Fish Fry Stage becomes a high-energy hub that showcases the best of New Orleans Brass and DJ talent in a combined footprint this year, featuring crowd favorite DJ Poppa, known for his legendary bounce mixes, alongside traditional New Orleans brass band performances by the Big 6 Brass Band.

The Jack Daniel’s Stage moves downriver at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park with a powerhouse lineup including Cupid & the Dance Party Express, Irma Thomas and Big Freedia.

More additions to the lineup will be announced late February. A full list of currently confirmed musical performances is available at frenchquarterfest.org/music. The complete festival schedule will be announced in March.

Savor the Flavors: Over 275

Culinary Experiences

Food remains at the heart of the festival experience, with new culinary vendors including Chicken’s Kitchen and Wilie Mae’s joining longtime favorites and bringing fresh flavors to the festival’s iconic food lineup. Attendees can savor more than 275 menu items, with longtime staples like Vaucresson Sausage and Ms. Linda the Yakamein Lady returning alongside standout spots including Thai Nola, Southern’s, Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House, and Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, offering a diverse range of unforgettable bites.

The Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage also returns with live cooking demonstrations and storytelling that celebrate New Orleans’ rich food traditions. The Mike’s Amazing team will be on site sharing bold, flavor-forward recipes and pairing ideas designed to complement signature festival dishes.

Keeping the flavor going, Abita returns as a major festival sponsor, bringing a variety of well-known local flavors to this year’s celebration along with the debut of their Upbeat Vodka Cocktails, a refreshing new vodka-based ready-to-drink beverage launching at this year’s festival.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a wide selection of spirits and mixed cocktails available at beverage booths throughout the grounds, featuring Jack Daniel’s, Fords Gin, Diplomático Rum, and el Jimador Tequila. Wine offerings include selections from Caymus Vineyards, Emmolo, and Sea Sun Wines.

A full list of confirmed culinary vendors is available at frenchquarterfest.org/food. The full festival menu will be announced in March.

Merchandise and Commemorative Poster Unveiling

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. announced local artist Anne Lipscomb as the official 2026 French Quarter Fest poster artist. A multidisciplinary artist working in digital illustration, watercolor, and pencil, Lipscomb creates work that blends storytelling, sense of place, and contemporary design.

The 2026 commemorative poster is best described as New Orleans Modern Art Nouveau, drawing inspiration from classic art nouveau forms and movement, filtered through a distinctly local lens. Bold, rhythmic, and celebratory, the design reflects the energy, diversity, and spirit of the festival and the city it calls home.

“After growing up visiting New Orleans, I’ve now called the city home for over a decade,” said Lipscomb. “I’m drawn to the way it lives and breathes in its own distinct rhythm. My work for the 2026 French Quarter Festival celebrates the people, movement, and moments that make this city special.”

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. Shop poster and tshirt presales at shop.fqfi.org.

VIP Passes Available Now

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 private bars with three complimentary drinks per day, air-conditioned restrooms, shaded seating and additional perks designed to elevate the festival experience. 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.

Four-day Fest Family weekend passes are available for $480, with single-day passes offered at $160. A limited number of passes are available, and proceeds directly support the production of the free, locally focused festival. Additional details and passes are available at frenchquarterfest.org/fest-family.