Experience the Rhythm of New Orleans: French Quarter Festival 2025
As the largest free celebration of Louisiana’s music, food, and culture, FQFI invites the community to gather in the French Quarter from April 10-13, 2025, to celebrate through music, food, and unforgettable experiences.
The French Quarter Festival is returning to the heart of New Orleans from April 10-13, 2025, bringing with it the unmistakable sounds, flavors, and energy that make this free musical celebration one of the city's most anticipated events. We're excited to share the insider's guide to making the most of this extraordinary weekend.
What Makes French Quarter Fest Special
Unlike commercial music festivals with their VIP sections and expensive tickets, French Quarter Festival remains completely free and open to all. Founded in 1984 as a way to bring visitors back to the Quarter after extensive street construction, this "locals' festival" has grown into Louisiana's largest free music event while maintaining its authentic community spirit.
The festival transforms the historic neighborhood into a breathtaking musical landscape with 22 carefully positioned stages featuring exclusively Louisiana talent. With over 300 musical acts performing across three days, visitors experience the full spectrum of New Orleans sound—from the soulful vocals of Irma Thomas (the undisputed Soul Queen of New Orleans) to the funk mastery of George Porter Jr., from traditional jazz ensembles to brass bands that ignite spontaneous dancing, from Cajun fiddles to zydeco accordions. This extraordinary music is complemented by more than 70 distinctive culinary experiences, creating a 100% local celebration where every note played and every bite savored emerges authentically from our unique cultural melting pot. Local legends who typically perform on international stages return home for this special weekend, playing for neighbors and visitors alike in a community showcase that cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth.
Where to Find the Best Music
Jackson Square Stage typically hosts some of the festival's biggest names against the backdrop of St. Louis Cathedral. This is where you'll want to be for headline performances.
Bourbon Street Stage offers a more intimate setting for traditional jazz performances that honor the street's musical legacy before it became known primarily for nightlife.
Royal Street transforms into a pedestrian-only celebration with multiple stages showcasing acoustic performances, string bands, and some of the city's finest vocalists.
Woldenberg Riverfront Park features the largest stages with the Mississippi River providing a spectacular backdrop. This area tends to showcase more contemporary sounds including funk, R&B, and modern jazz fusion.
The Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint hosts performances that connect directly to the city's musical history, often featuring educational components alongside world-class musicians.
Can't-Miss Food Experiences
The "World's Largest Jazz Brunch" spread throughout the Quarter features over 50 local restaurants serving sample-sized portions of their signature dishes. This approach allows festival-goers to create their own culinary tour of New Orleans:
Try traditional crawfish dishes prepared multiple ways
Sample different restaurants' interpretations of gumbo and jambalaya
Discover modern takes on Louisiana classics from the city's innovative chefs
Cool off with snowballs (New Orleans' unique shaved ice treat) when the afternoon heat peaks
Food booths are concentrated in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Park, and the Old U.S. Mint grounds. Our recommendation: grab a festival food guide when you arrive and plan a progressive meal between musical performances.
Practical Tips for Festival Success
Timing is everything: The festival runs from 11am to 8pm daily, but locals know that early afternoon can bring crowds and heat. Consider exploring the Quarter in the morning, returning to Jean Lafitte House for a midday break, then heading back out for the evening performances when temperatures cool.
Comfortable footwear is essential: You'll be walking on uneven cobblestones and standing for extended periods. Those fashionable shoes might look great in photos, but your feet will thank you for choosing comfort.
Hydration stations are available throughout the festival grounds, but bringing a refillable water bottle is highly recommended, especially during warm April afternoons.
Cash is king at many food vendors, though more are accepting credit cards each year. ATMs are available but often have long lines.
Public transportation is your friend during French Quarter Fest. Street closures and limited parking make driving to the Quarter challenging. Our front desk can arrange transportation or guide you to the nearest streetcar stops.
Beyond the Music
While performances remain the main attraction, French Quarter Festival offers much more:
Film screenings at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré
Walking tours highlighting the Quarter's architecture and history
Dance lessons where you can learn traditional Louisiana dance styles
Children's activities at the Hermann-Grima House
Second line parades that wind through the streets, inviting everyone to join in
Stay at Jean Lafitte House for the Ultimate Festival Experience
Our boutique property offers the perfect balance of proximity and peaceful retreat during French Quarter Festival. Located just far enough from the main stages to escape the crowds when needed, yet close enough to easily return to the action, Jean Lafitte House provides spacious accommodations where you can recharge between festival sessions. Our knowledgeable staff includes longtime festival attendees who can direct you to lesser-known performance spaces, recommend which food vendors to prioritize, and help you experience the festival like a local rather than a tourist. Each of our suites features kitchenettes and sitting areas where you can relax after a day of music and dancing. Our courtyard provides a tranquil setting for morning coffee or evening cocktails as you plan your festival itinerary.
Book Your Festival Stay Now
French Quarter Festival weekend is one of our busiest times of year, with suites typically booking months in advance. Call us at (504) 943-2543 or reserve your room at Jean Lafitte House to secure your accommodations for April 10-13, 2025. We look forward to helping you experience the authentic rhythm of New Orleans during this celebration of our city's extraordinary musical heritage!
