One of the largest free attractions in New Orleans is the annual French Quarter Festival (FQF). French Quarter Fest features some of the most popular local music groups over four days of live entertainment. Residents and visitors ascend upon the French Quarter to hear endless music, eat some of the best New Orleans foods and partake in the largest free music festival in the United States. The event will take place from Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12 and features over 1,600 musicians!
The French Quarter Festival Special Events
In addition to 21 stages of music scattered around the Quarter, numerous special events will be held throughout the entire four-day festival. FQF will kick off in traditional New Orleans style with a second-line kickoff parade on Thursday, April 9th. It will begin at the 100 block of Bourbon Street and parade to Jackson Square at 10:00a.m. In addition to a special performance by Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at 5:20p on the Abita Stage (which is right next to the Mississippi River), Thursday also boasts the annual Gala, which will be held at Antoine’s Restaurant. Tickets to the Gala are still available here.
Some of the fun activities that FQF offers includes free dance lessons every morning at the French Market stage, the free Film Festival at French Quarter Festival, held at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and The French Market presents Opera at Dusk, at the Upper Pontalba building on Jackson Square at 6:30p on Friday.
On Saturday, you can head over to Pirate’s Alley for a huge art show all day, walk over to the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint for the Rouses World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest at noon, catch a free conversation about music at the Old U.S. Mint all day (schedule here), or bring the kids to the Riverfront at the Natchez Wharf or the Children’s Museum Activities & Fun at the Hermann-Grima House between noon and 5:00p for endless fun for the kids. The children’s activities are also available on Sunday. There is an Annual Spring Concert at St. Louis Cathedral on Sunday at 3:30p.m. and is free and open to the public, followed by Dancing at Dusk on the 400 block of Royal Street at 6:00p.m. Saturday night’s activities will conclude with Fireworks over Jackson Square!
A great way to begin the activities Sunday is a trip across the river on the ferry and back. You’ll love the view of the City from Algiers Point!
Music, Food and Art: New Orleans’ Specialties
New Orleans is known for its music, food and even its art and artists. What is a music festival in New Orleans without all three of these? You can find a stage at every corner of the Quarter, along with food vendors and art galleries up and down the streets. Royal Street is very famous for its beautiful art galleries and we encourage you to stop in between the entertainment.
Some of the most well-known acts you can expect to see and year at the French Quarter Festival in 2015 include: Allen Toussaint, Rebirth Brass Band, Ellis Marsalis, John Boutte, Brass-A-Holics, Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. & the Wild Magnolias, Amanda Shaw, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbeque Swingers, and Glen David Andrews. This is just a sampling of what you can expect this year; for the full schedule of musicians, visit this page.
While you’re out and about, make sure you check out the food vendors that set up shop at FQF. Because this Festival is free, attendees are encouraged to purchase food and beverage at the festival. This is what keeps the music free! Some of your favorite drinks will be available, including a variety of Abita beers, New Orleans Original Daiquiris, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. Your favorite restaurants, like Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Haydel’s Bakery, Jacques-Imo’s Café, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Pat O’Brien’s Bar, Plum Street Snoballs, Praline Connection, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Broussard’s, Red Fish Grill and Desire Oyster Bar (in addition to many, many others) will all be featuring some of their best festival foods. Food prices range from $3-10. Remember, the Festival is a test run for many food choices we’ll see at Jazz Fest—come help the cooks test their culinary skills!
FAQs and Do’s and Don’t’s of French Quarter Festival
The most important advice I can give you is to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. It is always hot for French Quarter Fest and there is very little shade. You want to make sure you wear a hat, if you can, to protect you from the sun. Additionally, it is important to remember that you cannot bring your own food or drink onto the festival grounds by the waterfront. There will be bag checks every-where. This is to ensure the safety of others as well as to encourage the food and beverage sales that help keep this festival free.
Parking is nearly impossible, so I suggest taking the streetcar or riding your bike. Both the St. Charles Avenue & Canal Street Streetcar lines go to the edge of the French Quarter. You can learn more about how to take the Streetcar here. If you plan to drink alcohol while out at the festival, it is best you take the Streetcar, a cab, or Uber.
Some additional notes to keep in mind:
- Due to bag checks, and laws, do not bring firearms, fireworks, illegal street drugs, or outside food and beverage with you to the Festival
- Leave your coolers and ice chests at home; these are prohibited and you will be asked to discard them
- Cooperate with law enforcement if you encounter them; they are there for your safety and health
- Pedi-cabs are available if you cannot find a cab or must only go a few blocks but cannot walk
- If you ride a bicycle, you must lock your bike, and it is highly recommended that you lock your bike with a U-lock to prevent theft
- Leave your valuables at home or in your hotel room
- Do not take it upon yourself to urinate in public; this is illegal and you will be arrested
If you find yourself in trouble with the law for either DWI, drunk in public, lewd conduct, underage drinking, disturbing the peace, or possession of an illegal weapon or narcotics, then you should immediately call an experienced New Orleans criminal lawyer. Crescent City Law has an extensive background of helping those who make mistakes and get arrested in New Orleans during a festival. John Radziewicz is available to speak with you for a free initial consultation at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail. You can contact Crescent City Law during the day, nights and weekends. Have a great time at the largest free music festival in the country!
