Get the Most Out of the French Quarter Fest

Photo by Zack Smith Photography. Courtesy of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

French Quarter Fest is back, baby! And it’s its 42nd anniversary, no less. For four days (Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 19, 2026), a big chunk of the French Quarter — also known as the Vieux Carré, French for the “old square” (or “old quarter”) — will be transformed into a series of festival stages, each showcasing a different brand of music either rooted in or heavily influenced by, the sounds of Louisiana. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about French Quarter Fest 2026.

Stage & Music Lineup Highlights

This year again expect the total of 22 stages with over 300 performances scheduled. You can find the lineup by stage and, at the same time, by day on the event’s website. The performers are too numerous to mention, but the highlights are the best of what the city and the state have to offer, many of whom have performed at the festival before. There are, of course, artists from elsewhere, and a few newcomers.

We are excited about the music lineup every year, and this year is no exception. Come see PJ Morton, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Big Freedia, Flagboy Giz & the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers, Amanda Shaw, The Soul Rebels, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Preservation Brass, Rebirth Brass Band, John Boutté, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Honey Island Swamp Band, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and many more!

In other words, the who’s who of the local music scene is returning or joining this year. Expect beyond excellence when it comes to the French Quarter Fest music lineup!

Food Vendor Highlights

As in the previous year, expect a mouthwatering melting pot of traditional New Orleans dishes such as fried shrimp or catfish, stuffed crabs, locally brewed beers, meat pies, crawfish macaroni and cheese, and hot sausage po-boys. Beyond that, there will be plenty of global flavors.

There will be about 70 culinary vendors on site (here’s the vendor lineup). Our favorite vendors that are returning include Jacques-Imo’s Cafe, Tujague’s Restaurant, Addis NOLA, Pat O’Brien’s, Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, and many more.

In addition, Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage, located in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Kohlmeyer Lawn, will feature one-on-one interviews with iconic local chefs and culinary favorites. Mike’s Amazing’s team will once again share signature recipes.

New in 2026

This year, the festival footprint expands along the Mississippi River with a new site in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf. The new riverfront park site adds green space and opens additional programming opportunities along the Mississippi River. Attendees 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.

According to the festival organizers, there will be 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.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum 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.

The French Quarter Festival is also debuting a 5K race in 2026. Taking place on Saturday, April 18, the race will combine fitness, community, and celebration through the French Quarter. Registration opened in early February, with details available at https://runsignup.com/fqf5k.

Special Events

Every year, the festival features special events. While the schedule hasn’t been announced at the time of writing this, expect the festival kickoff parade and opening day ceremony, a slew of dance classes, kids’ activities, and more.

Getting Around the Fest

Getting around the Fest should be fairly easy if you’re walking or biking. Parking will be limited, so arrive early and try these lots: French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, The Garage at Canal Place, plus street parking within walking distance.

We do suggest that instead of driving, you use RTA buses, streetcars, rideshare services bikes, cabs, or the ferry to get to the festival. In addition to increased traffic, some streets will be closed for the duration of the festival beginning at approximately noon until 8:30 p.m. (Those who live in the area will need to have access passes from the NOPD Eighth District Station.) The streets that will be closing are Iberville, N. Rampart, Dumaine, and Decatur.

A Few Facts About French Quarter Fest

Here are a few facts about the fest and what to expect this year:

• The Fest celebrates local music and represents every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. It’s a medley, and a great way to sample the local music scene.
• It debuted in 1984 as a way to bring residents back to the Quarter following the World’s Fair and extensive sidewalk repairs in the French Quarter.
• The Fest employs more than 1,800 local musicians, with over 60 local restaurants participating as culinary vendors.
• The food and beverage vendors are set up in several locations throughout the French Quarter: Jackson Square, the Jazz Museum at the Mint, JAX Brewery, and Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
• You can buy the official 2026 poster at one of the merch booths at the festival, as well as on the festival’s website.
• To streamline your music experience and navigation, you can download an app on the fest’s website (either for IOS or Android).
• The live-music hours every day of the festival are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• No coolers and ice chests, please. Help keep the festival free by purchasing food and beverages at the festival.
• The festival is cashless. All booths accept major credit cards and digital payments. Need cash exchange? Visit Jax Lot (500 Decatur St.).
• And yes, the fest is free unless you opt to buy a pass for a VIP experience.

If you’re planning a stay in New Orleans, be sure to check out our resource for French Quarter Hotels.

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