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French Quarter Fest explodes to life today as New Orleans celebrates four days of world-class music and cuisine. Starting Thursday and running through Sunday, the beloved festival delivers 302 performances across 20 stages and iconic local food experiences.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Festival Dates: April 16-19, 2026 in the French Quarter
- Cost: Free admission for all festivalgoers
- Performances: 302 shows featuring 45 debut artists
- Food Vendors: 70+ local vendors with 275+ culinary dishes
Headliners and musical legends take the stages
Grammy Award-winner PJ Morton headlines the Abita Beer Stage at Berger Great Lawn, marking his triumphant return after 12 years. The festival brings iconic soul legend Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, to perform alongside Big Freedia, Bobby Rush, and many more. At the Jack Daniel’s Stage, attendees catch performances from Cyril Neville, Cupid and the Dance Party Express, and other New Orleans favorites who deliver authentic local sounds.
The NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company presents The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, and Charmaine Neville. Across 20 different stages, traditional jazz, brass bands, funk, R&B, zydeco, and Latin music provide constant entertainment throughout the weekend.
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New riverfront experience offers fresh festival grounds
This year brings an expansive new riverfront experience at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf. Two major stages, the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage and the Jack Daniel’s Stage, anchor this vibrant riverside area. Bill Summers & Jazalsa, debut artist Leyla McCalla, and Stanton Moore grace the new stage. This expansion creates more green space along the Mississippi River where attendees enjoy live music in a completely fresh setting.
The festival also features the Willow Dispensary Stage with high-energy performances from T’Monde, B. Cam & The Zydeco Young Bucks, Yvette Landry & the Jukes, and Brass-A-Holics. Free dance lessons sponsored by the French Market Corporation occur throughout the weekend at multiple stages.
Culinary adventures showcase New Orleans flavor
| Culinary Feature | Details |
| Vendor Count | 70+ local restaurants and food vendors |
| Dishes Available | 275+ unique culinary experiences |
| Signature Bites | Crabmeat Beignets, Po’boys, Seafood Pasta |
| New Debut Eateries | Spicy Mango, Willie Mae’s, Chicken’s Kitchen |
“With 302 performances and 45 debuts across 20 stages and the official parade, Grammy Award-winning headliners, a brand-new riverfront experience, over 70 local culinary vendors and the French Quarter Festival 5K Run presented by LCMC Health, this year’s festival is the biggest and boldest yet.”
— Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
Iconic food and beverage traditions continue strong
Loretta’s Pralines serves their famous Crabmeat Beignets, while Willie Mae’s debuts their legendary fried chicken. 14 Parishes brings Jamaican Patties and Creole Country Cafe features a shrimp and crawfish seafood pasta dish. The Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage hosts four days of exclusive interviews with Chef Kevin Belton and iconic local culinary personalities. At the Mike’s Amazing Airstream Cafe, a curated Cuban-Creole menu serves throughout the weekend, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting festival programming. Premium beverages include Jack Daniel’s, Fords Gin, Diplomatico Rum, el Jimador Tequila, wines from Caymus Vineyards, and the debut of Upbeat Vodka.
What makes this year’s French Quarter Fest unmissable?
The French Quarter Festival 5K Run presented by LCMC Health takes place Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m., offering scenic riverfront running before grounds open. The After Dark concert series returns Friday evening with exclusive late-night performances at iconic New Orleans venues. The festival remains completely cashless, with credit cards and digital payments accepted everywhere. For VIP experiences, the Fest Family VIP Plus grants prime viewing spots, private bars with complimentary drinks, air-conditioned restrooms, and more, available at $469 for four days or $169 per day. Most importantly, French Quarter Festival stays free for all, proving that New Orleans celebrates its culture with inclusive joy.
Sources
- French Quarter Festivals, Inc.. Official press release announcing full 2026 lineup, culinary details and festival highlights
- WDSU. Comprehensive French Quarter Festival 2026 coverage with music schedule and performer details
- NOLA.com. Keith Spera’s festival picks and artist recommendations for the 2026 event weekend
