The much-loved festival celebrating Louisiana’s vibrant spirit returns to the city April 11-14, 2024. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled fusion of music, gastronomy, and cultural splendor.
Music Extravaganza
The festival will feature over 70 music performance debuts, 16 new culinary experiences, nighttime After Dark programming, and two new stages.
The music lineup is sure to please everyone with more than 300 performances from a variety of genres across 21 music stages, including a DJ stage. The organizers also welcome debut artists, while paying homage to living legends, “Our organization prides itself on not only bringing back beloved legends year after year but also on providing a platform for emerging talents to shine,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festivals.
The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage brings four days of performances including headliners Ivan Neville & Friends, ÌFÉ, and Chapel Hart. Other performs include Big Freedia, the Soul Rebels, John ‘Papa’ Gros, and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters just to mention a few. New programming will also be happening in Spanish Plaza where Rebirth Brass Band, The Coven, Grace Gibson, and debut Teedra Moses will perform. Debuting at the 2024 French Quarter Festival are also Assata Renay, Bettis + 3rd Degree, Chris Thomas King, Vale! ULB featuring Deezle, The New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, and more.
The complete list of performers and the full music schedule is available on frenchquarterfest.org.
Left: Robin Barnes; Image © Cedric Ellsworth.
Right: Dwayne Dopsie; Image © Justen Williams.
A Foodie’s Dream
The Culinary Lineup promises to excite the visitors’ taste buds with over 60 culinary experiences, including New Orleans’ most iconic dishes and innovative twists on classics.
Prepare to indulge in sixteen culinary debuts, featuring an array of flavors and cuisines. From Afrodisiac NOLA’s Jerk Turkey Necks to Nori Guys’ Spicy Tuna Sushi Taco and Fatty’s Cracklin’s Fried Chicken Cracklin there’s something to satisfy every palate. Couvant will entice with their Duck and Brie Spring Roll, while Eatalian Happy Ice offers sweet and refreshing delights like OMG Pina Colada and Kiss My Strawberry Italian Ice. Smoke & Honey brings Greek flavors to the table with The Lambeaux, a slow braised lamb leg with whipped feta, onion garlic jam, red onions, and cucumbers on John Gendusa french bread.
Also joining the lineup are esteemed newcomers such as Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, Chef Shonda, Codey’s NOLA, Sun Chong, Pho Bang, Fritai Nola, Miss River, Wolf Burger, Lufu NOLA Indian Kitchen, and Lizzy’s Catering. Returning favorites including Lasyone’s Meat Pies, Walker’s Southern Style BBQ, Voleo’s Seafood, Restaurant R’Evolution, and Patton’s
The full overview of the Culinary Lineup can be found on frenchquarterfest.org.
Images © Josh Brasted
Festival Extras & Events
- FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARADE: The parade will take place Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. and departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street, making its way to Jackson Square for the Opening Ceremony.
- FREE DANCES LESSONS: Free dance lessons sponsored by the French Market Corporation will occur at both the Chevron Stage and the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage throughout the festival.
- OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST MEET-N-GREET: On Saturday, April 12, Monica Rose Kelly, the 2024 French Quarter Fest Official Poster Artist will be signing posters from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park Merchandise Booth (near the Abita Beer Stage). Both versions of the poster design are available for purchase today.
- BALDWIN & CO. BOOKSTORE’S BEHIND THE MUSIC CHAT: An intimate exploration of the artist’s journey and inspirations behind their music and lyrics. Locally owned and operated Baldwin & Co. bookstore will host this special one-on-one interview on Friday, April 12, immediately following the Songwriter Stage performance at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (3rd floor, U.S. Mint). Stay tuned for details on our exciting new collaboration! Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the heart of the music-making process.
- CONGO SQUARE TO THE WORLD: THE EARLY YEARS OF NEW ORLEANS JAZZ: Opening April 11, 2024 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the U.S. Mint, this installation will chronicle the history and evolution of New Orleans jazz, exploring its diverse roots and varied trajectory, as well as highlighting the lives and legacies of key performers such as Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Lizzie Miles, and Jelly Roll Morton. The exhibit will include interactive technology, listening stations, multimedia installations, immersive experiences, and built environments optimized to convey the story of early jazz and its ongoing evolution.
- ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT: Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3 PM. Free and open to the publicSponsors & YOU Help To Keep French Quarter Fest a FREE Community EventFrench Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 41-year history of providing high-quality community events that welcome locals and guests. In order to keep the festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, as well as beverage and merchandise sales. We also recognize and appreciate all of our festival fans who contribute to our success by purchasing merchandise and upgraded festival experiences, becoming a musical performance sponsor, and donating directly to our organization throughout the year.
French Quarter Festival is free for all to enjoy. Fans looking to support the event’s mission and experience French Quarter Festival in style can elevate their experience by purchasing VIP Passes (more info here) that includes front-of-stage access at four Riverfront stages. Four-Day Pass holders also have exclusive access to reserved parking on the Riverfront near the Abita Beer Stage.
Main (featured) image © Justen Williams.