Locals and tourists alike look forward to the French Quarter Festival, held in April each year. This free festival, held in the New Orleans French Quarter, falls this weekend and is not one to miss.
“French Quarter Fest is the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world, with over 1,700 local musicians,” public relations chief Rebecca Sell said. “It’s the very best of New Orleans, with good music and food from over 60 restaurants.”
The event includes a film festival centered around Louisiana musicians. Additionally, there will be a lecture series during which visitors can speak with the artists and hear their personal histories.
There are 23 stages scattered throughout the historic and lively French Quarter, which boast almost every type of Louisiana music imaginable, from zydeco to jazz to gospel to funk. Every featured musician is a local talent, entertaining festival-goers. For many attendees, it’s almost overwhelming to choose which act to see.
Friday’s lineup boasts Cajun fiddler and singer Amanda Shaw, Mid-City Aces, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Lagniappe Brass Band, jazz singer Charmaine Neville, Tuba Skinny, Panorama Jazz Band and the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas.
On Saturday, fans can expect to see the New Orleans funk and soul band Gravy, The Iguanas, New Orleans Suspects, The Soul Rebels, Tank and the Bangas, Honey Island Swamp Band, Treme Brass Band and Lost Bayou Ramblers.
Closing out the festival on Sunday will be local funk guitarist Billy Iuso, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Raw Oyster Cult, Little Freddie King, Funk Monkey and acclaimed zydeco musician Corey Ledet.
The stages and food options are strategically placed among some of the best spots in the Vieux Carre neighborhood, including Jackson Square, Preservation Hall, the French Market and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint.
Between the stages and tents, festival-goers can enjoy everything the French Quarter has to offer. Along with Louisiana’s diverse music scene, a selection of New Orleans’ best cuisine can be purchased, from the likes of Antoine’s, Galatoire’s and Café Reconcile.
Crawfish, mango freezes, snoballs, po-boys and pralines are some more tasty treats you can expect to find.
Additionally, festival-goers can enjoy art exhibitions, Battle of the Bands, a second-line parade and dance classes.
“French Quarter Fest really encapsulates New Orleans culture and that’s why I like it so much,” psychology sophomore Gabby Toups said. “It spans all across the French Quarter, and is always a great day or weekend with friends.”
Going beyond being just another fun festival, French Quarter Fest also stimulates New Orleans’ economy.
“There is a huge economic impact to support local music and food, since the fest draws over 700,000 people and brings in over 200 million dollars,” Sells said. “The money stays within our community.”
Head to New Orleans this weekend to soak up local music and art while simultaneously giving back to local businesses. The fest is free and runs April 6-9.
