The onset of spring has brought back New Orleans’ exciting annual celebration of music and food. Featuring performances by over 300 local artists and offerings from more than 70 restaurants and vendors, the French Quarter Festival is set to begin on April 10.
The weekend event will further amaze the New Orleans crowd with many new activities this year, including the Children’s STEM Zone.
Highlights
- French Quarter Festival is scheduled in New Orleans from April 10 to 13.
- More than 300 local musical artists and 70+ vendors/restaurants will showcase their skills at the four-day event.
- STEM Zone and Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage are the newest additions to the festival.
Cultural Vibrance of New Orleans at French Quarter Festival
Participants at the Kickoff Parade (Source:@fqfestinstagram)
New Orleans is bracing up for one of its largest and most celebrated music and food events through the French Quarter Festival. With less than a week before its start this year, attendees from inside and outside the Louisiana-based city are waiting to make their way to the historic French Quarter.
The 2025 festival will begin on April 10 with the Kickoff Parade. Attendees can participate in it by going to Bourbon Street (from the 200 block) from 10 a.m. After this, they will reach Jackson Square for the ‘opening day ceremony.’
Following this will be the weekend fun, where the visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of New Orleans through its 22 stages. As has been going on since 1984, attendees can enjoy different local music genres, from brass bands and traditional jazz. Plus, they can grab a bite from any of the 60 Louisiana food vendors.
Music and Culinary Events Lineup for 2025
A range of music and culinary activities will be held at the festival (Source: @fqfestinstagram)
‘Free’ for attendees, the French Quarter will showcase a large number of music and culinary events from April 10 to 13.
Event attendees can expect a fun, musical weekend at the French Quarter Festival with performances from Little Freddie King Band, Water Seed, Joy Clark, Shawn Williams, Indys Blue, and Big Freedia.
Adding to the charm of the annual festival, organizers have arranged for New Orleans’ 70+ local food vendors/restaurants. Some names that will be serving mouthwatering delicacies at the four-day event are Mrs. Wheat’s Louisiana Meat Pies, Jacques Imo’s, and Cafe Beignet.
New Attractions at French Quarter Festival 2025
New activities will be started for kids at the festival (Source: @fqfestinstagram)
For the first time, the French Quarter Festival will go ‘cashless’ for the attendees. In other ‘first-time’ things at the New Orleans events, the following attractions are gearing up for impressing the crowd.
Children’s STEM Boat
This family-friendly activity will take place at the adventurous Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Children at the French Quarter Festival can get to know about marine biology and maritime science. They can also find out about the impressive heritage of the boats and waterways of Louisiana.
- Date: April 12 (Saturday) and April 13 (Sunday)
- Timings: 11 am – 5 pm
Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage
Through this new addition to the New Orleans event, children from K through 12 will be able to perform at the French Quarter Festival. The kids can make their way to the Natchez Wharf to show their talent.
The French Quarter Festival 2025 promises to be an exciting celebration of the food, music, and culture of New Orleans. With emphasis on bringing locals to the center stage, the spirit of New Orleans will be upheld. The huge number of musical events, food options, and new children’s activities make it an ideal springtime weekend event.
