New Orleans has a distinctive culture inspired by French, African, Creole, and Cajun influences. The French Quarter is the heart of the city’s culture, renowned for its historical architecture, unparalleled food scene, lively nightlife, and famous entertainment venues. One upcoming event is a longstanding tradition celebrating the French Quarter and New Orleans’s famous culture: the iconic French Quarter Festival.
This year’s French Quarter Festival will be another iteration of a decades-long tradition, highlighting the area’s excellent food and music scene. The French Quarter Festival began in 1984 to renew interest in this iconic part of the city following the World’s Fair. It has steadily evolved into a significant event for New Orleans residents and the world’s single-biggest showcase of Louisiana music.
The 2023 French Quarter Festival will run from April 13th–16th across the French Quarter. It will be a busy outdoor event with thousands of visitors and a vast array of performances. The schedule for the festival is jam-packed, so make sure you plan out what you want to see before you arrive.
Over 1,500 musicians encompassing a diverse array of genres will fill the 20 stages at the event. Attendees can hear jazz, New Orleans funk, rap, gospel, Latin music, and much more. All performances are free to attend.
Food is available at six locations throughout the festival grounds, including Jackson Square, the Riverfront, and the Jazz Museum at the Mint. These locations are all expected to have multiple vendors serving classic New Orleans and Louisiana dishes such as gumbo, crawfish, and jambalaya, along with barbecue, tacos, Jamaican food, and much more. The event will also have beverage areas serving beers, refreshments, and cocktails.
In addition to delicious food and drinks and incredible musical performances, the festival hosts special events that are exciting for all ages. The festival’s opening day kicks off with a parade from Bourbon Street to Jackson Square, culminating with a musical performance and fireworks show. The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone is an area for younger attendees to enjoy educational activities and entertainment, ensuring the festival is a blast for all ages. Also, professional dancers will be teaching dance classes, where attendees can learn swing, jazz, Cajun jitterbug, and more.
