New Orleans (April 17, 2025) — French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) proudly celebrates the successful conclusion of the 2025 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, which took place April 10–13 throughout the historic Vieux Carré. This year’s festival brought together music lovers, food enthusiasts, families, and visitors from near and far for four days of unforgettable performances, culinary delights, and authentic New Orleans experiences.
“Louisiana takes immense pride in its music, cuisine, and culture — and French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is a true reflection of that spirit,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “This year, we were fortunate to enjoy beautiful weather all four days, an incredible gift that allowed us to shine an even brighter spotlight on our local businesses, musicians, and the cultural traditions that define New Orleans. None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our crew, volunteers, first responders, sponsors, and community partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this magical event to life. The festival is a truly collaborative effort, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helps make it such a special experience for locals and visitors alike.”
While the energy and excitement of French Quarter Festival are felt most vividly in the crowds along the riverfront, the festival’s impact extends far beyond attendance. As one of New Orleans’ signature cultural celebrations, the event plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy, promoting the city’s creative community, and preserving the cultural heritage that makes New Orleans a global destination, especially during a time when large gatherings face increasing challenges.
Showcasing Local Culture And Heritage
This year, the festival’s reach extended well beyond the French Quarter, generating over $88 million in earned media value for our 1700 local musicians and 70 food vendors through national and international coverage across online platforms, television, and radio. This positive media attention helps reinforce New Orleans’ reputation as a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming city where music, food, and culture take center stage.
Producing High-Quality Events and Instilling Increased Pride in the People of New Orleans
FQFI strives to produce high-quality events and activities that showcase the local culture and heritage and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. The beloved festival continues to deepen the community’s connection with the event. With nearly 700 respondents surveyed, 82% responded with a 10 out of 10, indicating they would highly recommend the event with friends, family, and visitors, helping to grow and sustain New Orleans’ cultural economy.
Contributing to Economic Well-being
For the city’s celebrated culinary community, the festival offers more than just exposure — it provides a vital opportunity for chefs and restaurants to preview seasonal menus, reach new audiences, and generate significant income. The 70 independent food vendors participating in this year’s festival reported earnings of $3.6M, proving a vital financial boost ahead of the slower summer months.
A Tribute to Community, Music, and Tradition
This year’s festival was a vibrant tapestry of sounds, flavors, and experiences that captured the essence of Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. The KIPP New Orleans Regional High School Choir drew appreciative crowds to Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage in its new home on the Natchez Wharf, while the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint housed three stages of diverse performances. Xeno Moonflower’s acoustic guitar set drew fans inside to the Entergy Songwriters stage, providing an intimate backdrop for original music. Meanwhile, outdoor stages kept things sizzling with performances by the Red Wolf Brass Band on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage and the Creole String Beans on the Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage. The Willow Pharmacy DJ Stage became a sea of smiles and movement, with line dances and legendary performances from DJ Jubilee, Raj Smoove, and ANTWIGADEE! This year, debuts included Tyrone Duhon & Double Standard Zydeko on the Chevron Stage, Ryan Batiste and Raw Revolution on the Abita Stage, and Roi Anthony on the Jack Daniel’s Stage. The Nayo Jones Experience serenaded festival fans with the smooth sounds of a jazz and R&B fusion on the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage. Favorites like John Boutté and Wendell Brunious performed on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company in Jackson Square.
Honoring Culinary Tradition and Embracing Innovation
This year’s expanded culinary lineup featured more than 70 celebrated restaurants and chefs from across Louisiana, reinforcing French Quarter Festival’s reputation as one of the region’s premier food destinations. Recently voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best City Food Festivals (2025) for its culinary excellence and diversity, the festival proudly continued its tradition of spotlighting both beloved favorites and emerging talent.
This year’s vendors reported earnings of $3.6 million, providing a vital financial boost ahead of the slower summer months. “The culinary scene at this year’s French Quarter Festival exceeded all expectations,” said Tia Henry, Head Chef at Cafe Dauphine and returning food vendor. “What makes this festival so special is its ability to gather locals and visitors who are genuinely passionate about authentic New Orleans cuisine. After participating in festivals throughout the years, we always look forward to the enthusiasm and appreciation we experience at French Quarter Festival.”
With six exciting debuts — including innovative pop-ups and family-owned establishments — the festival demonstrated its ongoing commitment to welcoming new vendors who are pushing the boundaries of New Orleans’ culinary scene. From Orleans Brothers’ signature award-winning gumbo to Dingtea’s refreshing mango sando and Thai Nola’s Thai-style fried rice, the food offerings reflected both the deep-rooted traditions and the creative evolution that define Louisiana cuisine. Festivalgoers were treated to a variety of flavors, offering fresh experiences for both first-time guests and returning fans.
The Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage featured an impressive roster of New Orleans’ most celebrated chefs. Building on last year’s success, this year’s lineup brought even more interactive demonstrations from Nori Guys, Addis NOLA, Fritai NOLA, Vaucresson Sausage Co., and Mrs. Wheat Pies. Festival-goers experienced daily happy hour conversations highlighting craft cocktails alongside this year’s host, Chef Kevin Belton.
Family Fun and Hands-On Discovery
The weekend’s magical moments began with the beloved Opening Day Kickoff Parade, where hundreds of fans strolled the streets led by the sounds of the New Birth Brass Band, New Wave Brass Band, Family Affair Brass Band, Black Magic Drumline, and Kings of Brass. As the parade concluded, Jackson Square transformed into a sea of onlookers, awaiting the arrival of local dignitaries, the blessing of the weather, and the official start of the 2025 French Quarter Festival, presented by Chevron.
In addition to food and music, family fun remains a top priority in FQFI’s programming. The festival’s commitment to education and family engagement was on full display with the return of the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone. This year’s STEM Zone invited families on board the new Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for an extra special voyage of discovery! Over 7,000 curious minds of all ages experienced this dockside adventure, where they learned about the wonders of maritime science and marine biology through hands-on activities. Community partners included Audubon Nature Institute, NASA Astro Camp, Project Lead the Way, The Water Institute, NAMI St. Tammany, STEM NOLA, Pontchartrain Conservancy, and Northshore Technical Community College.
Modern Festival Experience:
Wellness, Accessibility, and Technology
This year, FQFI introduced an expanded wellness initiative through the new “Keeping You Well” program in partnership with the festival’s official healthcare partner, LCMC Health. On-site healthcare providers offered comprehensive first aid services at strategic locations throughout the festival grounds. Key wellness offerings also included free sunscreen dispensers distributed throughout the festival, providing attendees with handheld fans to stay cool, promoting healthy eating choices on festival menus, and the return of the Touro LCMC Health Nursing Nest.
The festival continues to prioritize accessibility and festivals for all. FQFI reintroduced accessible viewing areas for attendees who use wheelchairs or have significant mobility challenges, as well as ADA-compliant portable restrooms. Expanded access programming included the introduction of American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at select performances at the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage. Before the festival, attendees could request specific musical acts to be interpreted. Benny’s Sensory Activation Vehicle was also on-site, providing a welcoming space for guests with sensory processing considerations.
FQFI furthered its goal to preserve cultural traditions while modernizing the festival experience by successfully implementing a cashless payment system for all food, beverage, and merchandise locations. Major credit cards and digital payments were accepted, making lines move more quickly, so everyone spent more time enjoying the weekend’s entertainment. A convenient on-site cash exchange station ensured that all attendees could participate, regardless of their preferred payment method.
Keeping the Festival Green and Growing
The enormous free four-day event is made possible through the generosity of committed volunteers. FQFI welcomed the support of over 700 volunteers and more than 100 generous sponsors to operate the 4-day, 22-stage event, proving that French Quarter Festival is truly by and for the community.
FQFI remains committed to reducing the festival’s environmental footprint through its Geauxing Green sustainability program. In 2025, the expanded waste reduction program collected over 28,000 pounds of recycled materials and an additional 40,000 pounds of compost, creating a cleaner, greener celebration for both festival-goers and the city’s public spaces. Festival producers attributed this year’s success to a refined back-of-house sorting process, the addition of dedicated crew members, and an expanded glass recycling program, all made possible through support from the Gulf of America Alliance, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Coastal Management, The RosaMary Foundation, Schmelly’s Dirt Farm, REALcycle, and Glass Half Full.
Extending the Celebration: After Dark and Special Events
The celebration continued each night after festival gates closed with “FQF After Dark” events at partnering venues throughout the French Quarter, featuring exclusive performances by festival artists and special food and beverage offerings.
Festival attendees also witnessed history come alive Saturday morning as the Louisiana Museum Foundation and Louisiana State Museum | Cabildo commemorated the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser introduced a captivating historical re-enactment of Lafayette’s historic address from Jackson Square on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans and Company.
Sponsors and Super Fans: Keeping the Festival Free for All
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. extends sincere gratitude to the sponsors, supporters, and fans whose generosity fuels the festival year after year. Through merchandise sales, VIP upgrade fundraisers, performance sponsorships, or direct donations, every gift helps sustain free cultural experiences for all.