ADA/Accessibility
Transportation
Accessible Parking Lots (Paid Parking)
There are a number of public parking lots along the riverfront in the French Quarter that provide accessible parking in close proximity to festival stages. Space is limited. Accessible parking is on a first-come-first-served basis and space cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive early to assure parking will be available. For more information on specific parking locations, please visit the Travel Page on our website. There are also VIP packages that include the option to purchase parking in advance. Click here for more information on Fest Family VIP Packages.
Accessible Public Transit (Rapid Transit Authority)
RTA Algiers Point Ferry
All New Orleans ferries have pedestrian-friendly entrances for easy access to ramps that allow persons with disabilities to board, ride, and exit ferries easily and comfortably. The Algiers Point Ferry is located in our festival footprint in Woldenberg Riverfront Park and is located between Spanish Plaza and Aquarium Plaza. It can also be accessed from the foot of Canal St.
RTA Streetcar
Accessible to individuals with disabilities, the RED streetcars running along the Canal St., Rampart, and Riverfront lines are outfitted with wheelchair lifts. Moreover, certain GREEN streetcars operating on the St. Charles Avenue line comply with ADA standards. St. Charles streetcars run approximately every hour.
RTA Paratransit Service
For individuals unable to utilize the public bus and streetcar system, RTA offers paratransit shuttle service, necessitating advance reservations and possession of an active paratransit card. To learn more about applying for paratransit services, reach out to RTA’s ADA Office at 504-827-8345 (main), or visit RTA’s Eligibility for Paratransit webpage.
RTA Buses
For individuals in wheelchairs or with accessibility limitations, all public transit RTA buses are equipped with equipment to facilitate boarding, riding, and exiting for all.
Arrival at Fest
French Quarter Festival features 22 stages spread out across the French Quarter Neighborhood. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the music schedule and so that you can plan to enter the festival based on proximity to your favored stage/s or ultimate destination.
Festival Pedestrian Gates
Festival pedestrian gates include bag checks which are located at all entrances for major festival sites (see map). We encourage patrons who have disabilities to enter and exit the festival through one of the Festival’s main pedestrian gates – at the foot of Canal Street (for Spanish Plaza and Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Toulouse Street (for Jax Brewery Lot), Decatur Street (for Jackson Square) or Barracks Street (for the New Orleans Jazz Museum). These gates are accessible and convenient to the Info Booths and the accessible pathways throughout the Festival sites.
Service Animals
Guests with disabilities are welcome to utilize fully-trained service animals at the Festival. The following types of animals are not permitted at the Festival:
- Pets
- Animals that provide comfort or emotional support
- Service animals-in-training
- Service animals that are not under the complete control of their handlers
- Service animals that pose a risk of threat or harm to other patrons
- Animals will be screened by NOPD upon entry to the festival.
- Patrons with animals that are not fully trained will be asked to remove their animal from the Festival.
Security Screening
All patrons entering secured festival sites are subject to a bag check. Necessary medications, medical supplies and a small amount of personal food items for persons with dietary restrictions will be allowed. Service animal verification will take place at bag check locations through the Festival.
Resources at the Fest
Information Booths
There are 5 Info Booths located throughout the Festival grounds at major sites, including Spanish Plaza, Woldenberg Riverfront Park (between Palm Lawn and Berger Lawn, and next to Fest Family Concierge), JAX Brewery Parking Lot, Jackson Square, and the N.O. Jazz Museum (Old U.S. Mint) (see map).
Attendees can visit the Info Booth during Festival for:
- Helpful staff and volunteers who are available to provide information and answer your questions about the Festival’s accessibility.
- Access Map showing the location of accessible routes, restrooms, and seating.
- To provide feedback on Accessibility at FQF (ask to speak to the Headquarters Manager)
Accessible Viewing Areas
First-come-first-serve Accessible Viewing Areas can now be found at major stages including: Jack Daniel’s (Spanish Plaza), PosiGen Solar DJ Stage (Aquarium Plaza), Abita Beer Stage (Woldenberg Park), Tropical Isle (Woldenberg Park), Chevron Stage (Jax Brewery Lot), New Orleans.com Stage (Jackson Square), Louisiana Fish Fry Stage and Loyola Esplanade in the Shade Stage (New Orleans Jazz Museum).
Accessible Viewing Areas are primarily for attendees who use wheelchairs or have significant mobility disabilities. One companion may accommodate an individual with a disability in the accessible viewing areas. Designated accessible viewing areas are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis and no special credentials are required.
Please note that indoor stages all Indoor Sites comply with city’s ADA zoning regulations. These stages include the Royal Sonesta Jazz Playhouse Stage and the Louisiana Seafood Songwriter Stage.
Merchandise and Food Vendor Booths
All merchandise and food vendor booths are located along accessible pathways and feature accessible service counter heights. Had surface and or turf. Please consider all weather conditions.
Festival Access Routes
Please see Info Booth Locations to speak with Crew Members or Volunteers regarding the best path(s) for navigating festival crowds and grounds. Paved routes can be found within all major sites.
VIP – Fest Family Access
French Quarter Festival is a FREE community event – there is no entrance fee to enjoy food and entertainment across 22 stages! However, guests who are interested in elevating their experience can support the non-profit festival by purchasing Premium VIP passes. With your VIP pass you get access to exclusive private hospitality lounges at four different locations. All VIP hospitality locations are ADA accessible and include accessible restrooms. Click here for more information.
Benny’s Sensory Activation Vehicle
Benny’s Sensory Activation Vehicle powered by Beignet Festival Foundation is an inclusive space for individuals with sensory processing disorders often associated with autism and other conditions. The fully equipped, tow-along trailer, located in Aquarium Plaza, provides a safe space of respite and decompression for those who may become overwhelmed from the sights, sounds and crowds. Learn more here
Touro Nursing Nest
In 2022, Touro began partnering with local businesses and community organizations to establish free “Nursing Nests” for moms and babies throughout the Greater New Orleans area. A nursing nest is a safe, private space for moms to nurse and care for their baby in public locations. The Nursing Nest can be found in Spanish Plaza Thursday-Sunday.
PLEASE NOTE
FQFI is unable to provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push service. Please plan ahead and bring attendants, if needed. In addition, the festival does not provide wheelchairs for rent or loan. Please make arrangements in advance if a wheelchair is needed.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Do you have comments or suggestions? Please let us know what services worked for you and what we could improve upon. Visit any of the 5 Information Booths at the Festival to provide feedback on Accessibility at FQF (ask to speak to the Headquarters Manager). Or please send an email to info@fqfi.org with the subject line “Accessibility Feedback.”