FAQs

What is French Quarter Festival?

The award-winning French Quarter Festival is a four-day local music showcase scattered throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it is the largest free music event in the United States. French Quarter Festival features 1,700+ musicians playing free, local music from a variety of musical genres on 20+ stages throughout the French Quarter. The community festival also features an extensive culinary lineup, featuring 70+festival food and beverage booths operated by some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants open throughout the festival weekend.

When is the festival?

French Quarter Festival 2025 will take place Thursday, April 10, 2025 through Sunday, April 13, 2025. 

French Quarter Festival 2026 will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026 through Sunday, April 19, 2026.

What are the hours?

French Quarter Festival is open each day from 11 AM – 8 PM.

The French Quarter Festival Annual Kick-off Parade begins at 10am on Thursday at the 200 Block of Bourbon and Bienville St.

Note: Our Festival has a progressive opening. 

    • Our first 7 stages open on Thursday.
    • Additional 7 stages open on Friday.
    • All stages are open on Saturday and Sunday.
How much does it cost to attend French Quarter Festival?

French Quarter Festival is free to attend! Enjoy four days of live music with no admission cost. Expenses include food, drinks, merchandise, and special events like the FQF After Dark Series. Fest Family VIP Experience passes are available for an elevated experience. To keep the festival free, outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Does the Festival conduct bag checks?

Festival organizers implement bag checks to provide a safer environment for the public. Attendees should anticipate bag checks at all major sites and stages, including but not limited to Spanish Plaza, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, JAX Lot, Jackson Square, and the U.S. Mint.

FQFI will enforce a ban on weapons, pets, glass bottles outside food and beverages, and drugs. Festival organizers strongly encourage festival-goers not to bring these items to access all areas of the event.

Will the festival support cash transactions?

French Quarter Fest 2025 is going cashless! All booths accept major credit cards and digital payments. Need cash exchange? Visit Jax Lot (500 Decatur St.).

Where do I park?

Getting to the festival is easy, but parking can be challenging—arrive early! Nearby lots include French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, Canal Place and various locations, with more options within walking distance. For details, visit our travel page.

Can I bring my cooler or ice chest?

French Quarter Festival does not allow coolers, ice chests, or large containers within Festival Gates. Help keep the festival free by purchasing your beverages from our official beverage booths!

Where is French Quarter Festival held?

French Quarter Festival takes place throughout the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. Music stages are located at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, JAX Lot, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the French Market, Spanish Plaza, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint. Culinary booths can be found at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, JAX Lot, and the Jazz Museum. Special events happen at various locations—check listings and our festival map for details.

What items are prohibited inside Festival Gates?
  • Outside food and beverages
  • Weapons
  • Drones
  • Kites
  • Glass bottles and containers
  • Fireworks
  • Professional radios or walkie-talkies
  • Bicycles inside of festival grounds
  • Soliciting or vending materials, unless previously authorized
  • Pets
  • Tents or sun shades
  • Stakes
  • Poles
  • Unauthorized signage
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Bullhorns or other audio amplification equipment (e.g. speakers)
  • Personal golf carts or other motorized vehicles
What happens if festival-goers show up at the gate with a prohibited item?

Attendees must discard, surrender, or secure prohibited items off-site (car, hotel, etc.). Surrendered items are forfeited and cannot be returned.

Does Festival have an access plan?

Yes! French Quarter Festival is committed to accessibility. The festival provides an Accessibility Plan to ensure all attendees can enjoy the event. Details on accessible viewing areas, sign language interpretation, bathroom locations, recommended pathways, and other accommodations can be found on our Accessibility Page or at the Information Booths on-site.

Are prescription medications, baby formula, or milk allowed?

These substances are exempt from the rules above, pending inspection.

What if I am a nursing mom? Is there a place for me?

In 2022, LCMC/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 parents to care for their babies in public locations. The Touro Mobile Nursing Nest can be found in Jax Brewing Parking Lot site Thursday-Sunday.