French Quarter Festival 2025 Unveils Full Music Lineup, Culinary Delights, and Exciting Highlights
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New Orleans (March 11, 2025) — Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience as French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) unveils the final details for the much-anticipated French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron on April 10-13, 2025. Celebrating Louisiana’s vibrant spirit, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled fusion of music, food, and culture.
The festival will feature over 300 musical acts across 22 stages, a diverse showcase of local flavors, the return of the popular After Dark nighttime concert series, and expanded access services reinforcing FQFI’s commitment to inclusivity. To help festivalgoers make the most of the experience, the latest French Quarter Fest app update is now available for Android and iPhone users.
“French Quarter Festival is where Louisiana comes together to celebrate the music, food, and spirit that make this city unlike any other,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “This year, we’re bringing 22 stages filled with over 300 musical acts, 70 incredible culinary vendors, and the unmatched energy of a true community festival. As the kickoff to spring festival season, it’s the perfect time to soak in the sounds, flavors, and atmosphere that define New Orleans.”
The free festival is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including the event’s presenting sponsor, Chevron. “Chevron is tremendously proud of our long-standing partnership with the French Quarter Festival, which spans over a decade,” said Leah Brown, Chevron Public Affairs Manager. “This event highlights Greater New Orleans’ rich culture and unique heritage, and we’re honored to help keep it free for everyone to enjoy. Our support, along with the generosity of other sponsors, ensures the festival continues to thrive and enrich the community. Moreover, the dedication of our employees, who enthusiastically volunteer at the STEM Zone and throughout the event, showcases Chevron’s commitment to our region’s social and economic vitality. We deeply appreciate the French Quarter Festival team’s hard work and invite everyone to join us this year.”
Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners for the Annual French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street and makes its way to Jackson Square for the annual opening day ceremony at the NewOrleans.com Stage.
A Celebration of Musical Heritage
The music lineup is designed to please everyone, with over 300 performances across 22 music stages. The ‘100% local’ lineup features various genres, including the return of last year’s breakout hit, a stage dedicated to the best local DJs, sponsored by Willow Pharmacy.
The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage brings four days of performances, including headliners Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans. Returning to JAX Lot is the spectacular Chevron Evening Concert Series, featuring Chapel Hart Band, The Original Pinettes Brass Band with Mia X, Little Freddie King, and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters. Attendees are also invited to free dance lessons daily at 12:20 PM and 1:50 PM at the Chevron Stage.
The NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company in Jackson Square kicks off Thursday following the Festival’s Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the weekend with New Orleans’ favorites, including Charmaine Neville, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, and Wendell Brunious. Thanks to The Riverwalk Outlets, Spanish Plaza will be energized with Jack Daniel’s Stage, which will bring a variety of performances, including Indys Blu, The Soul Rebels, and debut Jelly Joseph. At the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage, the lineup includes Cupid & the Dance Party Express Band, Fermín Ceballos + Merengue4FOUR, Lisa Amos, Honey Island Swamp Band, Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, and more. The Willow DJ Stage will have debut artists, including DJ FTK, DJ Arie Spins, and DJ Rakimbeau and returning favorites like DJ Jess, Legatron Prime, and ANTWIGADEE!.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, with programming Friday through Sunday, is home to three stages. The Songwriter Stage inside the museum on the 3rd floor includes performances from debut artists Morgan Orion & The Afterburners, Marbrisa, Gina Leslie, and Carolyn Broussard Band. Outside, fans can enjoy more than a dozen brass bands on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage. The Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage brings the debut of Shawn Williams. The stage also welcomes four sets by Loyola Student performers, including the Loyola University Commercial Ensemble, Vienna Notarianni, The Dewdrops, Young Bucks Jazz Orchestra, Kota Dosa, Kai De Lua, rene’, Rénaissa Avari, TYJOHNSON & Friends, fish band!, Tired Eyes, Lizette, Left Hook, and more. Stop by the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage Friday through Sunday for a fusion of Latin beats, World Music, and Jazz from Vivaz, Ingrid Lucia, and debuts like Cactus Thief and Ovi-G presents “ Xtra Cash!”. Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage, now located at the Natchez Wharf, showcases talented youth from across the city, including debut performances by the Sarah T. Reed Marching Band and the Martin Behrman School Marching Band.
The festival brings music and dancing to the French Quarter neighborhood with the return of the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, which also features free dance lessons, and the French Market Dutch Alley Stage, both located in the French Market District. More Traditional Jazz stages join the Festival’s lineup on Saturday and Sunday on Royal and Bourbon St., including the Café Beignet Stage at Musical Legends Park, Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, the Omni Royal Orleans Stage, and Hancock Whitney Stage. FQF also welcomes the Krewe stage at 600 Royal Street with debut performances from the Jesse Morrow Trio, Jacky Blaire & The Hot Biscuits, and the Nanci Zhang Trio. The BK House Garden Stage returns within the gates of BK Historic House and Gardens, kicking off on Saturday with performances by Monty Banks, New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, and many more. The complete music schedule is now available at frenchquarterfest.org/music.
A Bold Food Scene on Festival Grounds
The festival’s culinary program continues to showcase New Orleans’ world-renowned food scene while introducing exciting new flavors in 2025. Prepare to indulge in over 70 culinary adventures featuring an array of flavors and cuisines. From Vaucresson’s Creole Hot Sausage Poboy to Lasyone’s Famous Meat Pies, there’s something to satisfy every palate. LUFU NOLA will entice with its chicken tikka masala taco. Loretta’s Pralines shares its Crab Meat Beignet, and Friends of Codey’s offers its Bayou Comfort Grits Bowl—creamy grits topped with chicken and andouille sausage—for festivalgoers and food lovers. Also joining the lineup are newcomers Chubbies Famous Fried Chicken and returning favorites Cafe Dauphine, Love at First Bite, Monday, and Addis Nola to ensure something for everyone.
Abita Beer returns as a major festival sponsor, bringing a variety of beloved local flavors to this year’s celebration. Spirits and mixed cocktail options will be available at beverage booths across the festival grounds, featuring Jack Daniel’s, Fords Gin, Diplomático Rum, el Jimador Tequila, and Korbel California Champagne. Exciting new additions to the beverage menu include selections from Caymus Vineyards, Emmolo, Sea Sun Wines, and White Claw Vodka.
The festival offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages for families and fans of all ages. Pepsi products, including Gatorade and Aquafina water, will be available throughout the grounds to keep everyone refreshed and hydrated all weekend.
Experience the magic of New Orleans cuisine at Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage, located in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on the Kohlmeyer Lawn. Hosted by renowned Chef Kevin Belton, this four-day stage will feature exclusive one-on-one interviews with iconic local chefs and culinary favorites, including Fritai NOLA, Southerns, 14 Parishes, Baroness, Smoke N Honey, and more. Adding to the excitement, Mike’s Amazing’s own Chef Eleazar Fuerte will join our favorite festival vendors on stage to share signature recipes highlighting the bold flavors of Mike’s Amazing products.
A complete list of confirmed culinary vendors can be found at frenchquarterfest.org/food.
Elevated Festival Experiences
FQFI is committed to keeping the festival free and open to the public. Super fans can purchase VIP packages to support the organization’s mission while gaining access to exclusive VIP experiences. New in 2025, Fest Family VIP pass holders will have a lagniappe experience aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS overlooking the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage. This exclusive addition includes a private bar and viewing area available Saturday and Sunday from 11:00AM – 5:00PM.
Fest Family VIP Plus passes are also available for the ultimate festival luxury. The Fest Family VIP Plus grants prime viewing spots for an up-close and personal musical experience at four front-of-stage locations.
Fest Family VIP Members enjoy private bars with three complimentary drinks per day at four different VIP locations (and the option to redeem at all festival beverage locations), air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive perks, and more! VIPs can add the convenience of a 4-Day Parking Pass, ensuring that arrival is seamless and stress-free. This year, the program will offer four-day weekend passes for $449 or single-day passes for $149. A limited number of memberships are available and help to fund the free, local event. Fans can join and support the fest by purchasing passes today at frenchquarterfest.org/fest-family.
FQF After Dark
The FQF After Dark series expands the fan experience for the fourth year by offering nighttime programming. The curated series will be held at special venues around the city to keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices and additional information can be found at frenchquarterfest.org/special-events.
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
Jack Daniel’s presents Black & Loud Fest with Omari Neville and the Fuel, King Youngblood, and more
Where: House of Blues Parish Room, 225 Decatur St.
When: 9:00 PM – until
Friday, Apr 11, 2025
Big Sam’s Funky Nation at Good Measure
Where: The Barnett, 600 Carondelet St.
When: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets are $20 at the door.
Saturday, Apr 12, 2025
Jack Daniel’s presents Black & Loud Fest with Cyril Neville, Shamarr Allen, Irvin Mayfield, King Youngblood, and more
Where: House of Blues Parish Room
When: 9:00 PM – until
Sunday, Apr 13, 2025
Steamboat NATCHEZ 50th Anniversary Jam Session
Where: 400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
When: 9:30PM – until
Chevron Children’s STEM Zone
French Quarter Festival offers more than just music. The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone is a fun, interactive space that showcases how favorite STEM subjects can lead to exciting and rewarding careers. This year, attendees can explore the wonders of maritime science, marine biology, and Louisiana’s rich waterway heritage in an exciting NEW location: aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, docked behind the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage at the Riverwalk Gazebo. Attendees will be welcome to immerse themselves in engaging science, technology, engineering and math activities designed for all ages. The Chevron STEM Zone will take place on Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the science and innovation that shape our region’s waters and beyond. Don’t miss this exciting dockside adventure!
Festival Wellness and Accessibility
Building on its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all festivalgoers, this year’s festival introduces expanded wellness and accessibility initiatives. At the heart of these efforts is the new “Keeping You Well” program, a groundbreaking partnership with LCMC Health that brings enhanced first aid services and wellness resources to the festival. With healthcare providers on-site, guests will have access to comprehensive first aid, wellness tips, and support to stay healthy throughout the festival season.
“Our partnership with French Quarter Festival aligns perfectly with our mission to support community wellbeing,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “By offering strategically placed first aid stations, dedicated nursing spaces, and free sunscreen stations, we’re ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the celebration.”
Through its partnership with LCMC, French Quarter Festival is proud to continue offering the Touro LCMC Health Nursing Nest, a safe and private space for moms to nurse and care for their babies. The Nursing Nest will be available in Jax Lot from Thursday through Sunday.
For guests with sensory processing sensitivities, Benny’s Sensory Activation Vehicle provides a dedicated space for respite and decompression. Located on the aquarium plaza of Woldenberg Riverfront Park, this fully equipped, mobile facility offers a quiet, calming environment for those who may feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and crowds.
French Quarter Festival is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all attendees. New for 2025, ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation services will be available at select performances. Schedules for interpreted performances can be found at Information Booths and in the upcoming Accessibility FAQ. Attendees may also request ASL interpretation for specific shows by emailing access@fqfi.org by March 17 at 5:00 PM CST. For a complete list of accessibility offerings—including viewing areas and more—visit frenchquarterfest.org/access.
Merchandise and Commemorative Poster
This year’s commemorative poster, created by celebrated local artist Ceaux, beautifully captures the vibrant energy of French Quarter Fest. “Secondline culture and the idea of a Grand Marshal kicking off festival season inspired my design,” Ceaux explained. “I wanted to reflect the vastness of the festival and the unique vibes of each location through a colorful, fluid style that embodies the spirit of French Quarter Fest—eclectic, vibrant, and full of life.”
A limited edition of 600 signed and numbered artist-proof silkscreen prints measuring 18″ x 24″ will be available for $100 each. Additionally, the design will be featured on a commemorative shirt available in the festival shop. Festival fans near and far can own a piece of this iconic celebration. Shop posters and shirts online today.
Special Events, Programs, and Festival Extras
- FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARADE: The parade will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. and depart from the 200 block of Bourbon Street, making its way to Jackson Square for the Opening Ceremony.
- FREE DANCE LESSONS: Throughout the festival, free dance lessons sponsored by the French Market Corporation will be held at both the Chevron Stage and the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage.
- 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE’S VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS: Louisiana Museum Foundation will host a special event in partnership with The Louisiana State Museum | Cabildo to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will introduce a historical re-enactment of the historic address from Jackson Square on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company.
- CASHLESS FESTIVAL: The 2025 French Quarter Festival will be completely cashless! All food, beverage, and merchandise booths will accept major credit cards and digital payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. FQFI will provide an on-site cash exchange station conveniently located in the heart of the festival footprint at Jax Lot, 500 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, for attendees without access to cashless payment methods.
- VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Chevron proudly fuels our volunteer program, and registration is now open. Volunteers play a vital role in the festival’s success and receive exclusive benefits, including a collectible festival t-shirt, beverage tickets, entries into a festival merchandise raffle, and more. For additional details or to apply, visit frenchquarterfest.org/volunteers.
Sponsors and Super Fans Keep the Festival a FREE Community Event
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 42-year history of providing high-quality community events that welcome locals and guests. To keep the festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners and beverage and merchandise sales. We also recognize and appreciate all of our festival fans who contribute to our success by purchasing merchandise, upgrading their festival experiences, becoming a musical performance sponsor, and donating directly to our organization throughout the year.
French Quarter Fest Sponsors Include
Chevron, Abita Brewing Company, Acadian Ambulance Service, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Aquaculture Stewardship Council/Laguna Blanca Salmon, The Bec-Croche Giving Fund, Beignet Fest Foundation, The Berger Company, BK House, Brown-Forman, Caesars New Orleans, Café Beignet, Campaign for Equity New Orleans, Capital Vacations, Catch 504 Booking, Caymus Vineyards, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, el Jimador Tequila, Emmolo, Fords Gin, French Market Corporation, Friend Of Fest, Funny Bird, Good Measure at The Barnett, Hancock Whitney, Hilton Riverside New Orleans, The Helis Foundation, House Of Blues, Humana Healthy Horizons of Louisiana, I.T.S Fire Alarm Security, Jack Daniel’s, Jack Daniels Presents Black & Loud, KREWE, LCMC Health, Louisiana Fish Fry, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Louisiana Museum Foundation, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development – Division of the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana State Museum Cabildo, Loyola University, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Merri & John Lynch, Mike’s Amazing, Music Performance Trust Fund & American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496,, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz Museum At The Old U.S. Mint, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Service, New Orleans Public Belt, New Orleans School of Cooking, New Orleans Steamboat Company, New Orleans Tourism And Cultural Fund, New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, NOLA.com, Omni Royal Orleans, OUTFRONT, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Pennington Holloway Kim LLP, Pepsi, Phelps, The Plant Gallery, Port of New Orleans, Republic National Distributing Company, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Riverwalk Outlets, Sal Borelli, SBP, Sea Sun Wines, Tropical Isle, The Westin New Orleans, Willow Pharmacy, The Windsor Court, White Claw Vodka, Woody and Kathy Jay, and WWL-Louisiana.
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About French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that also produces Satchmo SummerFest presented by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund in August and the Holidays New Orleans Style Concert Series in December.
FQFI’s mission is to promote the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high-quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc. or any of these events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.