Special Events

French Quarter Fest 2022 Special Events! 

FRENCH QUARTER FEST OPENING DAY PARADE

Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors and partners to welcome this beloved event back to New Orleans on Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m. for the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade. 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 GE Stage.

French Quarter Fest After Dark

French Quarter Fest expands fan experience offering new nightime programming. French Quarter Fest After Dark is a curated series of performances and pop-up events to enhance the fan experience and keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes. The official FQF After Dark Series will be held at different venues throughout the city Thursday – Sunday. 

    • Thursday, April 21 – Double Dealer featuring George Porter Jr. Trio. The event is free. Doors open at 6pm with performance from 9pm-12am.

  • Friday, April 22 – Three Keys at ACE Hotel featuring Cha Wa. Tickets can be purchased here and are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.  The performance will be from 9pm-12pm.

  • Saturday, April 23 – Hotel Saint Vincent featuring Cyril Neville.  Tickets can be purchased here and are $50 in advance. The performance will be from 9pm-12am.

  • Sunday, April 24 –  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Midnight Revival at the Frenchmen Hotel featuring Holly Rock has been cancelled. 

Dance Lessons 

The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers. All classes are sponsored by the French Market Corporation and free and open to the public.

The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone


Families are invited to Chevron’s “STEM Carnival,” to engage with fascinating and interactive activities. Industry leaders have teamed up to showcase how motion and forces play a role in carnival-style games while incorporating the elements of “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into hands-on learning opportunities.  Community partners include Audubon Nature Institute, NASA, Ochsner Education Outreach, Project Lead the Way, The National WWII Museum, STEM NOLA and many more. Be prepared to be amazed!

“STEM Carnival” is located at the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street at the River from 11am-5pm on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.