Special Events
FRENCH QUARTER FEST 2023 SPECIAL EVENTS
FQF 2022 photo by Justen Williams
FRENCH QUARTER FEST OPENING DAY EVENTS
- Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners to welcome the 40th-anniversary of Fest on Thursday, April 13 at 10 a.m. at the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street down to St.Ann Street where it then turns and makes its way to Jackson Square for the Annual Opening Day Ceremony at the GE Stage.
- Opening day of Fest will close with a bang as the legendary Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans closes out the Abita Stage and fireworks light up the night’s sky on over the river, thanks to support from New Orleans & Company.
Dance Lessons & Performances
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 free and open to the public.
Chevron Stage -JAX LOT
Thursday, April 13 – Sunday, Apr 16, 2023
Dance Lessons presented by French Market Corporation:
- Â 12:20 PM – 12:40 pm
- 1:50 PM – 2:10 pm
French Market Traditional Jazz Stage – French Marketplace
Friday, April 14 – Sunday, Apr 16, 2023
Dance Lessons presented by French Market Corporation:
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- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- 5:05 PM – 5:30 PM
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Special Dance Lessons (5:00 PM – 5:05 PM):
- Friday, April 14: Performed by 504 Lindy Hoppers
- Saturday, April 15: Performed by THe NOLA Chorus Girls
- Sunday, April 16: Performed by Les RebellesÂ
The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone
Toulouse Street at the Natchez Wharf on the River,
Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 11am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday families are invited to Chevron’s “STEM Olympics,” to engage with fascinating activities! This fun, interactive environment is designed to foster a passion for learning by showing how science, technology, engineering and math are the foundation for their future success. Activities will showcase the ‘STEM Olympics’ and provide a gold medal experience with hands-on learning activities created by eleven community partners. Community partners include Audubon Nature Institute, NASA Astro Camp Community Partners Program, Naval Information Warfare Center, Ochsner Health Education Outreach, Project Lead the Way, The Water Institute, NAMI St. Tammany, STEM NOLA, Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative, Central Creativity & LA STEM, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and Northshore Technical Community College.
FQF 2022 photo by Zack Smith
FQF After Dark Series
For the second year, The French Quarter Fest After Dark Series expands the fan experience by offering nighttime programming from 9pm – 12am. 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 8pm.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
FQF After Dark @ Four Seasons Hotel Garden Featuring Ivan Neville
Address: 2 Canal St. New Orleans, 70130
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Cover: $45
Friday, April 14, 2023
FQF After Dark at Three Keys at ACE Hotel Featuring John Michael Bradford & the Vibe + special guests
Address:Â 600 Carondelet St. New Orleans
Time: 9 pm – 10:30 pm
Cover: $25
Saturday, April 15, 2023
FQF After Dark at The Parish at House of Blues Featuring Boyfriend
Address: 225 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Time: 9 pm (Doors open at 9 pm, Show Starts at 10 pm)Â
Cover: $35
* Evening includes an opening performance by Vanessa CarrÂ
Sunday, April 16, 2023
FQF After Dark at Tipitina’s Featuring An Evening With Eric Lindell
Address: 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Time: 8:30 pm – 12 am
Cover: $28 in advance/ $30 at the door