French Quarter Festival is Just One Month Away! Louisiana Travel

Wednesday, Mar 15, 2023 0

Full Music Schedule and Culinary Menu Revealed,

FQF After Dark Series, 40th Anniversary Hub & more

The non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), shares final details about French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, April 13-16, 2023. Billed as the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, the 2023 festival will feature over 50 music performance debuts, ten new culinary experiences, nighttime programming, and special 40th-anniversary components. Today, Android and iPhone users can install the newly updated French Quarter Fest app to access the schedule, culinary lineup, maps, and more.

For four decades French Quarter Festival has remained committed to providing a high-quality event that is accessible to all. “As a free event, French Quarter Festival is truly for everyone and we cannot wait to celebrate and share this milestone with our community,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “We are proud to be able to produce an event that truly represents the depth and diversity of New Orleans’ creative spirit with more than 30 varieties of music on 20 stages, and over 60 culinary experiences. Our team is excited to bring fan favorites back like Fireworks on the river, the FQF After Dark Series, and launch special features like the 40th Anniversary Hub, and so many new and upcoming artists and restaurants.”

Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners to celebrate this milestone on Thursday, April 13 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.

Music Schedule Revealed

More than 270 Performances including more than 50 debuts

The music lineup is sure to please everyone with more than 270 performances from a variety of genres across 20 stages. The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage brings four days of music including headliners The Soul Rebels ft. Big Freedia, Ani DiFranco, Samantha Fish, and Tank and the Bangas. On Thursday night, Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans closes out the stage with her last note followed by a special 40th-anniversary fireworks show on the riverfront, made possible by New Orleans & Company. Returning to JAX Lot, the Chevron Stage is a longtime Cajun/Zydeco destination well-known for its dancing crowds and energetic sounds. This year the Chevron Evening Concert Series features Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Erica Falls, Louisiana’s LeRoux, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, and free dance lessons daily.

The GE Stage in Jackson Square kicks off Thursday following the Festival’s Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the weekend with New Orleans’ most respected artists and culture-bearers including Lena Prima, The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, debut artist Charlie Gabriel and a special performance from Solid Harmony – A Tribute to Topsy Chapman, who began her FQF journey the inaugural year. Artists on the Jack Daniel’s Stage in Canal Plaza bring a variety of sounds including performances from Latin band Muévelo, Rock artist and debut Zita, and favorites like R&B group Water Seed and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. At the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage, the lineup includes debut Rachel Fleetwood & Perfect Love Band, Higher Heights Reggae Band, Bag of Donuts, whose costumes are sure to liven up even the quietest Fest fan, a Sunday morning Gospel performance from debut choir The Zion Harmonizers and more.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint is now home to the Credit Human Songwriter Stage inside the museum on the 3rd floor Saturday – Sunday and will include performances and talks from artists such as Mia Borders and Cole Williams. Outside, fans can enjoy more than a dozen brass bands Friday-Sunday on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage, and the WWL-TV Esplanade in the Shade Stage brings debut Jason Neville FunkySoul Band, Astral Project, Iceman Special, and more to the Festival. Stop by the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage Friday-Sunday for a fusion of Latin beats, World Music, and Jazz from debuts like Cyrus Nabipoor Quintet and Javier Olondo & AsheSon. Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage located at the Homer A. Plessy Community School brings youth from across the city to perform including the John Ehret Jazz Ensemble and Edna Karr.

The festival brings more 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 and Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, the Omni Royal Orleans Stage, Hancock Whitney Stage, and Zapp’s Potato Chips Stage. FQF also welcomes the Loyola University Stage at 400 Royal Street which kicks off Saturday with a performance by current students in the Loyola University Contemporary Ensemble(s).

The complete Music Cchedule is now available on frenchquarterfest.org.

60+ Culinary Experiences

Calories Well Worth It!

The 2023 French Quarter Festival Culinary Lineup, sponsored by Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, returns with New Orleans’ most infamous dishes, as well as new takes on the classics and items that can only be found at the Fest.

This year FQF welcomes ten culinary debuts including Vietnamese cuisines from 9 Roses with a Pork Belly Banh Mi and Bao Mi with Bulgogi Fries. Acropolis on Freret brings their famous Dolmadas (grape leaves rolled with rice and pine nuts), Heard Dat Kitchen serves up their special Skeesh Shrimp, Baroness with their Sock-It-To-Me Shrimp Dip, and Boulevard American Bistro will be dishing out their Boulevard Crispy Oysters. Debuts also include Monday with a Whole Deep Fried Snapper and Seafood Gumbo, Paco’s Taco, Louisiana Fish Fry with Nola Crawfish King, Creole Country Cafe. Other returning favorites include Café Dauphine, Dickie Brennan’s & Co., Tujague’s Restaurant, Mrs. Wheat’s Pies, and Addis Nola.

The complete Culinary Lineup is available at frenchquarterfest.org.

FQF 40th Anniversary Hub & Special Events

In celebration of four decades of showcasing all the best Louisiana has to offer, producers have curated several elements over the four-day weekend to commemorate the occasion.

On Thursday morning, everybody’s invited to meet at the 200 Block of Bourbon Street for the Festival Kick-Off Parade with performing bands such as The Black Magic Drumline and New Birth Brass Band. The event begins at 10 am and proceeds down to St. Ann St. where it then turns to make its way to Jackson Square for the Festival’s Opening Ceremony, at the GE Stage. The ceremony will include remarks from founders and festival dignitaries and ends with a blessing of the weather and kicks off the first performance. Opening day 40th-anniversary celebrations will culminate with a fireworks display over the Mississippi River after Irma Thomas’ performance at the Abita Stage, courtesy of New Orleans & Company.

Throughout the weekend fest-goers can step into the Official 40th Anniversary Hub located at the top of Oscar Dunn Park (across from Jackson Square) to follow our story through images and interviews with founding members, artists, sponsors, and more. A special installation, created by JAMNOLA and Where Y’Art Works artists, will sit at the top of the park for photo opportunities with your favorite French Quarter scenes as the backdrop.

Another first for the Fest, fans can grab a photo at the #FQFestFaves Photo Booth powered by Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails and Curio Bistro located in Oscar Dunn Park’s amphitheater. The photo booth camper is a first-of-its-kind for New Orleans from The Happy Photobooth.

In addition, the Garden of Legends, curated by JAMNOLA artist Brennan Steele, returns to Fest in Woldenberg Park near the Abita Stage. The 2023 Garden of Legends includes the likeness of Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, Tarriona “Tank” Ball (Tank and the Bangas), and this year, the addition of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (Golden Eagles).

FQF After Dark

And the beat goes on!

For the second year, The FQF After Dark Series expands the fan experience 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 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 – 12 am

Cover: $45

Friday, April 14, 2023

FQF After Dark at Three Keys at ACE Hotel Featuring John Michael Bradford & the Vibe + special guests

Address: 600 Carondelet St. New Orleans

Time: 9 pm – 10:30pm

Cover: $25

Tickets can be purchased here

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: 9pm (Doors open at 9pm, Show Starts at 10pm)

Cover: $35

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

Tickets can be purchased here

Chevron Children’s STEM Zone

A Gold Medal Experience For Curious Minds Of Olympic Size

Saturday and Sunday families are invited to Chevron’s “STEM Olympics,” to engage with fascinating activities. “We welcome kids from the Crescent City and around the world to the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone at French Quarter Festival. 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,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “This year we will showcase a ‘STEM Olympics’ and provide a gold medal experience with activities created by twelve of our community partners. We’re proud to once again bring The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone to French Quarter Festival and invite everyone to stop by.”

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.

Chevron Children’s STEM Zone will return to the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street at the River from 11am-5pm both days.

Official Festival Merchandise

A Nod to Four Decades of Music, Food & Culture!

The 2023 FQF Merchandise lineup gives a special nod to the 80s era with bright colors, nostalgic elements, a special remake of an original 80’s tee design, and a 40th-anniversary custom lapel pin. All items will be available at Fest and online, after the festival. This year’s Official Festival Poster, designed by TILT Studio artists, and short-sleeve shirt can be purchased online today, as well as at the festival in the merch shop.

Fest in Style!

While the Fest is free, fans can support the event and experience French Quarter Festival in style by becoming members of the NOLA.com Fest Family Experience! Fest Family members will enjoy exclusive elevated viewing stands near the riverfront Abita Beer Stage, hospitality lounges at the Chevron Stage and Jack Daniel’s Stage. Members can enjoy chair massages brought to you by Spa 2 Geaux daily from 1pm-3pm in JAX Brewery Lot near the Chevron Stage and free phone charging provided by MobileQubes at each location. Pass benefits also include private bars with 3 complimentary drinks per day (and option to redeem at all festival beverage locations), air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive programming, complimentary Satchmo SummerFest tickets, and more!

This year, the program will offer four-day weekend passes for $429 or single-day passes for $129, in advance. As an added perk, four-day weekend pass holders will receive a 30% discount to JAMNOLA. A limited number of memberships are available and help to fund the free, local event. Fans can become a member and support the fest by purchasing your passes today.

Sponsors & YOU Help To Keep French Quarter Fest a

FREE Community Event

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 40-year history of providing high-quality community events that welcome locals and guests. In order to keep the festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, as well as beverage and merchandise sales. We also recognize and appreciate our festival family who contribute to our success by purchasing merchandise and upgraded festival experiences, becoming a musician sponsor, and donating directly to our organization

French Quarter Fest Sponsors Include: Chevron, Abita Brewing Company, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Alka Seltzer, AOS Interior Environments , Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, The Berger Company, Blue Bikes, Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, Brown-Forman, Café Beignet, Caesars New Orleans – Coming 2024, Clarion Herald, Cumulus New Orleans, Super Chevy Dealers , Crescent Crown Distributing, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, Downbeat Magazine , el Jimador Tequila , Finlandia Vodka , Fords Gin, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, French Market Coffee , French Market Corporation , Friend Of Fest, Funny Bird, GE , Hancock Whitney , House Of Blues , The Helis Foundation, I.T.S Fire Alarm Security, Jack Daniel’s , Land of Dreams Foundation, JAMNOLA , Jones Walker , Keesler Federal Credit Union , Korbel California Champagne , KREWE, Landry’s Seafood House , LeafFilter, Louisiana Cookin’, Louisiana Division Of The Arts , Louisiana Fish Fry , Louisiana Lottery Corporation , Louisiana Travel, Loyola University, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Metropolitan Human Services District, Morris Bart, LLC., Music Performance Trust Fund, National Endowment For The Arts , New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz Museum At The Old U.S. Mint , New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park , New Orleans Public Belt, New Orleans Steamboat Company , Offbeat Magazine , Omni Royal Orleans , Pan-American Life Insurance Group , Park First , Pepsi , The Plant Gallery , Port Of New Orleans , Renaissance Publishing, Republic National Distributing Company , Royal Sonesta New Orleans , Sal Borelli, Sonoma-Cutrer Wines, Starry, T-Mobile, Telemundo 42 New Orleans, The Happy Photobooth, Three Keys at ACE Hotel, Times-Picayune-Nola.Com-Gambit , Tipitina’s, Touro, Tropical Isle, The Westin New Orleans, vIVe Hydration Therapy, WGSO 990AM, Where Y’at Magazine, Windsor Court Hotel, WWNO 89.9FM, WWOZ 90.7FM, WWL-TV, Zapp’s Potato Chips

French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Holidays New Orleans Style 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. The 2022 French Quarter Festival generated an economic impact of nearly $250M. For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc. or any of these events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit http://www.fqfi.org.