The French Quarter Festival, presented by Chevron and organized by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), is set to bring its vibrant celebration to the heart of New Orleans from April 11-14, 2024.
Renowned as the largest free festival of Louisiana’s music, food, and culture, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to experience the authentic spirit of the region. With a schedule packed with over 270 performances on 21 stages, including 40+ debut acts, and culinary delights from more than 60 renowned restaurants and chefs, the 2024 French Quarter Festival promises to be a spectacular four-day journey with Louisiana’s living legends.
Following the success of its 40th anniversary, the festival is raising the bar even higher in 2024. Emily Madero, President & CEO of FQFI, shared her excitement about introducing new elements, including two new stages – the DJ Stage and the Culinary Stage presented by Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails. The festival’s expansion into Spanish Plaza, in partnership with Riverwalk Outlets, provides more space for fans to enjoy the festivities, echoing the festival’s increasing popularity which welcomed more than 875,000 fans over four days in 2023.
Alongside the vibrant cultural attractions and the bustling music scene, New Orleans is also experiencing a surge in its hospitality sector. The city has recently welcomed an array of new hotels, each offering unique accommodations that cater to the diverse needs of travelers. From luxurious boutiques to economical options, these new establishments are enhancing the city’s reputation as a top destination for both leisure and business travelers. For a detailed look at these new additions to New Orleans’ hotel landscape, click here to read our comprehensive article on the latest hotel openings in the city.
Chevron returns as the presenting sponsor, with Leah Brown, Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager, expressing pride in supporting the event’s mission to showcase New Orleans’ unique culture and heritage. This long-standing partnership has been instrumental in promoting the economic and cultural vitality of the community.
The 2024 festival celebrates Louisiana’s rich musical heritage, featuring legends like Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, and George Porter Jr., among others. The new DJ Stage at Aquarium Plaza is set to host 24 DJs, offering a diverse range of music from Hip-Hop to Electronic, and Cumbia to Afrobeats. Debut performances include artists like Teedra Moses and The Original Pinettes with Mia X, adding to the festival’s eclectic lineup.
Moreover, the festival has expanded to include Spanish Plaza, showcasing performances on the Jack Daniel’s Stage, and introducing the WWL Louisiana Media Stage for more VIP hospitality options. The Chevron Evening Concert Series returns with festival favorites like The Soul Rebels and Big Freedia, while the riverfront Abita Beer Stage features America’s Got Talent winners Chapel Hart.
The culinary lineup, sponsored by Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, is a gastronomic adventure featuring over 60 vendors, including historic establishments and new additions like Miss River and Fritai Nola. Chef Kevin Belton will host culinary demos at the Culinary Stage in Aquarium Plaza, providing insights into the region’s rich culinary traditions.
In addition to the diverse musical and culinary offerings, the festival is embarking on a sustainable journey with the Geauxing Green program. With the support of Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, producers are determined to set a new standard in eco-friendly festival production in the Gulf South with the program. The ambitious milestone of achieving a 40% overall waste diversion at the 2023 Festival has ignited a wave of enthusiasm, and the momentum is set to surge even higher in 2024.
Since 2022, organizers have worked closely with culinary vendors to guarantee that all materials provided to festival-goers are high-quality, reusable, recyclable, and compostable. The initiative promotes conscious consumption, driving positive change. In addition, the Green Team Crew, consisting of over 400 volunteers from around the state, are on hand throughout the festival grounds to guide and inspire the public to use recycling and composting stations. With their energy and commitment, they aim to create an immersive experience where every attendee actively participates in the festival’s eco-friendly narrative.
Special events like the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade, free dance lessons, and family-friendly zones, including the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Kids Stage, ensure that the festival is an inclusive and engaging experience for all ages.
For more information and latest program updates, visit the French Quarter Festival website.
