Special Events

Stay Tuned for FRENCH QUARTER FEST 2024 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 Fest on Thursday, April 11 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.

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 11 – Sunday, Apr 14, 2024

Dance Lessons presented by French Market Corporation:

    •  12:20 PM – 12:40 pm
    • 1:50 PM – 2:10 pm

French Market Traditional Jazz Stage – French Marketplace

Friday, April 12 – Sunday, Apr 14, 2024

Dance Lessons presented by French Market Corporation:

      • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
      • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
      • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
      • 5:05 PM – 5:30 PM

    The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone

    Toulouse Street at the Natchez Wharf on the River,

    Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 14 11am to 5pm

    On Saturday and Sunday of French Quarter Festival, families are invited to take a journey of discovery at Chevron’s STEM Exscavaganza: A Louisiana Scavenger Hunt“We welcome kids from the Crescent City and around the world to the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone at the festival. This fun, interactive environment is designed to foster a passion for learning by showing young men and women how science, technology, engineering, and math are the foundation of their future success,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “This year we will showcase STEM Exscavaganza and ask kids to scavenge for exciting STEM concepts presented by eleven 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 who will host stations include Audubon Nature Institute, NASA Astro Camp, Project Lead the Way, The Water Institute, NAMI St. Tammany, STEM NOLA, Central Creativity & LA STEM, Pontchartrain Conservancy and Northshore Technical Community College. 

    Chevron Children’s STEM Zone will be located on the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street at the river and be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. 

     

    FQF After Dark Series

    For the third 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 11, 2024

    FQF After Dark at Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery presents Where y’Art Works: Off the Record Art Exhibit & Music by Cole Williams Trio

    Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St. , NOLA 70130

    Time: 8:30 pm – 11 pm

    Cover: Complimentary Admission

     

    Friday, April 12, 2024

    FQF After Dark at Three Keys at ACE Hotel presents Pat Casey & The New Sound ft. Robin Barnes

    Address:  600 Carondelet St. New Orleans, 70130

    Time: 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm

    Cover: $25

    Saturday, April 13, 2024

    FQF After Dark at Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge presents Afrobeat NOLA ft. DJ Ojay and Kojo

    Address: 2836 LaSalle St., New Orleans, LA, 70115

    Time: 9pm – 12am 

    Cover: $10

    Tickets can be purchased here

    Sunday, April 14, 2024

    FQF After Dark at Four Seasons Hotel presents B. Lew and the Grits

    Address: 2 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

    Time: 9 pm – 10:15 pm

    Cover: $65

    Tickets can be purchased here

    More Events!

    • OFFICIAL FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST MEET-N-GREET: On Saturday, April 12, Monica Rose Kelly, the 2024 French Quarter Fest Official Poster Artist will be signing posters from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park Merchandise Booth (near the Abita Beer Stage). Both versions of the poster design are available for purchase today.

    • BALDWIN & CO. BOOKSTORE’S BEHIND THE MUSIC CHAT: Delve deep into the captivating journey of Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the mesmerizing frontwoman of Tank and The Bangas. Renowned for their Grammy-nominated tunes and eclectic fusion of soul, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz, Tank and The Bangas have captured hearts worldwide with their unique sound.In this intimate exploration, Baldwin & Co. will unravel the intricacies of Tank’s lyrical genius, peeling back the layers of her Grammy Award-winning melodies to uncover the stories and inspirations that breathe life into her music. From the fiery soul of New Orleans to the depths of personal experience, Tank’s lyrics resonate with authenticity and raw emotion, inviting listeners into a world where every word holds significance.

    Fresh off the release of their latest album, “Red Balloon,” Tank and The Bangas continue to push musical boundaries, enchanting audiences with their boundless creativity and infectious energy. Alongside her musical endeavors, Tank has showcased her poetic prowess with the release of her debut poetry book, “Vulnerable AF,” captivating readers with her candid reflections on life, love, and the human experience.

     Baldwin & Co. Bookstore will host this special one-on-one interview on Friday, April 12, immediately following the last Louisiana Seafood Songwriter Stage performance at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (3rd floor, U.S. Mint). 

    • CONGO SQUARE TO THE WORLD: THE EARLY YEARS OF NEW ORLEANS JAZZ: Opening April 11, 2024 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the U.S. Mint, this installation will chronicle the history and evolution of New Orleans jazz, exploring its diverse roots and varied trajectory, as well as highlighting the lives and legacies of key performers such as Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Lizzie Miles, and Jelly Roll Morton. The exhibit will include interactive technology, listening stations, multimedia installations, immersive experiences, and built environments optimized to convey the story of early jazz and its ongoing evolution.

    • ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT: Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3 PM. Free and open to the public