French Quarter Festival proudly bills itself as the largest showcase of Louisiana music, anywhere. The 33rd annual festival which lights up the old Vieux Carré April 7-10 this year employs more than 1,700 musicians.
Considered “The World’s Largest Block Party,” the event draws visitors from all over the globe who join locals to enjoy the best of the Bayous State’s music, food, and culture, all for free.
Featuring 20 stages, 65 food-and-beverage vendors, works by New Orleans’ top artists and kid-friendly attractions, the French Quarter Festival takes place over a half dozen blocks between Bourbon Street and the Mississippi Riverfront.
There is no admission charge for the festival, and fences do not enclose the site. Festivalgoers are free to come and go as they would at any block party.
The French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7, from the 100 block of Bourbon Street and make its way to Jackson Square.
More than two dozen performers will make their FQF debuts this year, including Cowboy Mouth, Buckwheat Zydeco, and Sonny Landreth. Other newcomers will be Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, Caesar Brothers Funk Box, Cha Wa, Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires, Charlie Halloran and the Quality 6, MainLine and Mason Ruffner.
Among the scores of 2016 performers are Rory Danger & the Danger Dangers, Gina Brow
