French Quarter Events

Our curated list of upcoming neighborhood happenings is updated each Tuesday, so check back often!

Easter in the Quarter, photo by Ellis Anderson. See our mega photo album from 2024 and get revved up for the 2025 parades!

FQJ’s Don’t-Miss List

Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter

  • Since 1984, the French Quarter Festival has celebrated the essence of New Orleans with over 20 stages showcasing every genre of local music, from traditional jazz to brass bands and Zydeco. Known as the city’s “favorite festival,” this event highlights the culinary excellence of over 60 Louisiana restaurants and attracts visitors from around the world to the iconic French Quarter.

Want it bigger? Click on the map icon below for a PDF version

Special Happenings During French Quarter Fest

April 10, Thursday, 10am

French Quarter Fest Opening Parade

Starts 200 block Bourbon Street

  • ~ Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners to kick off this year’s French Quarter Fest on Thursday, at the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade.

    The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street down to St. Ann Street, where it turns and makes its way to Jackson Square for the annual Opening Day Ceremony.

April 10, Thursday, 6pm - 8pm

Exhibit Opening - A Wonderful World

Jazz and Blues Musician Portraits by Richard Corman

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade, Second Floor

  • Join us for the opening of a powerful new photography exhibition by renowned artist Richard Corman, presented in collaboration with the Jazz Foundation of America. “A WONDERFUL WORLD” features striking portraits of jazz and blues musicians from across the U.S., celebrating their artistry and resilience. The evening includes a special live performance by Charmaine Neville.

    Free and open to the public.

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Visit

April 10, Thursday: Show opens at Cabildo

April 12, Saturday, 10am - 10:45am: Reenactment in Jackson Square

April 12, Saturday, 12:45: “Lafayette” greets crowds from Cabildo balcony

April 12, Saturday, 11:30am - 4pm: Hospitality Suite in the Cabildo, details in “Read More”

  • ~ The Louisiana Museum Foundation will host a special event in partnership with The Louisiana State Museum | Cabildo to kick off French Quarter Fest in Jackson Square and to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans.

    ~ Join Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser as he welcomes and introduces a historical re-enactment of Lafayette’s Address from the Jackson Square stage.

    ~ Lafayette is played by Marke Schneider, noted Colonial Williamsburg historical interpreter.

    ~Gates will open early for this special presentation.

    ~At 12:45, Lafayette will greet crowds from the Cabildo balcony.

    ~A new exhibit on Lafayette opens on April 10 in the Cabildo and will be up through January 18.

    ~ Following the reenactment of Lafayette’s Welcome Address, The Louisiana Museum Foundation will host the Lafayette Lounge inside The Cabildo starting at 11:30 am. Tickets to the Lafayette Lounge include all-day re-entry to the first and second floors of The Cabildo Galleries, inclusive of the new Bienvenue Lafayette exhibition, as well as two free drink tickets followed by cash bars, complimentary food, clean bathrooms, air conditioning, and comfortable seating to retreat from the hustle and bustle of French Quarter Fest.

    ~ Wristbands are $50 and the Lounge is open until 4:00 PM.

    ~$10 Youth Tickets 17 & Under

April 12, Saturday, 10am - 2pm

Family Day At THNOC, “Making it Home”

The Historic New Orleans Collection, Tricentennial Wing, 520 Royal Street

Free and open to public

  • Community members of all ages are invited to celebrate the opening of HNOC’s new exhibition “Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans,” with a day of family-friendly activities exploring Vietnamese migration to the Crescent City. Admission is free and open to the public and no registration is required.

    10:30 a.m. - Story Time
    11:00 a.m. - Organ demonstration
    11:30 a.m. - YALA presents Zohar and the Free Spirit Stilt Walkers
    12:30 p.m. - Making It Home gallery talk
    1:30 p.m. - Story Time
    1:45 p.m. - NOLA Nite Market presents Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team

    The Shop at the Collection will have items featuring traditional Vietnamese iconography, local art created by Vietnamese makers, and a pop-up “vending machine” with mini prints depicting Vietnamese cultural elements.

    The Café will feature menu items from Dough Nguyener’s throughout the month of April, including specials made with groceries from Veggi Farmers Cooperative in New Orleans East, a Vietnamese-run farm. 

    Admission is free and open to the public and no registration is required.

    Learn more: https://hnoc.org/events/making-it-home-community-day

April 1 - April 13

Ahead at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

626 Frenchmen Street

Image: Dr. Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band, two shows on April 12. Click tickets below to get yours now.

  • ~ FQJ's Fave: Dr. Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band, Saturday, April 12!

    Click here for the full month's schedule and links to purchase tickets!

Remaining Shows: April 17 - May 1

Rhythm & Roses Concert Series Returns!

Historic BK House and Gardens, 1113 Chartres Street

  • April 17: Amanda Shaw

  • April 24: Amina Scott

  • May 1: Kristin Diable & Radio Bird String Quartet

  • Rhythm & Roses is back for its highly anticipated 2025 season, bringing real New Orleans music to the rose-filled garden of the BK House. This beloved live music concert series showcases the best of jazz, blues, funk, and folk, celebrating the city’s rich musical traditions in an unforgettable outdoor setting.

    🎵 Join us for an incredible lineup:

    🌹 March 27 – Cha Wa
    🌹 April 3 – Yusa
    🌹 April 17 – Amanda Shaw
    🌹 April 24 – Amina Scott
    🌹 May 1 – Kristin Diable & Radiobird String Quartet

    Enjoy live music under the stars, a breathtaking garden atmosphere, and the soulful sounds of New Orleans musicians. Get your tickets now!

  • Below are 50 upcoming events happening in the FQ and surrounding neighborhoods. Want even more? Click the button at the bottom, which will take you to our FB Events page.

  • Our events are curated. For a complete list of live music happenings in the city, check out WWOZ’s Livewire Music Calendar!

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