French Quarter Events

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

Photo: The Creole Tomato Festival at the French Market, photo by Ellis Anderson for FQJ.

On the Horizon

FQJ’s favorite neighborhood events! 

     photo: Satchmo Summerfest, photo by Melanie Cole for FQJ

FQJ’s Don’t Miss List

Friday, June 5: 5pm - 8pm

1st Friday on Royal

Artwalk in the lower blocks of Royal Street

Art, Music, Drinks

  • On the first Friday of every month, participating locations stay open late – from 5pm to 8pm, offering a special opportunity to meet artists, view and purchase art, and enjoy wine, conversation, and even live music at select venues.

    Galleries and artist-run studios along Royal Street will showcase their latest works, making it the perfect evening to experience the vibrant creative community of the French Quarter.

    The Royal Street Arts District is home to over 40 galleries, studios, and shops celebrating local and regional artistry.

Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7: 10am – 2pm

French Market District

40th Annual Creole Tomato Festival

photo: Ellis Anderson

  • It’s the 40th annual this year, happy b-day, French Market!

    • Live music all weekend on two stages: French Market and Dutch Alley.

    • Creole Tomatoes for sale and in food booths,

    • Free activities for the entire family.

    • Free dance lessons.

    • Miss Creole Tomato Pageant

    • Tomato eating contests

    Find the full schedule of events here on the French Market website!

Saturday, June 6: arrival and parade 6–9pm, street party 9–11pm

Bourbon Street

Gumball 3000 parade and street party

  • Gumball 3000, a celebrity motor rally and lifestyle brand founded in 1999 by one Maximillion Cooper, takes exotic cars on a different 3,000-mile route somewhere on the globe each year, with participants often paying more than $100,000 for the pleasure.

    This year’s route is Miami to Mexico City, with stops in Amelia Island, New Orleans, Austin, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende.

    Look for celebrity drivers, free festivities, and live DJ performances through 11pm, with the official car viewing parade on Canal and Bourbon Streets 6–9pm and Gumball Street Party 9–11pm.

    More info here.

Wednesday, June 10: 6pm

The Historic BK House, 1113 Chartres Street

Quarter Kaleidoscope

  • The Historic BK House & Gardens, in collaboration with VCPORA and French Quarter Journal, hosts another unforgettable evening of Quarter Kaleidoscope, a live storytelling event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter community.

    Residents, business owners, and community members share personal stories that weave together the unique history of the Quarter.

    This event showcases stories by: Liz Green, Amzie Adams, Eric Burt, Glenn Miller, and Alicia Renee (AKA Blue Eyes).

    Check out our archive of stories featuring past Quarter Kaleidoscope storytellers!

    Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now for this special night of storytelling, starting at 6:00 PM at the Historic BK House.

    Tickets and more info here

Saturday, June 13, 6–10pm

Pride Parade

photo: Ellis Anderson
  • Below are 50 upcoming events happening in the FQ and surrounding neighborhoods. Want even more? Click the button at the bottom.  
  • For a complete list of live music happenings in the city, check out WWOZ’s Livewire Music Calendar!

  • Join our Readers’ Circle.

  • Have a story idea? Are you a writer with a pitch? Email us.