Beginning on April 12 and rolling until April 15, 2018, is the 35th annual French Quarter Fest, one of the nation’s largest free music festivals. More than a dozen stages around the French Quarter showcase music of all genres. French Quarter Fest is a local favorite, also featuring plenty of delicious eats and special events. The best news is that if you stay at the Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter Fest is just steps away from your room!
Read on for tips on how to get the most out of French Quarter Fest.
Music
The music of FQ Fest will include lots of Louisiana and international music, including jazz, Latin, rhythm and blues, Cajun and zydeco, New Orleans funk, classical, swing, rock, and more. Over 100 of New Orleans’ favorite musical performers will be there, along with other New Orleans icons enjoying the fun. For a full lineup, visit the French Quarter Fest official website here.
Food & Drink
It’s hard to determine which is better: the food or the music of New Orleans. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose at French Quarter Festival. French Quarter Fest will host vendors offering traditional New Orleans food like barbecue shrimp, cochon de lait po-boys, and plenty of crawfish. You’ll also have access to all the delicious restaurants of the French Quarter. Or, just walk downstairs and enjoy the Hotel Monteleone’s own Criollo.
The “world’s largest jazz brunch” is one of the festival’s best-known events, occurring in Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the French Quarter. A large selection of beverages and specialty items from some of the best-known restaurants in the Crescent City are available, including Pat O’Brien’s Hurricanes, jambalaya, blackened catfish po-boys, crawfish étouffée, Cajun meat pies, and more.
Lagniappe
In addition to having great music and food, French Quarter Fest will host a full schedule of special events.
Begin the festival with The French Quarter Second-Line Kickoff Parade, starting at 10 a.m., April 12, at the 100 block of Bourbon Street and ending in Jackson Square. Or, enjoy the beautiful history of Jackson Square on Sunday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Cathedral’s Annual Spring Concert. There are plenty more to choose from, and you can find a schedule of all special events here.
Hotel Monteleone is the Perfect Place to Enjoy French Quarter Festival
We’re located in the French Quarter on historic Royal Street, so you’ll have easy access to the festival. Just walk outside!
Spring festival season is a great time to enjoy the French Quarter, and this year will be no different. Book your trip now!