Music
performances are made possible by the Musicians Mutual Protective
Union Local No. 174-496, the Music Performance Trust Fund,
and over 50 entertainment sponsors. Our family of entertainment
sponsors includes local businesses, music clubs, restaurants,
record companies and private individuals who support the New
Orleans music community.
What
is French Quarter Festival?
The award-winning French Quarter Festival is Louisiana's largest
free music event, a three-day local music showcase scattered
throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. There
are music performances on 15 stages. The community festival
also features the "World's Largest Jazz Brunch,"
which are the festival food booths operated by nearly 60 local
chefs and restaurants throughout the festival weekend.
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When
is the festival?
The
festival usually falls on the second full weekend in April.
Sometimes, Easter will fall on that weekend, so please check
with us before making your travel arrangements if you are
unsure of the exact dates.
2005 - April 8-10
2006 - April 21-23
2007 - April 13-15
2008 - April 11-13
2009 - April 17-19
2010 - April 9-11
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How
much does it cost to attend French Quarter Festival?
The
three-day weekend festival is free and there is no cost to
attend any of the performances. The only costs are for food,
beverage and merchandise purchases on festival grounds, and
certain off-site special events.
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Where
is French Quarter Festival held?
French
Quarter Festival is held throughout the historic French Quarter
(Vieux Carre) neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana. Music
stages are located at Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront
Park, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the French Market Performance
Pavilion and, in the past, Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S.
Mint. "World's Largest Jazz Brunch" booths can be
found in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and,
in the past, Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint. Special events take place at various locations throughout
the French Quarter; see listings for details. Also see our
map.
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Where
do I park?
Since
the festival takes place on public property, we do not have
designated parking areas. There are many paid parking areas
in the French Quarter and all are filled on a first come first
serve basis. Parking lots in the French Quarter generally
fill up early during special events, such as French Quarter
Festival, so come early!
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Can
I bring my cooler or ice chest?
French
Quarter Festival does not allow coolers, ice chests or large
containers in major festival areas. The free event receives
no public funding, and its success and continuation relies
solely upon beverage/merchandise revenues. Help keep the festival
free by purchasing your beverages at the festival!
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Who
produces French Quarter Festival?
The
festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., a
501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. FQFI has a full-time staff
of six and a volunteer corps of nearly 1,000. The organization
also produces other free community events, including Satchmo
SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December.
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How
do I book a hotel room for the festival?
Click
here to book a room!
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Are
festival grounds wheelchair accessible?
All
music stages are wheelchair accessible via the many public
sidewalks found throughout the French Quarter.
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How
do I volunteer for French Quarter Festival?
Please
call (504) 522-5730 or click
here to learn about our many exciting team and individual
volunteer positions. The festival is largely run by volunteers,
whose tireless dedication has helped FQF to grow.
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How
can I get a job or internship with French Quarter Festivals,
Inc.?
FQFI is currently not accepting applications for fulltime
employment. Undergraduate and graduate students interested
in an unpaid internship (either for credit or not for credit)
should send a resume and cover letter to FQFI, 400 N. Peters
St., Ste. 205, New Orleans, LA 70130. Interns should be dependable
and want to work in a fast-paced special events environment.
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How
do I perform at French Quarter Festival?
The
festival is a showcase for New Orleans musicians. You must
be a local New Orleans musician/band to perform at the festival.
The only exceptions made are for Cajun and zydeco performers
from throughout the Louisiana region and for international
(overseas) groups who perform their interpretation of traditional
jazz. We are not currently accepting performance requests
for national artists from outside Louisiana, high school marching
bands or performance troupes, or dance teams.
Music
performances at the free community festival are made possible
by the Musicians Union -- Local 174-496/Music Performance
Trust Fund and by over 50 entertainment sponsors, ranging
from music venues and restaurants to record companies and
private individuals. Please call (504) 522-5730 or email
us to learn more about entertainment sponsorship or the
music application process.
If
you feel your band qualifies as a potential performer, please
send a press kit (CD, press release, photo) to FQFI, 400 N.
Peters St., Ste. 205, New Orleans, LA, 70130. Although press
kits are accepted throughout the year, we recommend sending
them from August through November.
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How
do I become a food vendor?
In
order to qualify as a food vendor, you must own and operate
a restaurant in the French Quarter, New Orleans, or the surrounding
areas. Caterers, commercial vendors, or any company from outside
of Louisiana are not considered. Restaurants that have more
than 3 locations, or are considered a chain or franchise may
not be considered. The applications are usually sent in December
and each restaurant must go through an application and approval
process as set forth by the Jazz Brunch Committee. If you
feel your restaurant meets these basic requirements, you may
contact us at (504) 522-5730 or email feedback@fqfi.org
to receive information.
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Does
the festival have an official tour operator?
FQFI does not make recommendations or referrals on tours operators.
There are several local companies that offer FQF packages.
You may call the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention Visitors
Bureau at (504) 566-5011 for general tourism information or
visit www.neworleanscvb.com for a list of tour operators.
For a list of festival hotels, click
here.
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Can I bring my pets to the festival?
Sorry - pets are discouraged, and prohibited in some areas.
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