French Quarter Festival Returns In Fall

Allen Toussaint
Erika Goldring/Getty Images – Allen Toussaint
performs on Day 1 of French Quarter Festival on April 9, 2015 in New Orleans.
A free annual music festival that celebrates New Orleans’ historic French Quarter returns in the fall after last year’s event became a casualty to COVID-19.
The 2021 French Quarter Festival, traditionally held in April, will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 3, organizers said. It will return to its usual dates in 2022.
“As one of the largest free music and food festivals in the United States, we always want to ensure our impact is in the best interest of the City and our French Quarter neighbors and businesses.,” said Emily Madero, chief executive of French Quarter Festival, Inc.

The festival, presented by Chevron, usually has more than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter celebrating local music and representing every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. The 2021 event will have a modified layout that adheres to coronavirus protocols and guidelines, organizers said.
“We’re excited to continue our 38-year partnership with Louisiana musical artists, chefs, businesses and volunteers for our 2021 season,” Madero said. “We appreciate our partners and fans for their continued support, and we look forward to celebrating Louisiana’s incredible culture together in October.”
In 2019, the festival drew an estimated 825,000 people.