The City of New Orleans has announced comprehensive public safety preparations to ensure a smooth and secure event for the expected influx of visitors during French Quarter Fest. Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed her excitement for the festival’s return, emphasizing its status as the largest celebration of Louisiana music worldwide. With over 20 stages and nearly 60 local restaurants participating, the festival promises an abundance of entertainment and culinary delights for all attendees. The New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) office will activate the Event Command Post, collaborating with federal and state agencies to bolster security measures. Additionally, weather monitoring will be in place throughout the weekend to ensure attendees’ safety.
To manage traffic effectively, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will implement traffic restrictions, including intermittent street closures as needed to accommodate the anticipated crowds. Additional intermittent street closures might be required as crowd size warrants.
From 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Bourbon Street, from Iberville to St. Ann streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic. Only emergency vehicles will be able to cross Bourbon Street. Public safety officials will screen vehicles entering the French Quarter within the perimeter of Iberville, Decatur, Dumaine and North Rampart streets. Only residents, employees, hotel guests and taxis or ride hailing services will be allowed to drive vehicles into the French Quarter. Additionally, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the following streets and intersections will be closed to traffic:
- Rampart Street from Iberville Street to St. Ann Street
- Canal Street from Chartres Street to Burgundy Street
- Dumaine Street from Dauphine Street to Royal Street
- Decatur Street from Conti Street to Dumaine Street
In light of expected transportation impacts, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) encourages festival-goers to plan ahead and utilize public transportation options. Due to the heavy pedestrian and vehicular activity anticipated in the French Quarter, residents are advised to avoid driving in the area if not participating in festival activities. Instead, rideshare services, public transportation, and bicycling are recommended as alternative modes of transport.
As always, safety remains a top priority during major events. Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise caution in large crowds and to report any suspicious activity to public safety officials.
French Quarter Festival, which originated in 1984 under Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial’s vision, has evolved into a vibrant celebration of local music and culture. With over 270 local acts representing various genres, the festival promises an eclectic musical experience for attendees. Events will span from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 14, with the festival’s Opening Day Parade and Ceremony marking the official commencement of festivities. Additional information about festival events can be found on the festival’s official website.
French Quarter Festival
