French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) has announced highlights for the 2026 French Quarter Festival, the nation’s largest free celebration of Louisiana music, food and culture. The four-day festival returns to the French Quarter from April 16–19, 2026.
“Each year, French Quarter Festival brings the culture of New Orleans to life in a way that feels both authentic and welcoming,” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of FQFI. “We’re excited to be expanding our footprint and look forward to welcoming our community to celebrate the music, food and traditions that make the French Quarter unlike anywhere else.”
This year, the festival footprint expands along the Mississippi River with a new site in Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf. “Expanding access to the riverfront from Crescent Park offers locals and visitors an unmatched view of the Mississippi River,” said Michael J. Sawaya, chief executive officer of Audubon Nature Institute and L. Ronald Forman Chair of
Conservation Leadership. “We look forward to partnering with French Quarter Festival to introduce this beautiful park to the community.”
This year’s French Quarter Festival promises an expansive lineup of more than 300 performances, blending beloved local icons
The 2026 commemorative poster is best described as New Orleans Modern Art Nouveau, drawing
inspiration from classic art nouveau forms and movement, filtered through a distinctly local lens. Bold,
rhythmic, and celebratory, the design reflects the energy, diversity, and spirit of the festival and the city it
calls home.
with highly anticipated debuts. Returning favorites include Irma Thomas, Hasizzle with TBC Brass Band, Cyril Neville and Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, along with a highly anticipated debut from Dawn Richard. Festival premieres this year include nationally Bobby Rush, soul and funk group Sir Chantz Powell & The Sound Of Funk (S.O.F.), and Kyle Roussel’s Church of New Orleans. Additional first-time performers include rising regional favorites Victor Campbell & Timba Swamp, T’Monde, B. Cam & The Zydeco Young Bucks, Yvette Landry & the Jukes and Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and the Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band. Genre-spanning acts making their festival debut include R & R Smokin’ Foundation, LSD Clownsystem, Lily Unless and The If Onlys, The River Benders, and Ashton Hines and the Big Easy Brawlers.
The Louisiana Fish Fry Stage will showcase the best of New Orleans brass and DJ talent in a combined footprint this year, featuring crowd favorite DJ Poppa, known for his legendary bounce mixes, alongside traditional New Orleans brass band performances by the Big 6 Brass Band. The Jack Daniel’s Stage moves downriver at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park with a powerhouse lineup including Cupid & the Dance Party Express, Irma Thomas and Big Freedia. More additions to the lineup will be announced in late February.
Local artist Anne Lipscomb has been named the official 2026 French Quarter Festival poster artist. Lipscomb, a multidisciplinary artist working in digital illustration, watercolor, and pencil, designed a New Orleans Modern Art Nouveau–inspired poster that captures the energy, diversity, and spirit of the city and festival. The commemorative poster and matching T-shirt will be available for purchase through the festival shop, priced at $35 and $33 respectively.
A full list of currently confirmed musical performances is available at here.
