NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The 2025 French Quarter Fest starts Thursday and goes through the weekend. This year you'll see some additions, and one major change is the fest will be going completely cashless. More than 20 stages, 300 local music acts and 70 food vendors are all part of what makes Frenc h Quarter Fest a New Orleans tradition for the past 42 years. "We want the recognizable traditions to continue, but also incorporate new opportunities when we can," said Emily Madero, CEO of French Quarter Festivals Inc. Music, food lineup announced for 2025 French Quarter Festival There are some new additions this year, like a re-enactment of Lafayette's speech from 200 years ago in Jackson Square. Plus, the Steamboat Natchez is celebrating its 50th anniversary. So, folks are invited to a special Jazz Brunch on Saturday. The Steamboat Natchez will also host S.T.E.M. Zone, which will provide educational activities for kids throughout the weekend. "Teaching kids science, technology, engineering and math that are all hand-on with a nautical theme," she said. Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival returns for 21st year Speaking of technology, French Quarter Fest is making changes by going completely cashless this year. "We've seen so many festivals do this over the years. You can imagine producing a network, a point of sales system that would work hasn't been possible until this year. We will have an option for people who have cash. They can go to a cash exchange station in the Jax lot to get an RFID card that's pre-loaded. Come prepared to tap and swipe. We hope it makes it easy for everyone involved," Madero said. French Quarter Fest begins on Thursday and lasts through Sunday. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Legal battle between oil companies and Louisiana parishes far from over St. Tammany Parish leaders break ground on Mandeville bypass road project Growing opposition from House conservatives threatens to derail Trump's agenda Tariffs hurting investment, income, salaries in Baja, customs broker says US withholding water from Mexico to address debt, official says ...read more read less