KEY TAKEAWAYS: French Quarter Festival returns April 16–19, 2026, in New Orleans Festival expands into Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park More than 300 musical performances planned across multiple stages Event will debut a new 5K run on Saturday, April 18   French Quarter Festival wi ll return to New Orleans April 16–19 with an expanded footprint along the Mississippi River, additional music programming and the debut of a new 5K run, organizers announced. French Quarter Festivals Inc., the nonprofit that produces the event, said the 2026 festival will introduce a new site at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park at Governor Nicholls Wharf, marking the first time the festival has expanded into the recently redeveloped riverfront space. Organizers say the move adds green space, improves access and allows for additional programming. “This expansion is an exciting milestone for the festival and for our guests,” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals Inc., in a statement. She said the changes are designed to enhance the experience while preserving the character of the historic French Quarter. The festival, billed as the nation’s largest free celebration of Louisiana music, food and culture, will feature more than 300 musical performances across multiple stages. Several stages will operate for four full days in 2026, including the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage at Governor Nicholls Park and the House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage, which will also host a Thursday night after-hours show. Construction at the New Orleans Jazz Museum has prompted temporary stage relocations, including moving the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage to the riverfront near the Audubon Aquarium. That stage will showcase an expanded lineup of DJs and brass bands and run all four days of the festival. Michael J. Sawaya, CEO of Audubon Nature Institute, said the partnership provides an opportunity to introduce the riverfront park to a broader audience while offering festivalgoers new views of the Mississippi River. In addition to music, the festival will debut a 5K run on Saturday, April 18. Organizers said the race is intended to broaden the festival experience by combining fitness and community engagement. Registration opened Feb. 3. The preliminary music lineup includes returning New Orleans artists such as Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville and Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, along with first-time festival appearances by Bobby Rush and Dawn Richard. Additional performers are expected to be announced later this month, with the full schedule set for release in March. Food will remain a central focus of the festival, with more than 275 menu items planned. New vendors will join longtime favorites, while live cooking demonstrations will return to the Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage. Local brewery Abita is also returning as a major sponsor and will debut a new ready-to-drink vodka cocktail during the event. Founded in 1984, French Quarter Festival has grown into one of New Orleans’ signature cultural events, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees annually and generating significant economic activity for the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors. More information on music, food and festival updates is available at frenchquarterfest.org. ...read more read less