French Quarter Festival Returns in Fall

NEW ORLEANS – So there’s a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. …

French Quarter Festivals Inc., the nonprofit organizers of French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, announced the event is scheduled to return in the fall of 2021. It will kick off on Sept. 30 and wrap on up Oct. 3 using a modified layout that adheres to CDC protocols and guidelines. In 2022, French Quarter Festival will return to its traditional April date.

“Although French Quarter Fest typically takes place in April, the ongoing COVID crisis has made it necessary for us to remain flexible,” said Emily Madero, CEO of FQFI, in a press release. “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.”

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FQFI said it coordinated with stakeholders, industry peers, and city officials to select a 2021 date to “best support the city’s rebound this fall.” The annual festival celebrating Louisiana music, food and culture hires more than 1,500 Louisiana musicians and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans. In 2019, the attendance was an estimated 825,000 with an economic impact of nearly $200M. The 2020 French Quarter Festival was canceled due to COVID. 

“Chevron is proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of French Quarter Festival, the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “We are especially excited about the positive impact the festival will have on local small businesses. It will also be a chance to reunite with family, friends and visitors, support Louisiana musicians, and once again celebrate the Crescent City’s special culture, character and cuisine. Chevron thanks the French Quarter Fest staff for their longstanding partnership as well as their commitment to the wellbeing of attendees.”

No word yet about 2021 plans from the producers of Essence Fest, Jazz Fest or any of the city’s other iconic cultural events but the French Quarter Fest news certainly raises optimism.

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