Our Ships Have Come In!

Photo above: On Thursday morning, crew members of Peru’s BAP Union stand on the yardarms - despite forceful gusts and driving showers – to honor the port they are visiting. They join several other tall ships to begin the @Sail250 celebration.

Our little video of the Union (above) coming into New Orleans has had more than a MILLION views as of press time! See it here!

The tall ships will be here all weekend, and open for tours. You’ll find lots of other fun activities in the French Quarter all weekend that add to the celebration - including a fireworks show on Saturday!

Scroll down for details about this weekend and other fun Quarter happenings, or just go straight to our FQ Curated Events page for the full shebang!

Thank you, Rose!

Rose Ali recently became a sponsor of our Quarter Kaleidoscope publishing project at the $500 level!

The Quarter Kaleidoscope project brings together several French Quarter denizens every three months to tell fascinating stories about the neighborhood. It’s not only incredibly entertaining and uplifting - we’re documenting important slices of French Quarter life.

VCPORA, BK House and FQJ collaborate on this project, with FQJ publishing select stories in a special section of the website.

The elegant Historic BK House hosts the events! The next one takes place on Wednesday, June 10th and features:

• Amzie Adams

• Eric Burt

• Liz Green

• Ennis McKenzie

• Glenn Miller

• Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee

Only 50 tickets for this very special night were available at press time, so do not delay - grab yours now. Click here to purchase online.

Note: Many of our Annual Sponsors are businesses or organizations, but individuals can become sponsors too, just like Rose.

To explore the possibility, simply drop us a line and we’ll send you the details!

Special thanks to the Jazz & Heritage Foundation which makes the Quarter Kaleidoscope Project possible!

Sail 250 New Orleans

Thursday, May 28 – Monday, June 1

Along the New Orleans riverfront

Visible from the Bywater to the Crescent Connection twin bridges, New Orleans will be the first stop for a flotilla of tall ships from around the globe celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America.

Photo: The BAP Union from Peru, New Orleans, May 28, by Ellis Anderson

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival

Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31: 2pm doors – 8:30pm both days

George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart

Brought to you by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, this free festival has sought to celebrate and preserve southern Louisiana’s sounds and traditions since 2007.

Photo: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

First Friday on Royal

Friday, June 5, 5–8pm

Artwalk in the lower blocks of Royal Street

Get out for this monthly artwalk in the lower blocks of Royal Street!

Participating locations stay open late, offering a special opportunity to meet artists, view and purchase art, and enjoy wine, conversation, and even live music at select venues.

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

40th Annual Creole Tomato Festival

Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7: 10am – 2pm
French Market District

It’s the 40th annual this year, happy b-day, French Market!

• Live music all weekend on two stages: French Market and Dutch Alley.

• Creole Tomatoes for sale and in food booths,

• Free activities for the entire family.

• Free dance lessons.

• Miss Creole Tomato Pageant

• Tomato eating contests

Photo: Ellis Anderson

Find more information here on our curated French Quarter Events page!

Quarter Kaleidoscope

Wednesday, June 10 at 6pm

BK House & Gardens at 1113 Chartres Street

The Historic BK House & Gardens, in collaboration with VCPORA and the French Quarter Journal, will host another unforgettable evening of Quarter Kaleidoscope, a live storytelling event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter community.

Join us as residents, business owners, and community members share personal stories that weave together the unique history of the Quarter.

This event showcases stories by: Liz Green, Eric Burt, Ennis McKenzie, Amzie Adams, Glenn Miller, and Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee.

Tap here for tickets and more information

A New Orleans music festival in Paris?!!

New Orleans Music in the City of Lights October 20–26, 2026

Join the New Orleans Jazz Museum in Paris for an unforgettable collision of cultures with the 4th edition of Festival Jazz Nouvelle-Orléans à la Goutte d’Or with this exclusive travel package.

Highlights include:

• A vibrant second line through the streets of Paris

• A spirited celebration of the Saints who are playing in Paris on October 25th

• A lively tailgate and watch party experience that brings New Orleans energy to the heart of the City of Lights.

Click here to find all the fabulous details.

But you need to book quickly! Space is limited.

*Photos courtesy the New Orleans Jazz Museum