French Quarter Events

Our curated list of upcoming neighborhood happenings is updated each Tuesday, so check back often!

Photo: George Brown at Gallatin Street Fest 2024, photo by Scott Saltzman for FQJ. 

On the Horizon

FQJ’s favorite neighborhood events!

     photo: Creole Tomato Festival in the French Market District, by Ellis Anderson

FQJ’s Don’t Miss List

Friday, April 24 and Friday, May 1, 7:30pm

Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street

Maggie Koerner and Friends

Photo: Hunter Holder for Maggie Koerner social media
  • Maggie Koerner plays Jazz Fest Afters at Marigny Opera House!

    General Admission: $40
    VIP (ground near stage) - $50
    VIP (front 2 rows of chairs) - $60

    Maggie Koerner & Friends

    Friday, April 24: Maggie Koerner, Hans Williams, Gina Leslie, Phin

    Friday, May 1: Maggie Koerner, Chelsea Hines, Lyla George, Olivia Barnes

    Both nights will feature live light painting & projection mapping by Monica Rose Kelly throughout the show.

    Decor by Voyage Living - Note: Pillows and blankets provided for VIP ground seating. Feel free to lay on the ground to fully enjoy Monica Rose Kelly’s live art on the ceilings of this beautiful historic church.

    TICKETS


Saturday, April 25, 2pm

1850 House Museum Store, 523 St. Ann Street

American 250 Tours

  • As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the story of the American Revolution often focuses heavily on the thirteen colonies and the Atlantic coast. However, the struggle for independence was a global conflict, and the Mississippi River Valley was a critical frontier.

    This specialized two-hour walking tour explores the pivotal—and often overlooked—role that New Orleans and Spanish Louisiana played in securing American independence. Led by expert guides from the Friends of the Cabildo, participants will walk through the French Quarter to uncover the sites of secret diplomacy, military staging, and the strategic genius that helped change the course of world history.

    Tour Details:
    •Duration: 2 Hours Distance: Approximately 1 mile (leisurely pace)
    •Starting Point: The 1850 House Store (523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square)
    •Capacity: Limited to small groups to ensure an intimate, conversational experience.
    •Price: $30.00 Adults ($20.00 FOC Members)
    •Spanish Language Option Available (please email admin@friendsofthecabildo.org to book)

    TICKETS


Monday, April 27, 12–7pm

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave.

Gallatin Street Fest

Photo: Scott Saltzman for FQJ fest album 2024
  • Gallatin Street Fest celebrates the artists connected to Gallatin Street Records, the museum’s in-house label dedicated to preserving and promoting New Orleans music while creating opportunities for emerging talent.

    This FREE fest features a full roster of Gallatin Street label artists, great food and drinks alllll day and into the evening! 

    Performance Schedule:

    12:00 PM – James Andrews & The Crescent City All-Stars

    1:00 PM – Joe Lastie

    2:00 PM – Grayhawk Perkins

    3:00 PM – Cha Wa

    4:00 PM – George Brown Band

    5:00 PM – Robin Barnes

    6:00 PM – Bon Bon Vivant

    DJ Archivist will keep the energy going all afternoon.


Monday, April 27, 5pm–12 midnight

House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street

WWOZ Piano Night

Photo: Oscar Rossignoli by Scott Saltzman
  • For one unforgettable night, more than two dozen pianists take the stage in celebration of the city’s legendary piano tradition, all to support WWOZ, New Orleans community radio.

    This year’s lineup is stacked with talent:

    Bill Payne (of Little Feat)
    Jojo Hermann (of Widespread Panic)
    Jon Cleary
    Judith Owen
    Joe Krown
    River Eckert
    Tom McDermott
    Oscar Rossignoli
    John "Papa" Gros
    Josh Paxton
    BC Coogan
    Tom Worrell
    Larry Sieberth
    Kyle Roussel
    Mari Watanabe
    Victor Campbell
    Shea Pierre
    Jesse McBride
    Joe Ashlar
    Al "Lil Fats" Jackson
    Keiko Komaki
    Lilli Lewis
    Mikayla Braun
    Yoshitaka "Z2" Tsuji
    Kevin "Sonny" Gullage

    Expect 5+ hours of piano, from boogie-woogie to trad jazz, modern jazz to R&B, stride to gospel, and everything in between as some of New Orleans' best honor the New Orleans piano tradition and 'OZilians from around the world gather to raise funds to keep WWOZ strong.

    This event historically sells out and 2026 will be no different!

     VIP “Byrd’s Nest” Lounge, General Admission, and Sponsorship-level tickets are available now.

    Get the details and secure your spot at wwoz.org/pianonight


Thursday, April 28, 2–7pm

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Avenue

International Jazz Day Festival

Photo: Anne Paceo courtesy New Orleans Jazz Museum  
  • Join the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Professor Gordon Towell (Loyola University), and Matt Bruzzi (Young Audiences of Louisiana) for the International Jazz Day Festival—a full day celebrating the spirit, soul, and rhythm of jazz!

    • 2pm: Showcase With Anne Paceo & Friends: Join for this special showcase by award-winning French drummer and composer Anne Paceo!

    • Live performances by groups from local schools and colleges!

    • International cuisine!

    • See our feed below for a full roster of exciting virtual festival events streaming Thursday, April 30!

    • FREE!


Wednesday, April 29, 7–10pm

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, 514 Chartres Street

Photo: Sally Baby's Silver Dollars website 
  • On the heels of their NPR Tiny Desk debut, Sally Baby brings his three-piece band, Three Silver Opera, to the historic courtyard of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.

    Oysters Dandy will be offering delicious, boutique Bright Side oysters from Grand Isle. Cash or Venmo only. Get 'em while they last!

    Enjoy a cold drink from the bar, indulge in fresh oysters from Oysters Dandy, and soak in all the beauty of this outdoor musical journey right in the middle of Jazz Fest season. Factor in your exclusive after-hours access to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum's first floor exhibits and this event truly leaves nothing to be desired!

    18+ welcome, 21+ to drink. Drinks and oysters are available to purchase using cash or Venmo.

    Please note that there will be no seating at this event, but guests are welcome to bring their fest chair or other seating of choice.

    TICKETS


  • Below are 50 upcoming events happening in the FQ and surrounding neighborhoods. Want even more? Click the button at the bottom.  
  • For a complete list of live music happenings in the city, check out WWOZ’s Livewire Music Calendar!
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