NEW ORLEANS — French Quarter Fest is celebrating its 40th anniversary with more than 270 performances across 20 stages.
Festival organizers announced the initial lineup on Tuesday, Jan. 31, featuring first-time performers The Soul Rebels with Big Freedia, Ani DiFranco and Samantha Fish, as well as returning favorites like Tank and the Bangas, John Boutte, Sweet Crude, and Robin Barnes and the Fiya Birds.
This year's French Quarter Festival takes place from April 13-16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
To kick off the festival, The Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas, will close out the first day along with a fireworks display over the river.
It's not just about the music though. This year's French Quarter Fest will host more than 60 food vendors, including favorites Addis Nola, Vaucresson’s Sausage Co., and Ajun Cajun.
This year's official poster pays tribute to the Festival's roots in the 1980s and celebrates the decades of music, food, and fun that the festival brings.
"This official kick-off to the New Orleans Festival Season is just on the heels of what we expect to be a wonderful Carnival Season," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. "I look forward to celebrating our wonderful traditions, rich heritage, and unique culture that resonate with people across the globe."
As always, the festival is free and open to the public.
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