FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL April 11-13, 2008

A Musical Extravaganza in the Vieux Carre

(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 29, 2008 ) New Orleans, LA – The French Quarter Festival amplifies the good times in the Vieux Carre with three days of free entertainment including more than 150 performances on 15 stages. Held annually in mid-April, great food, second-lines, impromptu performances, special events, and some of Louisiana’s greatest jazz and blues musicians make this one of Louisiana’s top festivals.



The fact that the festival is scattered throughout New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood is what makes it so appealing. Visitors can stroll from stage to stage, take in the Quarter’s historic architecture, stop in at an art gallery or grab a bite to eat at dozens of restaurants. The French Market is always a great place for souvenir shopping while the riverfront is usually packed with thousands of people sprawled out on blankets in front of the main stages. Attracting a large mix of locals and visitors, there’s no better time to experience the true heart and soul of New Orleans than to visit during this festival.



With a true dedication to supporting the local music community, the French Quarter Festival only schedules local musicians. Over the years, performers have included young fiddle sensation Amada Shaw; jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins; renowned bluesmen Coco Robicheaux, Little Freddie King and Walter “Wolfman” Washington; and Latin singing sensation Fredy Omar.



It would almost be a crime to celebrate anything in New Orleans without great food so the fest ensures its legitimacy with 60 food and beverage booths throughout the fair. Making up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” the booths serve such local delicacies as Cajun meat pies, oyster patties, alligator sausage, gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya.



French Quarter Fest is also filled with fun events for children. McDonough 15 School hosts a “Family Friendly Fest” with children’s entertainment, activities, art workshops, a visual art sale, and puppet shows.



Founded in the ‘80s, the French Quarter Fest has grown to be the largest free outdoor festival in Louisiana and attracts upwards of 400,000 visitors every year. The festival takes place in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Park, the U.S. Mint and numerous places throughout the French Quarter. Statistics from FQFI.org:

2004 Economic Impact: $75.5 Million Attendance: 65,634 non-locals

2005 Economic Impact: $ 105.5 Million Attendance: 65,270 non-locals

2006 Economic Impact: $32 million Attendance: 10,500 non-locals

2007 Economic Impact: $118 Million Attendance: 420,000 attendance (locals & non-locals)

For more information or a schedule of events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.fqfi.org.


The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year. Annually, NOTMC’s marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and publicrelations. Web sites: www.NewOrleansOnline.com; www.NewOrleansMuseums.com; www.HearNewOrleansMusic.com.

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