Break out the party hats. Clink your glasses in celebration. 2017 marks the 34th anniversary of the French Quarter Festival.

Back in 1984, this music event began as a small, neighborhood festival geared towards locals. Today, it has grown to host more than half a million locals and out-of-town visitors.

There's much to love about this longtime festival favorite, like its 23 stages and 400-plus hours of live entertainment. But a large part of its popularity is due to its price tag—it's absolutely free to hear all of that outstanding music! It is known as the South's largest free music festival. 

Here's what you need to know about the 2017 French Quarter Festival:

Save the Date

April 6-9, 2017

Where Is It?

The festival takes place throughout the French Quarter, with stages and events between Bourbon Street and the Mississippi Riverfront, spanning from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.

How To Get There

Take a New Orleans streetcar or bus to the venue. Or ride a bike and take advantage of the bike parking. Learn more about transporation options to the festival. 

Music Lineup

You won't believe the variety of music you'll hear at this festival, from traditional jazz to New Orleans funk and classical to zydeco. Here are a just a few of the notable artists performing this year: Amanda Shaw, Irma Thomas, Meschiya Lake & the Little Big Horns, Aaron Neville, The Dixie Cups, Cubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, The Soul Rebels, the all-female Original Pinettes Brass Band, John "Papa" Gros and so, so, so many more. Get the full line up here. 

What To Eat

Though the event is free, you definitely want to bring your wallet to enjoy the amazing festival foods. Make sure you visit each of the food and beverage zones to eat the best of the best from New Orleans. Vendors will be located in Jackson Square, the Jax Brewery parking lot, the Woldenberg Riverfront Areas and the Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint.

Feast on cochon de lait po'boys, boiled crawfish and snoballs. Sip on Abita Beer, Pat O'Brien's Hurricanes and more. This is a great opportunity to sample a variety of New Orleans' best dine-in restaurants, like Galatoire's, Broussard's, Antoine's and Court of Two Sisters. More than 60 food vendors will be on hand. 

Get Your Groove On

Check out the free dance lessons at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, the Chevron Cajun/Zydeco Stage and the Children's Stage.

Best Way To Stay In-the-Know

Get the free French Quarter Festival app, available for iPhone and Android. Receive up-to-the-minute announcements, music schedules, menus, shuttle information and more.

Where To Stay

Search our listings for a variety of affordable New Orleans accommodations.