42nd Annual French Quarter Festival-All That Jazz & More
The 42nd Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron concluded on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This festival ended on a good note while leaving lasting memories for musicians and festival goers. The four-day celebration attracted a massive crowd of foodies, music aficionados, ethnomusicologists, art patrons, historians, and history buffs from April 10 to April 13, 2025.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(New Orleans, LA) The 42nd Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron concluded on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This festival ended on a good note while leaving lasting memories for musicians and festival goers. The four-day celebration attracted a massive crowd of foodies, music aficionados, ethnomusicologists, art patrons, historians, and history buffs from April 10 to April 13, 2025.
Shout out to the weather Gods for looking down favorably upon the festival. The local forecast was pleasant and sunny, with clear blue skies.
Give yourself credit or a pat on the back if you were keenly aware that festival season has sprouted in the State of Louisiana, in general, and in New Orleans in particular. That can mean one thing… there will be a lotta dancing, y’all!
Each year, I like to join the global community of music lovers for a visit to New Orleans. We return each year for the French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron which is the largest free music festival in the Crescent City. If you have friends who have attended the festival in the past, they all agree that the FQFI embodies the spirit of New Orleans, hospitality, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the city’s unique cultural heritage.
French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron continues to deliver captivating performances, exquisite, unique, New Orleans cuisine, and engaging lively dancing, to the delight of festivalgoers.
The 2025 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron got underway with an Opening Day Parade. The parade featured French Quarter Festival Board members, VIPs, dignitaries, sponsors, and community partners. Chevron, Omni Royal Orleans, Pan American Insurance Group, French Market District, House of Blues, Hancock Whitney Bank, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Fund, and Harbor Police Department.
The Opening Ceremony in Jackson Square consisted of remarks from dignitaries, special guests, and VIP’s.
“Louisiana takes immense pride in its music, cuisine, and culture—and French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is a true reflection of that spirit.” “This year, we were fortunate to enjoy beautiful weather all four days, an incredible gift that allowed us to shine an even brighter spotlight on local businesses, musicians, and the cultural traditions that define New Orleans. None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our crew, volunteers, first responders, sponsors, and community partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this magical event to life. The festival is a truly collaborative effort, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helps make it such a special experience for locals and visitors alike,” said Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festival, Inc.
This year’s festival was a vibrant tapestry of sounds, flavors, and experiences that captured the essence of Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage.
The Opening Day consisted of seven stages. My musical journey began with Preservation Brass in Jackson Square, on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company. Their set was followed by a thrilling set by Lena Prima.
Kermit Ruffins, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
The Woldenberg Riverfront Park drew large crowds for Cole Williams on the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage followed by an entertaining set by Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, with Irving Mayfield sitting in on guitar.
My busy day concluded with a visit to the remodeled Spanish Plaza to witness a captivating performance by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Joy Clark.
Friday, day two of the festival expanded to fourteen stages. John Boutté put on a great show in Jackson Square on the NewOrelans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company. Mahogany Hall All-Stars followed with an energetic set of jazz that allowed the musicians to stretch out throughout their set.
My journey took me to the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage for two amazing back-to-back sets. Joe Lastie’s New Orleans Sounds, followed by a crowd-pleasing set by the incredible Al “Lil Fats” Jackson.
Leroy Jones, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
A large crowd was in attendance for the respective performances by Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest and Robin Barnes & The Fiya Birds, in Jackson Square on the NewOrleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company.
Saturday, day 3 of the festival. The bases were loaded as festivalgoers had an additional seven stages added to the mix, bringing the total to twenty-one stages.
I enjoyed the vibes on Royal Street. The various galleries complemented the outing. New Orleans Classic Jazz Orchestra got things underway on the Hancock Whitney Stage. Further up the road, Mark Brooks performed on the Omni Royal Orleans Stage and The Garden of Joy on the Krewe Eyewear Stage. Jesse Morrow Trio, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, and Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience added to our enjoyment of the festivities on Royal Street.
Wendell Brunious- (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Sunday, the final day of the festival was percolating on all cylinders. Banu Gibson, Wendell Brunious, and Yusa & Mahmoud Chouki on the New Orleans.com Stage powered by New Orleans & Company in Jackson Square.
I was thoroughly entertained by the performances of The Pfister Sisters and John Mahoney Little Band on the Hancock Whitney Stage on Royal Street.
Ceau, the festival’s official poster artist was onsite to meet and greet festivalgoers and to sign their purchased poster.
Now, more than ever is a great time to start making plans to attend the Satchmo Summerfest, August 2-3, 2025, New Orleans Eve, presented by French Quarter Festival, Inc. If you like looking out to the horizon, you can start counting down the days until French Quarter Festival next year, April 16-19, 2026!
