Don’t miss the 2010 French Quarter Festival in New Orleans
We have learned that preparations are already underway for the 27th Annual French Quarter Festival scheduled for April 9, 10 & 11, 2010! As the largest free music festival in the South, the festival showcases the finest music, food and culture that are uniquely New Orleans. What was just a local music event in the French Quarter twenty years ago, has now ballooned to a full three days of fun with thousands in attendance from all over the world.
The 2010 festival will feature over 250 hours of free music across 17 stages throughout the historic French Quarter. With over 700 local musicians, every genre of music is represented, from traditional and contemporary jazz, to rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, Zydeco, to brass bands, folk, opera and gospel, there is truly something for everyone.
Festival-goers are also invited to participate in other free activities throughout the three-day weekend and are encouraged to explore all that French Quarter Festival has to offer. Special events within the festival include the Opening Parade, the World Championship Oyster Eating Contest, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, historic courtyard tours, the International Music Colloquium, family-fun activities at Children’s Headquarters, the World’s Largest Jazz Brunch, and free admission all weekend long at Preservation Hall – the newest stage of French Quarter Festival. In addition, the kickoff party and fund raiser ‘TGIF’ (Thank Goodness it’s Festival!) party takes place the evening of Thursday, April 8th. Tickets are only $50 and the event is open to the public.
Attendees can also expect to see more great food and drinks, as there will be over 70 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. Participants in ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” will be showcasing local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants, some of which have been loyal vendors since the festival’s inception 26 years ago. And as a bonus, there is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and a month of beautiful weather.
Out-of-town festival goers are encouraged to book their travel accommodations now; as many area hotels and bed &breakfasts have reported that they are already experiencing strong reservations as repeat guests book ahead. The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful choice for festival lodging. Only a 10 minute ride via streetcar to the festival; you can experience the fun all day and come home to a peaceful rest at night in the Uptown /Garden District of the city.
For more information on French Quarter Festival, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org. To book an accommodation, click here for online reservations.
