New Orleans festival – TheLosAngeleno

Streetcar on Canal Street advertising the French Quarter Fest

New Orleans is busy setting up for the 2017 French Quarter Fest which is held April 6-9 2017.

Jackson Square on April 5 2017 just before the start of French Quarter Fest

There is a lot of work involved in holding an event like the French Quarter Fest even though it is not quite as big as some of the events in New Orleans such as jazz Fest or Mardi Gras. In our mind it is more accessible and a bit easier on the mind and possibly on the wallet than the other bigger events, although it is New Orleans after all so you never know…

Barricades at the ready outside the police station at Conti and Royal St

Setup of stages and boots at Riverwalk and Woldenberg park

Woldenberg park, named after philanthropist Malcolm Woldenberg (1896–1982) who helped fund the park on land that previously held riverfront warehouses and effectively cut the city off from access the the great Mississippi river is now the home of some of the biggest stages at the French Quarter Fest.

Plaque to honor Malcolm Woldenberg in Woldenbereg Riverfront Park

French Quarter Fest includes the availability of a variety of drinks... — French Quarter Fest includes the availability of a variety of drinks…

Of course the famous Hand Grenade is available as well

Ad for this years Jazzfest outside the Sheraton on Canal Street with George Rodrigue's Loup Garou on top — Ad for this years Jazzfest outside the Sheraton on Canal Street with a few versions of George Rodrigue’s Loup Garou on top

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 26 – May 7 2017.

At the Chevron Cajun/Zydeco showcase Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet was performing for an enthusiastic dancing crowd — At the Chevron Cajun/Zydeco showcase Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet was performing for an enthusiastic crowd with some people breaking out dancing to the very rhythmic music…

French Quarter Fest kicked off today in New Orleans and the weather was cooperating – a couple of days back we had hail and lots of rain with not very warm temperatures – today – none of that, just sunny skies and warm winds. FQF is a smaller festival and it is free with no ‘cover charges’ apart from for example Jazz Fest which comes a little later in April. Admittedly the FQF does not have the same magnitude of well known performers as Jazz Fest does, and this to me is part of the appeal – it is also less crowded and crazy, it’s more of a whole family celebration of good music and good food . Below are some photos from the first day.