The largest free music festival in New Orleans officially kicked off Thursday morning with a high-energy parade winding through the French Quarter, drawing thousands of people into the streets and pumping millions into the city’s economy.

There are a few after-parties that are part of the French Quarter Festival After Dark programming. The Black & Loud Fest hosts Omari Neville and the Fuel, King Youngblood and other guests at the House of Blues Parish Room on Thursday starting at 9 p.m. And Big Sam’s Funky Nation performs at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Good Measure inside The Barnett Hotel.

The 2025 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron returns Thursday, April 10, through Sunday, April 13, bringing four days of free music, food, and fun. This year’s celebration features over 300 performances across 22 stages — all happening rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.