History of French Quarter Festival in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

French Quarter Festival is a free annual music festival in New Orleans' historic French Quarter, held in early April. Founded in 1983 (first festival in 1984), it showcases primarily New Orleans music like jazz, blues, and zydeco from hundreds of local musicians. The festival also features food from dozens of New Orleans restaurants, making it a celebration of local culture and cuisine.

1983: Festival Foundation

In 1983, the French Quarter Festival was founded. It is a free annual music festival held in early April in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.

1984: First Festival

In 1984, the first French Quarter Festival was held, featuring New Orleans music like jazz, blues, and zydeco, and food from local restaurants.

April 2008: Ronnie Kole Recalls Festival Origins

In April 2008, jazz pianist Ronnie Kole recalled how in the early 1980s, the Mayor's office recruited ten people to create a new festival for New Orleans.

2017: Emily Madero Leadership

As of 2017, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is led by CEO Emily Madero.

2019: Estimated Attendance

In 2019, the French Quarter Festival had an estimated attendance of over 800,000 people, billing itself as the world's largest showcase of Louisiana music.

2020: Festival Cancellation

In 2020, the French Quarter Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Oversight by French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

As of 2021, French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Summerfest, and Holidays New Orleans Style are formally overseen by the nonprofit French Quarter Festivals, Inc.