Getting to the Groove Just Got Easier
The challenge of navigating French Quarter Fest isn't just abiding by the map, finding your stage, and getting to the music. It's about creating a smooth, hassle-free experience.
With over 300 musical performances and 70 food vendors, French Quarter Fest really is a choose-your-own-adventure. The best way to get the most out of your experience is planning. The most important step is getting there.
Commuting
Getting into the festival's orbit can be challenging, but there are many ways to accomplish it. For car users, parking can be the biggest hassle. There are some key places in the festival that early birds can find parking: the French Market, 300 N. Peters St., the Garage at Canal Place, etc.
These will put you right in the action but could make an escape plan a challenge, unless you plan on staying late. Premium Parking also has dozens of lots sprinkled throughout the CBD, where you can pay to park just opposite Canal.
The buses and streetcars are always a great idea. It saves you the hassle of navigation, the prices for parking spots, and the slow, messy traffic that can come with big events.
The festival's website spells out some ideal bus routes to consider underneath their map.
It's not just about getting to the Quarter but also where you want to go once there. Last year, nearly a million people attended.
Entry Points
Scattered across the Quarter will be various entry points, places to check attendance and do simply bag checks to ensure everyone has a good time. There's basically one just about every block on Decatur. However, finding the right entry point can mean instant access to everything you want and need to get into the festival spirit.
There's essentially three main entry points: Jackson Square, Canal Street, and Esplanade. Picking one of these based on performers you want to see can save a lot of time on your part.
Hubs
This year's French Quarter Fest has five areas with everything you need for a successful festing. We have the Aquarium, Jax Brewing, Jackson Square, The Jazz Museum, and Gov Nicholls Park. Each of these places are packed with hot and ready food from all over the city, bathrooms, medical needs, and French Quarter Fest merch.
Once you've tracked down your favorite grub hubs and found the right stage, you are all set to enjoy everything French Quarter Fest has to offer.
