The French Quarter Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and festival organizers are pulling out all the stops for their big party.
In fact, organizers will mark the occasion with a bang.
"We've got an incredible fireworks show that will be displayed over the Mississippi," French Quarter Festival president/CEO Emily Madero said during a Tuesday media conference.
That's how opening night of the 2023 French Quarter Fest will end. The Thursday schedule will feature other 40th anniversary events.
"We have our celebrated parade," Madero said. "It's gonna feature music. We'll have amazing festival characters marching down Bourbon Street down Jackson Square, where you'll be with some of our founders for the opening ceremony. At the end of the day, Ms. Irma Thomas, the soul queen of New Orleans will be closing out the night on the Abita Stage."
The Soul Rebels and Big Freedia, the Rebirth Brass Band, and Tank and the Bangas are among some of the other headliners who will take the stage during the festival. Some festival newcomers are also featured on the bill.
"I'm thrilled that we have over 50 debuts," Madero said. "We've got Samantha Fish, Flagboy Giz and the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Ice Man Special, Dee 1, the St. Augustine Marching Band, and more than I can list off now."
The festival is also celebrating by adding more music to the program.
"Pan-American Life: They're giving us a 40th birthday present by adding an additional day of music. So now you can go to three days of music at the Moonwalk Stage and see some incredible bands," Madero said, thanking the company for its sponsorship.
Madero says the four-day festival, which runs from April 13 to April 16, will be the biggest and best yet.
"We're going to start strong and have an incredible four days for you," she said.