French Quarter Festival Tips

The 29^th Annual French Quarter Festival is running from April 12^th through the 15^th and is something you don’t want to miss. It features 21 musical stages throughout the historic Vieux Carré and New Orleans cuisine from nearly 60 food and drink booths. Did you know it is the largest free music festival in the south? Originally the French Quarter Festival was first created in 1984 as a way to bring residents back to the area after the World’s Fair and extensive sidewalk repairs in the French Quarter. It has since then turned to an amazing and unforgettable yearly event that residents and vistors alike plan ahead to attend. Considering the crowd here are some travel tips to make your day more enjoyable.

• Car Service. Limo Livery can pick you up and take you back safely so you can concentrate on having a great time!

• Shuttles. The Second Line Shuttle will run Friday through Sunday from the Central Business District (park and ride from O’Keefe, between Poydras and Canal). Vehicle parking in the area of the shuttle  is $10 all-day parking in area garages and lots.

• Buses. There will be a free round-trip shuttle on air-conditioned Hotard busses.  Prior to Festival weekend, stop by any Capital One Bank to pick up your free Q-Pass for priority shuttle boarding and discounts on official festival merchandise.

• Other Transportation. If you don’t want to drive and park the Streetcar or local RTA busses ( http://www.norta.com) and The Ferry ( http://www.dotd.la.gov/ferry)  is a alternate mode of transportation.

• Look ahead at the schedule and plan out your festival visit so that you can give yourself enough travel time. Visit http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/fqfi_music.html for a list of performers and more. On twenty of its music stages, only Louisiana artists are featured (the festival hosts one ‘International Stage’ where traditional jazz bands from all over the world perform.) Attendees will get a true and authentic New Orleans experience!

• In partnership with Applitite, the French Quarter Festival iPhone App is back, along with a new DROID App. This free app sponsored by f Capital One Bank will allow fans to receive up to the minute announcements, downloadable music schedules, complete menus, special events, merchandise updates, shuttle information and unique offers to enhance their festival experience. The application will be available for download in March, prior to French Quarter Festival.