NEW ORLEANS — The 35th French Quarter Fest kicked off this year’s fun with Locals Lagniappe Day.
It started at 10 a.m. with a parade down Bourbon Street to Jackson Square. The fun runs through 7 p.m. tonight.
On the Hilton Tricentennial Stage in Jackson Square, the Preservation All-Stars kick off a full day of music. Two Grammy-winning groups will perform on the Chevron Cajun/Zydeco Stage when Lost Bayou Ramblers are followed by Chubby Carrier. Other Thursday performances include Panorama Jazz Band, Cupid and the Dance Party Express, Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
The fest also boosts the local and state economy, bringing in about $190 million every year.
“I wanted a mommy daughter trip!” Mary C. Parker said. “We were recommended to come for French Quarter Fest, because it’s a little tamer than Mardi Gras and not as big as Jazz Fest. So, we just wanted to meet in the middle from where we live!”
