Festivalgoers can expect traffic checkpoints and 180 officers on duty during the event.
NEW ORLEANS — The 2025 French Quarter Festival kicks off on Thursday with four days of free music, food, and fun for the entire family to enjoy — with that several public safety measures are in place. The City of New Orleans has also issued multiple roadblocks, traffic and parking restrictions.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the safety preparations for FQF on Monday. Festivalgoers can expect traffic checkpoints and 180 officers on duty during the event.
This year’s celebration features over 300 performances across 22 stages — all happening rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The New Orleans Police Department will have water bollards and metal barricades in place. Drones will also be used to secure the area. There will be extensive closures around Bourbon Street starting at Decatur Street. Attendees are asked to use St. Peter as an alternate route away from the Quarter.
Here’s what you need to know:
Traffic Restrictions
With large crowds expected, NOPD will restrict traffic to ensure pedestrian safety. Additional intermittent street closures may be required based on crowd size.
Road closures will be in place throughout the French Quarter, prohibiting vehicle traffic in the following areas due to festival stages and events:
Bourbon St. from Canal St. to Dumaine St. (Vehicle crossing may be allowed at St. Peter St.) Royal St. from Conti St. to St. Peter St. Decatur St. from Conti to St. Peter St. N. Peters St. from Conti to St. Louis St.
Exterior and interior closures will be in place in the French Quarter from Canal St. to Dumaine St. and from Decatur St. to Rampart St.
No parking will be allowed in areas closed to traffic for the duration of the event.
NOPD officers will use sound judgment when assisting motorists in closed areas. Vehicle access beyond first responders will be limited to residents, businesses and hotel guests.
Parking Restrictions
No-parking zones will be enforced from Thursday, April 10, at noon through Monday, April 14, at 1 a.m. These restrictions will apply throughout the French Quarter, including:
Barracks St., Bienville St., Canal St., Chartres St., Conti St., Dauphine St. Decatur St., Elysian Fields Ave., Esplanade Ave., Iberville St., Madison St., North Front St., North Peters St., Orleans Ave., Royal St., St. Ann St., St. Louis St., St. Peter St., St. Philip St., Toulouse St., and Wilkinson Row.
Residents and visitors are urged to follow all posted signage. Parking enforcement will be active, and violations will be ticketed.
Do not block or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant Do not park within three feet of a driveway Do not block sidewalks or park in fire lanes Do not park in bike lanes Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection, or stop sign For 24-hour parking enforcement assistance, call 504-658-8100.
Bicycling
Biking is a fast and easy option. Blue Bike stations are spread throughout the festival grounds. “Do it yourself” bike parking is also available at more than 10 locations throughout the festival footprint.
Public Transportation
New Orleans also has convenient public transportation, including the streetcar and RTA buses.
RTA Streetcars, Buses, and Ferry: The Riverfront/UPT line has stops near parking lots and the festival. The RTA ferry runs from Algiers Point directly to the festival.Streetcar Routes: #11 Magazine, #12 St. Charles, #47 Canal/Cemeteries, #48 Canal/City Park, #49 Riverfront/UPT, and more provide easy access to the French Quarter.Service Alerts: Visit norta.com/servicealerts, use the Le Pass app, or call the Rideline at (504) 248-3900. Follow updates on X (formerly Twitter) at @neworleansrta.
Parking Lots
Locals know that getting to Festival is easy, but parking is challenging. Arrive early to park in these lots located in the heart of the festival: French Market, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, The Garage at Canal Place, and various locations within walking distance.
LCMC Health first aid services
Safety Resources and Reminders
LCMC Health is providing first aid services across five first aid tents from Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13 located at:
Spanish Plaza Woldenberg Park Jax Brewery Lot Jackson Square New Orleans Jazz Museum
First aid volunteers are CPR- and first aid-certified. They are prepared to treat basic injuries and will coordinate emergency transport if needed.
A Touro Nursing Nest will be located in the Jax Brewery lot from Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain aware in large crowds and report suspicious activity to any public safety official or by calling NOPD’s non-emergency number at 504-821-2222. In case of emergency, call 911.
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