French Quarter Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup: Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, George Porter, Big Freedia and More
Irma Thomas with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, photo by Marc Millman
French Quarter Festival has unveiled the full artist lineup for its 2026 event. Now in its fourth decade, the beloved New Orleans public music festival will expand its footprint this year to several stages across the city, featuring a total of 29 storied acts from the Crescent City in its initial bill.
French Quarter Festival’s largest presentation to date will run from April 16-19. Iconic soul queen Irma Thomas will return to headline again after leading last year’s event, with the legendary Cyril Neville closing out the program on another night. The many other outstanding acts featured on this year’s bill include George Porter Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners, Big Freedia, Cupid & the Dance Party Express Band, Dawn Richard, Hasizzle with the TBC Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers, Charmaine Neville, Flagboy Gizz & the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Preservation Brass, the Soul Rebels, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Jelly Joseph and many more. The lineup will be expanded with another dispatch in late February.
French Quarter Festival is free and open to the public, with Fest Family VIP passes available for purchase now. Learn more about the event at frenchquarterfest.org.
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