Another sunny spring weekend means more festivals for New Orleans residents to enjoy. This weekend, starting Thursday, April 11, French Quarter Festival will light up New Orleans and highlight its most famous neighborhood.

French Quarter Fest is a popular destination for music, food and art lovers. The festival boasts the “largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world” with over 20 stages presenting multiple genres of New Orleans’ iconic sound. Dozens of local restaurants serve the festival, focusing on the region’s unique Cajun flavor.

French Quarter Fest celebrates its 36th anniversary this year, so expect crowds: the four-day festival attracted over half a million attendees last year despite losing an entire day to the weather.

Not only is French Quarter Fest fun for the community, it helps the local economy. In 2017, French Quarter Fest had a total economic impact of over $170 million. With titles like “Favorite Festival” and “Favorite Event Open to the Public” as voted by New Orleans locals, it’s no wonder French Quarter Fest contributes so significantly to the city’s tourism industry.

Rain or shine, the festival this weekend is sure to be another huge success. Take advantage of this free opportunity to interact with the New Orleans community in the beautiful French Quarter.