No change in the city of New Orleans has been quite as fast or as unexpected as the revitalization of Freret Street. Not long ago, Freret Street was nothing more than a shortcut to somewhere better. Now, Freret Street is not a thoroughfare, but a family friendly destination bustling with restaurants, shops, bars and live music. Helping to contribute to and celebrate this miraculous resurgence is the Freret Street Festival, which is taking place on Saturday, April 6. Freret Street Festival kicks off New Orleans festival season in grand fashion, occupying the eight blocks of Freret Street between Napoleon Ave. and Jefferson Ave.
In addition to the food, you’ll be able to shop from a seemingly endless supply of local artists and craftmakers. If you’re in the need for a unique gift or fantastic costume idea, be on the lookout for the cool art and inspiring masks from Crescent City Dreaming. Perhaps you need a new wallet, clutch or bag? Then Congress Bags from the Bywater is who you need to be looking out for. If you’re looking for something a little bit bigger or have a piece of furniture you need, head to the Big Easy Woodworks set up. Their handmade pieces constructed from reclaimed wood and building supplies are sure to suit your needs.
Now, while food, arts and crafts are a good start for a festival, I’m not sure you can be a New Orleans festival without some music. Freret Street Festival comes through with four different stages and 19 different acts. The stages are well spread out from Jefferson to Napoleon, so you’ll be able to jam along no matter where you are on Freret. Our recommendation for the band to see? Check out Mia Borders on the Cure Stage from 3:15 to 4:15.
You’ve got food, art and music, what more do you need? How about a kids’ activity area, second lines and “slightly used dogs and cats” available for adoption? Yup, they’ve got all that too. Years ago it seemed impossible to imagine what Freret Street would become, now things like the Freret Street Festival make it seem impossible to remember what it used to be like.
Freret Street Festival
Saturday, April 6
Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Freret Street between Napoleon and Jefferson
