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French Quarter Festival 5K logo

French Quarter Festival 5K

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT

Location
New Orleans, LA
Esplanade Ave. & Decatur St., 449 Esplanade Ave, 70116
Featured distance
5K
Type
RUN
Official registration

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Run a competitive 5K through historic New Orleans, celebrating its unique culture and supporting a vital nonprofit.

  • Competitive
  • Festive
  • For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners, runners who like a competitive edge

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

Join the French Quarter Festival 5K on April 18, 2026, and run through the historic Vieux Carré in New Orleans. This competitive 5K celebrates the city's vibrant culture and supports French Quarter Festivals, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your participation helps preserve New Orleans' music, food, and traditions for future generations, making it a meaningful way to experience the heart of the city.

What to expect

  • Run a competitive 5K through the historic Vieux Carré.
  • Pre-race packet pickup is available on race day morning.
  • Awards ceremony follows the race.

Standout details

  • Historic Vieux Carré course
  • Supports French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
  • Competitive 5K run
  • Awards ceremony

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

The course

  • Flat
  • Timed race

Vibe Check

Easygoing

warm-day exposure

5K distance, flat area, typically mild weather

  • Warm season

Based on typical seasonal and area patterns — not a course map or official forecast.

From the organizer

The 2026 French Quarter Festival 5K

Be a part of history at the starting line! On Saturday, April 18, 2026, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) proudly presents the French Quarter Festival 5K. Starting at 8:00 AM, this landmark event celebrates the world-famous culture and streets in a competitive 5K run.

Race Day Schedule:

7:00 AM - Pre-race packet pickup 8:00 AM - 5K Start 9:30 AM - Award Ceremony (subject to change) Since 1984, FQFI has curated the "city's favorite festival," showcasing the soul of New Orleans through music and cuisine. As we re-introduce this 5k race (last seen in 2013), we invite you to be among the thousands of runners winding through the historic Vieux Carré. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your participation in this inaugural year helps ensure that the music, food, and traditions of New Orleans remain vibrant and free for generations to come.

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