Lafayette's Lounge at French Quarter Festival

Enjoy the Lafayette Lounge inside The Cabildo, where Lafayette himself resided during his stay in New Orleans. The Lounge includes all-day access to the first and second floors of The Cabildo’s galleries inclusive of guided tours of the new Bienvenue Lafayette exhibition, two free drinks tickets, refreshments including complimentary food, clean bathrooms, air conditioning, and comfortable seating.

Preceding the opening of the lounge, in partnership with The Louisiana State Museum | Cabildo, join Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to New Orleans with a historical re-enactment of Lafayette’s Address to kick off French Quarter Fest Saturday from the Jackson Square stage.

LAFAYETTE’S CONNECTION

During his grand tour of the United States, celebrating the nation's 50th Anniversary of Independence, Lafayette arrived in New Orleans amidst a grand procession of carriages, where the city’s mayor warmly welcomed him. Known as the "Hero of Two Worlds," Lafayette delivered his speech in the center of now Jackson Square beneath the Arch of Triumph, which rose 68 feet high with a massive 40-foot arch, marking the special occasion. The arch was adorned with colossal statues of Justice and Liberty, and 24 stones, each etched with a gilded bronze star, representing the twenty-four states of the Union at the time. On the structure's upper pedestal, an inscription in both English and French read: "A grateful republic dedicates this monument to La Fayette".

100% of Proceeds to Benefit Louisiana Museum Foundation & the Bienvenue Lafayette Exhibition at Louisiana State Museum

Info: Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser Kicks Off French Quarter Fest featuring re-enactment of Lafayette's Address by Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg at French Quarter Fest Main Stage in Jackson Square.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Cabildo, 701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, United States