Some 30 officers rushed to the scene when shots rang out around 1:30 am (0630 GMT), city police superintendent Michael Harrison told reporters.
The man died of gunshot wounds, while two women and seven men were injured.
Drive-by shooting: Gunmen target CIA sub-inspector
Two men were arrested in connection to the shooting, but Harrison said a motive was not yet known.
Thousands of outsiders hAFPave poured into the French Quarter this weekend as New Orleans hosts the Bayou Classic, an annual American football game between two rival Louisiana state universities.
The multi-day event includes a competition between rival marching bands, concerts and a parade.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ