ESSENCE Festival Guide
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is coming up this July 3 to 5, meaning it is time to make your itinerary.
In addition to enjoying the 20+ curated experiences at the festival, you can experience the festival throughout New Orleans with restaurant specials and events across the city.
Inside the Festival
This annual festival has been celebrating New Orleans' Black culture and achievement for over 30 years with a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend. Each day begins with daytime activities at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, including the Fourth Rope Wrestling Match on Saturday. Fourth Rope is a wrestling organization unique in its blend of wrestling, music and fashion.
Each night, Caesars Superdome will serve as the festival's base, featuring various musical artists and esteemed celebrity panels. Some appearances include:
- July 3: Cardi B, Kehlani, Latto, and a special live conversation with Michelle Obama
- July 4: Brandy & Monica, Patti LaBelle, Leon Thomas, and Josh Levi
- July 5: George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Babyface, Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh, and Durand Bernarr
The Whole City Celebrates
Restaurants surrounding the venue are celebrating the festival with specialty menu items. Heard Dat Kitchen is offering its "Dat Superdome" special, a catfish dish shaped like the festival headquarters. Willie May's is a Black-owned restaurant, a short stroll away from the Superdome, welcoming all those celebrating ESSENCE Fest. Many surrounding Black-owned restaurants are also highly acclaimed by festival-goers, such as Lil' Dizzy's Cafe.
There are also several events around the city to keep an eye out for:
- Black Girls Ride to Essence Fest: July 2, 4 p.m.
- The Vibe Day Party: July 3, 2 p.m. at Fulton Alley
- Anything But White Kickoff Party: July 3, 10 p.m. at The Fillmore
- All-White Brunch Boat Party: July 4, 9:30 a.m. aboard the Creole Queen
- Greek Day Party: July 5, 11 a.m. at Bryant Park
- Plies 40 & Up All White Day Party: July 5, 3 p.m. at The Republic NOLA
Be sure to check out ESSENCE Festival's Instagram and website, as well as the listed venues' websites, for registration and ticketing information.
Visitors Guide
Planning ahead for this festival can be crucial in assuring a stress-free weekend in downtown New Orleans. The Convention Center is within walking distance of Downtown, but evening concerts at the Superdome are best accessed by streetcar or a pre-arranged travel due to traffic. Pre-paid parking for the Superdome is encouraged. There are plenty of hotels available because the festival is located in the Central Business District. Some nearby hotels include Cambria Hotel, Bienville House Hotel, Astor Crowne Plaza, and Aloft New Orleans Downtown.
Evening concerts and specific After Dark events require paid tickets, but daytime events at the Convention Center are free with registration. Many locals dine outside the French Quarter in areas such as Tremé or Mid-City to avoid long waits and find authentic food. Secure reservations for high-end dining such as Mr. B's or Commander's Palace well in advance. Apps including E360 can help attendees find exclusive dining deals and food and wine events.
There is no set dress code, but a cute but comfy outfit with a good pair of sneakers is recommended. If your crew plans on attending the All White Day Party, don't forget a white outfit.
