New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)
The desire to attend Essence Fest in New Orleans has been a dream since 2017, inspired by the vibrant scenes in the movie Girls Trip. The spark was reignited at a Vision Board Party hosted by TGS Connected Cities in New York when, ironically, a magazine showcased Essence Fest. In that moment, I knew I had to make it happen. In 2023, I finally attended my first #EssenceFest, and it was an unforgettable experience. This guide breaks down my weekend of sisterhood, empowering panels, and the delicious NOLA food, providing insights and details I wish I knew ahead of time!
What is Essence Festival?
Essence Festival started in 1995 and was initially conceived as a one-time celebration to honor the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine. Essence is an African American magazine founded in 1970, which covers beauty, fashion, entertainment, and culture. What began as a commemorative event has evolved into the largest African American festival and music gathering in the United States. Dive deeper into the rich history of Essence Fest here.
When does Essence Fest Occur?
Essence Fest takes place during 4th of July weekend every year. The dates I attended were June 30 - July 3, 2023. For those gearing up for Essence Fest in 2024, mark your calendars from July 4 to July 7, 2024, which will celebrate Essence’s 30th birthday. While my plans for this year's fest are undecided, the idea of at least a one-night appearance in NOLA during the festivities is hard to resist. (If you're planning to attend and reading this, drop me a note on the contact page!)
Tickets & Concert Lineup
The lineup is typically announced mid-spring; but, you have the ability to purchase your tickets in advance at a cheaper rate. The full schedule will typically drop in June. Ticket prices prices vary depending on where you are seated.
Essence During the day: You will likely find yourself at the Ernest N. Morial Convention center. This is where expos and activations take place. Tickets for the convention center are FREE and you can find sessions throughout the day from 9am - 5 pm.
Essence at Night: With a jam-packed day of panel sessions and activations at the convention center, followed by numerous meet-ups and events scattered throughout the day, I highly recommend carving out some time for a rejuvenating nap. As night falls, Essence Fest attendees are drawn to the Superdome, where concerts unfold each evening. Ticket prices for the nightly concerts vary based on seating locations, and while I can't provide an exact figure, I can share that my friends and I secured our tickets in March 2023 at $500 per person for our section. (Check out the photos below for a glimpse)
Travel Outfit Ideas
Alright, let's talk festival fashion – it's a major decision. Essence Fest is all about vibrant vibes. When I prep for my travels, I love visualizing my outfits by creating a canva image (check out an example below). I'll confess, my style tends to lean towards neutrals, but for Essence Fest, I embraced a bit more color. If you're seeking outfit inspiration, Pinterest is your best friend. Given the plethora of photo-worthy moments, staying picture-ready is a must. Packing tip: NOLA in July equals scorching heat and high humidity, so keep that in mind when you are packing.
Getting To New Orleans / From the Airport to Your Hotel
Whether you are traveling into the festival domestically or international, you will purchase your ticket to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Upon arrival, get ready to be welcomed by the soulful sounds of live jazz music – a southern touch I absolutely cherished! As a fun fact, New Orleans holds the title of being the birthplace of Jazz, celebrated annually with the renowned Jazz Festival. While I haven't experienced Jazz Fest myself, the reviews suggest it's an incredible event. TIP: Taxis from the airport into the city have a set rate of $36 for up to 2 people. For 3 or more people taxis are $15 per person.
How Many Days?
Essence Fest spans across four action-packed days! Brace yourself for an amazing experience because those four days are filled to the brim. As mentioned earlier, there's Essence by Day and Essence by Night. To make the most of your time, I suggest crafting a personalized itinerary listing all your must-attend panels at the convention center and the exciting events outside of Essence. For additional events, the Essence website is your go-to source for the latest updates.
Hotels / Airbnb In NOLA
While I usually include researched hotel recommendations in my blog, the abundance of options downtown makes it challenging to have a clear preference after just one stay in New Orleans. The city offers numerous boutique and mainstream hotels. It's worth noting that hotel rooms fill up rather quickly and can be on the pricier side during the holiday weekend. To secure your ideal accommodation, I strongly recommend reserving your room(s) well in advance. Although I personally lean towards hotels, Airbnb offers several enticing options for those who prefer a different experience.
Budgeting for NOLA
Planning your budget is crucial, especially for a trip during the Fourth of July weekend, a popular time for travel. Here's a rough breakdown with estimates. *Please note, these prices are approximate and can vary.
Flights: Roundtrip flights may range from $400 and above, depending on booking timing and the airline
Hotels: Prices will vary based on location and booking time, when I booked it was ~$350+ per night
Regular Spending Money: At your discretion
Parties (Essence at Night): At your discretion
Explore NOLA
Essence Fest is a captivating experience, but if you wish to explore more of NOLA during the Fourth of July weekend, deliberate planning is key. See a few must see sites below:
Bourbon Street
French Quarter
Jackson Square
Frenchmann Street
Vue Orleans
New Orleans Walking Tour
French Quarter Food Tour
Places to Eat
NOLA has tons of incredible dining options, making it a challenge to narrow down my top choices, given there are so many restaurants I have yet to try. I strongly encourage you to explore the diverse culinary scene on your own as you explore different areas in the city.
Make sure you follow @experiencedbymy on Instagram for all my experiences... turned into reels!
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