Essence Festival of Culture is once again happening soon in New Orleans. This time, with all the star-studded celebrity performances and appearances, it hits different.
Everything You Need To Know About Essence Fest 2024
As always, you can expect tons of delicious food, great entertainment and some career advancement forums and workshops. It’s also one of New Orleans’ top festivals.
Held over Fourth of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown New Orleans, this multi-day party named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture, and art.
The popular event brings a slew of big names to New Orleans for large evening performances, intimate lounge shows, and DJ parties. By day, the Empowerment Experience spotlights dozens of speakers on thought-provoking topics such as religion, economics, and education. These are traditionally free.
Dozens of vendors have displays set up in different locations around the Superdome and park areas that are temporarily turned into outdoor markets. You can expect to see a variety of quality fine art and crafts from clothing and jewelry, to collectible paintings and sculptures. All art displays and demonstrations will represent the rich culture developed from all over the African Diaspora.
There is also a pre-party day of service where attendees join leaders from local nonprofits for a day dedicated to supporting New Orleans with a community project.
The Essence Expo Experience includes seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics including beauty and style as well as power and finance. Attendees can participate in live tutorials, free consultations, fashion and makeup presentations, and more.
Essence Festival was started in 1994 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed towards African American women. The festival was so well-received, organizers decide to make it an annual event. It has evolved into the nation’s premier showcase for contemporary African American music and culture.
When Is Essence Fest 2024 Taking Place?
Held traditionally the Fourth of July weekend, this year’s Essence Fest will be no different. The event is scheduled to take place July 4-7, 2024.
What Musical Guests Will Be At Essence Fest?
Headliners include Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, and Birdman & Friends, who will also honor three decades of Cash Money Millionaires. Stay tuned for more on who’s performing.
Among the performers for Essence Fest this year are:
- Janet Jackson
- Charlie Wilson
- Birdman & Friends
- Usher
- D-Nice
- Victoria Monét
- Tank and The Bangas
- The Roots & Friends
- The Roots & Friends
- Busta Rhymes
- TGT
- SWV
- Ayra Starr
- Frankie Beverly & Maze
- Jacquees
How Much Does Essence Fest Cost?
The general festival admission is free, however it does cost to attend the Experiences.
You will have access to enter the Caesars Superdome, where you will be free to view Mainstage and Super lounge performances. Your ticket guarantees you a designated seat to view Mainstage performances. Super lounge performances are first come, first served. Tickets are required for entry into the Caesars Superdome.
Where To Stay For Essence Fest
New Orleans hotels are quickly filling up for Essence Fest. If you’re looking to book in New Orleans, here are some rates we’re seeing two weeks from the event:
- Bourbon Orleans Hotel — $484 a night
- Holiday Inn Downtown — $585 a night
- Hotel Mazarin — $385 a night
- La Pavillon — $302 a night
- The Roosevelt New Orleans — $502 a night
Final Word
As one of the top festivals in the city, Essence Fest always draws thousand of people to New Orleans, which helps the local economy.
The city draws more than 130 events a year, according to its Chamber of Commerce. Many of these events are conventions, but a good number are festivals as well.
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