Everything you need to know about Essence Fest 2024
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Tiffany Haddish, right, greets fans at the Essence Festival of Culture in 2023. Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Essence
Essence Fest is back in New Orleans July 4-7, with tons of events throughout downtown and inside the Caesars Superdome.
Why it matters: The massive festival celebrating Black culture, beauty and music turns 30 this year, and organizers are putting on a show to honor its partnership with New Orleans through all those years.
The big picture: New Orleans has been Essence Fest's home since its inception in 1994 (except for 2006 because of Hurricane Katrina and the 2020 and 2021 editions, which were held virtually).
- In recent weeks, Essence has celebrated that partnership with four special editions of its magazine, including photos and stories by New Orleanians.
- A special 30th anniversary tribute to Cash Money Records is also planned for Friday night in the Superdome.
Zoom in: The Essence Festival of Culture is best thought of as an umbrella under which organizers slot dozens of events.
- During the day, they include sponsored activations and celebrity appearances for sub-brands like BeautyCon, the Essence Food and Wine Festival, AfroPunk BLKTOPIA, the Global Black Economic Forum and the Essence Film Festival. Most are free and center around the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
- And at night, the party amps up with headlining Superdome acts and downtown late-night parties curated by D-Nice and Larry Morrow. All night-time parties are ticketed.
- The parties are the start of a "new tradition" that started last year, Essence Ventures executive vice president of experiential Michael Barclay tells Axios New Orleans.
Caesars Superdome lineup
The Caesars Superdome lineup includes Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Victoria Monét, the Cash Money tribute with Birdman & Friends, and a special performance from Frankie Beverly & Maze. Tickets here.
What's new
Organizers have rebranded the men's experiences at Essence as Suede, so look out for that labeling, Barclay says.
- "We're also introducing our Hollywood House" to the festival, he says. It's "for the aspirational audience looking to enter into the entertainment business, so expect workshops, mentoring and live screen readings for aspiring actors."
Parking
There is street parking available, and various downtown lots are within walking distance of both the Superdome and the convention center.
- Superdome parking can be purchased in advance.
- For ride shares, the convention center has a designated drop off zone at 400 Calliope St., but there isn't one for the Superdome, according to a press release.
What to wear
However you attend, just make sure to dress the part. Essence Fest is just as well known for great music as it is for celebrity spotting and high fashion looks.
- Essence Magazine has a great guide on what to wear for this year.
- Or glean inspiration from last year's standout looks via Insider and The Cut.
- Just don't forget your all-white look for Sunday night when Frankie Beverly and Maze perform.
A clear bag policy is in effect for the Superdome and the convention center.
- Bags must be smaller than 12"x6"x12" and clear, according to a press release.
Where to eat and drink
Everyone will be trying to snag a table at Larry Morrow's new Morrow Steak, where Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla were recently spotted.
- We also have Black-owned restaurant recommendations for downtown New Orleans, and 5 African and Caribbean restaurants to try.
- Or join the Where Black NOLA Eats Facebook page for more recommendations.