Glamazons, Have I told you how much I love it when you guys reach out to me with requests? Especially when you’re asking for Essence Festival travel tips. Faithful GlamazonsBlog.com reader @LuvBeing_ToyaT hit me on Twitter (follow me!) asking: “@DressUpWithJess I’m going to Essence Festival this year. Any tips for first timers? Don’t know if you talked about it on the blog.”
Can you believe for all our coverage of Essence Festival like what to wear and what we did, we’ve never provided tips on attending the festival?! I’m so glad Toya asked because I have so many.
The key to enjoying Essence Festival is to enjoy New Orleans. I always stay an extra day before or after just to enjoy the city. I like having the best of both worlds, meaning being close enough to the action to take in the festival, but far enough away to dodge the crowds and explore New Orleans. I also have an error-proof strategy for managing my schedule and not letting all the Festival activities overwhelm me.
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Ready to get the most out of Essence Festival weekend?
Here are 10 tried-and-true Essence Festival travel tips!
1. Don’t jampack your Essence Festival schedule.
You won’t be able to do everything on the agenda. And that’s OK. Essence Festival is jam-packed with events and concerts from day to night so don’t run yourself ragged trying to attend every activity on the list. In fact, you’ll have much more fun by selecting a few favorites and taking the time to truly enjoy them.
2. Concerts last all night at Essence Festival.
Though concerts start around 6pm, plan to be at the Superdome until late at night for the big acts. The great thing about leaving late is that everyone walks back to their hotels on Poydras Street as a group. And there’s a line for cabs if your hotel is too far to walk to.
3. Don’t neglect the Essence Festival super lounges.
Some of the best performances I’ve seen at Essence Festival were in the super lounges from Raheem Devaughn to Marsha Ambrosius. Even my faves Teedra Moses and Tweet performed there. Be sure to check the schedule and leave your seat on the mainstage for an intimate performance you’ll absolutely love.
4. Ditto for the Essence Festival Convention Center activities.
The Convention Center is the place to be during the day. Celebrities pop by, brands have giveaways and fun contests at their booths and you’re bound to run into everyone you’ve ever met (and meet new people). There are people everywhere so prepare to navigate through a crowd. But it’s worth it to go by atleast once during the weekend.
5. But there are so many events outside the Convention Center and Superdome at Essence Festival worth attending.
I always have a blast at the events in New Orleans outside the Convention Center or Superdome. I’ve been to day and night parties that were unforgettable, pop-up shops, birthday dinners, you name it. Be sure to do some research and find free events happening around Essence Festival. There will be less people there, and you’ll get some fun goodies and meet new people.
6. There will be crowds.
I’ve never been to Cafe du Monde when there wasn’t a line. Multiply that times five for Essence Festival. Be prepared for lines and people everywhere but it’s still a warm, friendly, and safe atmosphere. And to dodge the crowds, explore other neighborhoods beside the French Quarter including the Garden district.
7. Prepare for heat.
The first time I went to Essence Festival was also my first time visiting New Orleans in the summer. When I stepped off the plane, it felt like I walked into an oven. I always keep a bottle of water or fan on me, and the women who walk around with parasols are geniuses.
8. Location is everything.
I find it super convenient to stay at hotels within walking distance of the French Quarter, which is where I spend most of my time during Essence Festival. Hotels further out may have more affordable options but you’ll pay for transportation.
9. Spend some time enjoying New Orleans.
I know, I know. Your schedule’s already packed with Convention Center booths, Superdome concerts, day parties and more, but if you can set aside time to dine at a local restaurant, party on Frenchmen Street, or even stop and listen to music on the sidewalk, you will not regret it. New Orleans is an adventure even when it’s not festival season. Check out 4 things I love to do in New Orleans.
10. Go for all day looks at Essence Festival
Essence Festival is a nonstop party so be prepared to dodge in and out of your hotel once during the day for an outfit change if at all. I like to dress in breezy clothes that can last all day and can be dressed up or down. Oh, and bring a white look because there will be a white party! Click here to get more tips on what to wear to Essence Festival.
Here are some more links you might find helpful:
Essence Festival Official Website
Glamazon Guide: What To Wear to Essence Festival
#GlamazonTravel: 4 Things I Love To Do in New Orleans
Nola Crawl: All The Parties, Star Sightings, Concerts and More!
Any more questions? Hit me in the comments.
Can’t wait to see you guys in Nola!
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
