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, an area I happen to know a lot about. Faithful GlamazonsBlog.com reader @LuvBeing_ToyaT hit me on Twitter 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 like what to wear to Essence Festival and what we did, we’ve never actually provided tips on attending?! I’m so glad Toya asked because I have so many.
The key to enjoying the 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 the city of Nola which I love so deeply. 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 the weekend?
Here are 10 tried-and-true Essence Festival travel tips!
1. Don’t jampack your 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. Essence Festival concerts last all night.
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 (if nearby) 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 the festival were in the super lounges from Raheem Devaughn to Marsha Ambrosius. Even my faves Teedra Moses and Tweet performed there and because the rooms are smaller, it feels intimate which is a real treat. 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 at Essence Festival outside the Convention Center and Superdome 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 the festival. There will be less of a crowd there, and you’ll get some fun goodies and connect with new people.
6. There will be crowds.
Speaking of crowds, I’ve never been to Cafe du Monde when there wasn’t a line. Multiply that times five for Essence Fest (but subtract two compared to Mardi Gras, lol). 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 the 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. 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 Fest 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!
xx,
Jess
