Maximize Your Fun at Essence Fest 2025 with These Pro Tips
Tips to Fully Enjoy Essence Festival 2025
2017 was my first time experiencing Essence Fest and New Orleans and it felt like I’d just been invited to a birthday after getting a whoppin. You know the vibes. You do something silly, get in trouble and sent to your room. Later, your mom tells you to put your shoes on so yall can go and you end up at a party for a classmate or cousin. You know you shouldn’t be having fun, but when you look back at her as they pass out cake and ice cream she subtly nods in approval.
This is where I was at that year in spirit. Working 2094 hours a week, wild kids. But, the Team Turn Up’s granny and TT wanted to see the bambis and since we met in Atlanta, I was halfway there. One of the best decisions of my life. Now, I stay home for Ocean City Jazz Fest, a fun weekend that helps raise money for one of America’s only remaining Black beaches, but I’ve been to Nawlins seven or eight times so here are some tips to have the most fantabulous time ever!
Essence Fest is FREE!
The evening concert series requires tickets, but the daytime events are FREE to the public. Some of these events include hair shows, a film festival and fireside chat with some of your favorite stars.
Baby, you’re a Firework
If you love fireworks as much as me, you don’t have to choose. On Fourth of July, the city of New Orleans does an amazing fireworks show over the river. We stayed at the Riverside Hilton once just to watch the show in bed. (I also got too tipsy to wake up, but Rob said it was amazing.)
Image taken during the 2024 NAREB National Convention in between me dancing
This isn’t just for Auntis
The festival includes events for men, children, and Girls United was created for young women. Afropunk and Refinery29 will also have activations as they are under the Essence Enterprise umbrella.
Be Sure to Really Vue Orleans
Another great stop for your trip is Vue Orleans. You’ll learn a lot about the food, music and culture of Louisiana and they have an upstairs 360 viewing deck of the city.
Bourbon is Low-Key Basic
Everybody that goes to New Orleans should experience Bourbon Street but also check Out Magazine St, Frenchman Street and the Garden District.
Book your Room NOW ⬇️
Bong-Bong-Bongos
On Sunday afternoons, you can kill a few birds with one stone. Head to Armstrong Park to learn about Louis Armstrong’s influence on music worldwide and enjoy the African drumming circle. This is done in remembrance of our ancestors and extra drums are provided for visitors.
Take the Street Car
A great way to tour the city is to pay for a one-day pass on the street car. The cost is less than five dollars and you can ride around to see all that New Orleans has the offer hop off and hop on when you’d like and if you’ve been drinking, it’s a safe easy way to get around.
Enjoy your weekend, stay safe and tag me in your pictures.
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