Essence Fest, held annually in New Orleans over the Fourth of July weekend, is an iconic celebration of Black culture, music, empowerment, and community.

We will be staying at the Hotel St. Marie situated in the heart of the French Quarter, close to all the Essence Fest venues

- Arrival in New Orleans and check into your hotel or accommodation. After settling in, get some rest if you’ve had a long journey.

- Many kick-off events are likely to happen Thursday night, so check the official schedule for any concerts, panels, or special welcome events.

- Spend the evening soaking in the lively nightlife, live music, and unique vibe of Bourbon Street. Be sure to grab a famous Hurricane cocktail from Pat O’Brien’s.

- Start your day with some wellness activities, like yoga, meditation, and empowerment talks. This is a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the festival and there will be plenty of seminars and empowerment events happening this weekend.

- The Essence Eats area usually has a variety of local cuisine vendors. Try dishes like gumbo, po'boys, and crawfish étouffée.

- Explore day parties happening around town, or attend panels hosted by Essence. The panel discussions typically focus on topics such as business, relationships, and social issues.

- The night concerts at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (official name may vary) are the festival's main attraction. Get there early to grab a good spot and enjoy performances by top artists.

- Head to the French Market for souvenirs, unique jewelry, and local art. Visit Essence Marketplace for a selection of vendors and Black-owned businesses.

- Explore the Ogden Museum of Southern Art or The New Orleans African American Museum in Treme.

- Check out Dooky Chase's Restaurant or Willie Mae’s Scotch House for authentic Creole soul food.

-Round two! Enjoy another evening of music with performances from a new lineup of artists.

- Attend the closing panels and seminars. These often feature inspirational speakers and interactive sessions.

- Use this time to check out any areas you may have missed. Head over to Magazine Street for more boutique shopping or take a walk along Jackson Square.

- End the night with the last round of performances. Often, the last night features memorable collaborations and surprise guest appearances.

- Start the day with a laid-back brunch at Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar or The Ruby Slipper Café.

-Depending on your flight time, you can do some last-minute shopping or take a stroll along the Mississippi River.

-Head to the airport and get ready to bring back amazing memories from Essence Fest!