Essence Fest is that girl: part concert, part brand convention, part spiritual pilgrimage for the Black girls, the aunties, the hot mamas, the fem studs, and everybody in between. But listen… if you’re pulling up to NOLA unprepared, you will get humbled. And not softly.
Don’t worry though. Your internet cousin got you. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s how to survive Essence Fest with your edges, wallet, and joy intact.
1. Do Your Research (Like the Nerdy Baddie You Are)
Before you even pack your bags, look up the full brand lineup and event programming. Not all activations are created equal. Rank the brands and panels by importance to YOU—not just vibes or IG aesthetics. If you know you wanna hit that beauty bar, don’t waste your time in line for a free branded notebook and lukewarm cucumber water.
Pro tip: Screenshot the full schedule and save it to your phone. Wi-Fi be acting funny in those big convention centers.
2. Travel Light, Travel Smart
DO NOT bring a big bag to the Superdome. Security is intense and bag checks are long. Rock something with pockets or carry a cute mini-wallet that zips. You want to be breezing through lines, not fumbling with a tote full of lip gloss and loose gum.
And while we’re here:
Bring a portable fan (yes, girl, it’s THAT hot)
Bring an extra charging bank (because content doesn’t post itself)
Pack an extra duffel if your carry-on is stuffed. You will leave with more than you came with. It’s called blessings, baby.
Pack plenty of water for day trips. Not just a bottle—bring a refillable water bottle you can actually sip from all day. Trust me.
3. Stay Hydrated or Stay Home
Let me be real with you for a second—I once fully passed out from heat stroke in New York. And New Orleans in July? Baby, it’s hotter than Satan’s armpit down there. You think you’re built different until you’re sweating through your edges, your shorts, and your attitude.
Do not play with dehydration. Bring water. Drink water. Add electrolytes if you can. Dehydration is a miserable, dizzy, nauseating experience—and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst ex.
4. Show Up Early (Like It’s Church on Easter)
If Beyoncé taught us anything, it’s that timing is everything. Get to the Superdome early. The music venue gets packed, and the lines for bag checks will have you rethinking all your life choices. If doors open at 6, be in line by 5:15. Trust.
5. You Need a Group Chat and an App
If you’re going with a group, things can get messy real quick. Instead of arguing over who paid for what three frozen drinks ago, download Splitwise or Settle Up. That way, by the end of the trip, nobody’s doing Venmo math over shrimp po’boys.
6. Make Time for the French Quarter But Be Street Smart
You have to walk through the French Quarter at least once. The vibes, the music, the culture—it’s unmatched. But don’t let the daiquiri fool you. Stay in the touristy parts. Don’t wander too far. There’s a reason New Orleans has a reputation for being haunted and I’m not just talking about bad exes.
7. Don’t Sleep on the Food (Duh.)
Willa Jean’s is that girl when it comes to brunch. I need you to do one thing for yourself:
Order the craw fish dip if still available
Grab a frozen margarita
And thank me later.
Even better? You can take your marg to go. Because in NOLA, the streets are your bar.
8. Wear Your Damn SPF
Aside from it being hot as Hades in New Orleans, the sun blazes more than Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg combined. If you walk outside without SPF, you may as well be begging to get burned. And not in a cute “I just got back from vacation” way either—I’m talking aloe vera, flaking, and full-body regret.
Wear your sunscreen. Reapply. And thank yourself later.
9. Budget Your Time Like a New Yorker
Traffic in New Orleans during Essence Fest? Demonic. Add 15–20 minutes minimum to your Uber rides. I don’t care if it’s two miles away. You’re not beating the congestion, and if you try, you will miss your panel, meet-up, or that one cute DJ set you were excited about.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Show Up – Be Present
Essence Fest is more than a festival. It’s a reminder that Blackness is not just resilient—it’s luxurious, joyful, innovative, and delicious. So take it all in. Hydrate. Wear SPF. Take cute pics. Be kind to other Black folks. And most importantly? Don’t stress yourself out trying to do everything. Choose joy, always.
See you in NOLA, baddies. 💅🏾