(July) Essence Music Festival is a massive annual celebration of African American music and culture, held in New Orleans’ world-famous Superdome. The festival has gained serious credibility since its inception in 1995, attracting concert-goers in excess of 75,000. The event hosts top contemporary black entertainers such as Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Kanye West, while celebrating classic jazz/soul crossover artists like Chaka Khan, Mavis Staples and many others.
The festival takes place over three days at the beginning of July each summer, with visitors streaming into NOLA, ensuring that the city maintains it’s status as one of the best cities for all kinds of music. Explore the festival’s website to find out about the incredible array of tie-in events and discounts that go along with the festival. Area hotels and vendors often have major discounts all weekend long. We recommend purchasing tickets early, as some ticket outlets have early-bird discounts.
- Public Transportation: Very Good (within a 7-minute walk from buses 15, 16, 28, 39, 51, 52, 57, 62, 63, 64, 84, 91, 100, 101, 102, 114, and 115)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances: 35–40
- Ticket Prices: $50–$100.
