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ESSENCE Festival

R&B

ESSENCE Festival Tickets

Events1 Results

United States

About

About ESSENCE Festival

Since its 1995 debut, the ESSENCE Festival has helped shape, define, and celebrate African-American music and culture. Held every July 4 weekend at New Orleans' Superdome, the multi-day event initially was meant to be a one-time affair to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. 

But it proved to be such a powerful — and empowering — experience that it returned the following year, and has since grown into one of the U.S.'s biggest and most acclaimed annual festivals. "The party with a purpose" includes a stacked lineup of music's biggest names in hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and gospel, as well as several free panels and workshops, plus vendors focused on beauty, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and more. It features five stages — the main stage as well as four standing-room-only "super lounges" throughout the Superdome. While you'll need to purchase tickets to catch the music, anyone can check out the free daily activities and panels held throughout the weekend.

The first ESSENCE Festival in 1995 drew more than 142,000 people who showed up to see music legends like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and B.B. King perform. Fans also could attend free empowerment seminars hosted by the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson and Cornel West. 

Since then, the event has grown exponentially. In fact, the 2016 edition brought in more than 450,000 people, and it's only gotten bigger from there. The event has been held in New Orleans every year except 2006, when it made a temporary move to Houston, Texas, as the Crescent City was recovering from the damage of Hurricane Katrina.

Throughout the years, there have been many memorable performances, like when Prince took over the main stage dressed in a wig and fake goatee in 2004, and when Beyoncé made her festival debut in 2001 with trio Destiny's Child. She's since stolen the show a few more times as a solo superstar. 

In 1997, saxophonist Kenny G became the festival's first white headliner, and 10 years later, Democratic presidential nominees Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both made an appearance. In 2019, the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in New Orleans over the July 4 weekend with performances by Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, H.E.R., Pharrell Williams, and others.

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 3544 reviews
  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Essence has changed

    by TJ on 2/7/24

    Essence has been great over the years thru many changes in production (except not sure of the direction of 2023 with a lack of a consistent host, steaming to hulu ( not 1st time, but def more recent over the past few years) and very long intermissions which can make for an unenjoyable experience. Concerts have been longer. We're usually out by 11:45 or 12a. In 2023, it was more around 1:45a to 2:30 a---- wayyy too late. When there are so many dynamics happening it can create more chaos. In the past, we use to have 3 day tickets on sale in Nov, Dec, Jan even tho the lineup had not been released. In 2023, the line up and sales came out later- around March and in 2024, no ticket sales or announcement as of yet and we're in Feb. Change isn't bad. However, it would be nice to have contracts in place and sales available as the team has a year make plans and put tickets on sale. This is an event that requires the booking of flights, hotels, tickets, etc. Be considerate enough to your patrons to allow them time to make those purchases, plans, pto time request off, etc. I think the team has not factored that in. They want everybody on board with the new but it is taking them soooo long to make announcements, share updates, etc. It is frustrating. I'm excited about the 30th. Hoping they make an update/announcement soon so we can all start planning. Hoping that part as well as the production is better this year. Last year , it left a lot to be desired in some areas. Not bad, but there is work to do for sure.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Amazing Experience

    by Porsche on 8/17/23

    It was great seeing all the different performers under one location.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic

    by Who Dat! on 8/14/23

    My wife and I were first timers and had a great time. Almost overwhelmed with choices and I like that. From one of the coolest vibes to an al women comedy lineup bar with some gator balls to a club balcony with a reggae dj to an all white boat ride to concerts each night that performed the sound track of our youth to Armstrong park to take part in a drum circle. Like I said, fantastic. Convention all three days with surprise celebrity siting's everyday. We Uber'd all over the place and only got caught in 2 Uber surges late night right after the concerts. What should have been an $18 uber was like $38. Last thing, walk with your eyes on the sidewalk or you might roll an ankle.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Time to move into this Century

    by TengoHambre on 7/28/23

    The staff at the venue were friendly and helpful. Especially the ladies working in the bathrooms closest to the L section. My main complaint is about the availability of non-meat options. The show latest nearly 6 hours and there was only peanuts available for purchase for those who don't eat any meat. One of the ladies working security was so concerned and kind that she flagged down one of the venue "managers"to see if there was anything available across the numerous vendors. Absolutely nothing but roasted peanuts. This is the 21st century. Some easy items that can be added include: meatless pizza, a veggie burger, green salad with salad dressing packaged on the side, or even some french fries. Nothing fancy.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A good time was had

    by Ms.T on 7/19/23

    I had a wonderful time, all 3 nites. I miss the Lounge acts though. I hope they'll be returning next year.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Somewhat dissappointing

    by C. G. on 7/18/23

    LAUREN Hill was approx. 2 hrs late coming on stage which was dissappointing. Leaving the building, the escalators were on fast overdrive so we were bumping each other trying to get off.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Essence Festival

    by Tena on 7/12/23

    The concert experience and customer service were Awesome

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A time was had

    by HOT GURL LEO on 7/11/23

    Essence fest provided a bit of everything.... I literally spent 3 nights singing and screaming to my favorite artists. Definitely recommend

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Not Perfect, But a good time

    by Ms.T on 7/11/23

    A great time was had by all 8 of Us. We went all 3 days. It was different, with all the performers being on one stage, but nevertheless we enjoyed ourselves. The lounge acts are necessary, in the future.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Essence

    by Ty on 7/10/23

    The line up this year was not the best, the way the dud the performance was so long and we didn't get out of the show until 1pm and we couldn't go to any parties, and the fact we could not pull our tickets up on our phone was the worst part of it all