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Essence Festival of Culture

R&B

Essence Festival of Culture Tickets

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Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 3546 reviews

Events1 Results

United States

About

About ESSENCE Festival

Since its 1995 debut, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has helped shape, define, and celebrate black music and culture. Held every July 4th weekend, the multi-day event initially was meant to be a one-time affair to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. However, it turned out to be an incredibly impactful and empowering event, prompting its return the following year and subsequently evolving into one of the largest and most highly regarded annual festivals in the United States.

While you'll need to purchase tickets to catch the music at #essencefest, anyone can check out the free daily activities and panels held throughout the weekend which includes expert panels, workshops and shopping focused on beauty, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and more.

This year marks the 30th birthday of the Essence Festival of Culture! The party with a purpose" always includes a stacked lineup of music's biggest names in hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, and gospel. Throughout the years, there have been many memorable performances and this year will be no different. Buy your tickets and come party with us for our dirty thirty!

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 3546 reviews
  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Disappointed

    by A Renee on 3/25/24

    Prior to covid - Essence was fantastic! The logistics and coordination was on point! NOW - OMG. It is hot mess. My issue continues to lie in the fact that they want us to hurry up and book blindly. Not only book blindly, but, require us to PRINT AT HOME IN 2024 for all 3 day passes. NO OTHER FESTIVAL DOES THIS! Additionally, this new requirement of giving us ticket delay and mandatory printing at home comes at a HUGE INCONVENIENCE! You don't find out that your tickets won't be released to you until THE START OF THE EVENT TO PRINT AT HOME until you actually buy it. ARE THEY INSANE? I'm a long time ESSENCE goer and this is absolutely CRAZY! So, now we have PAY MONEY AT THE HOTEL BUSINESS CENTER TO PRINT, AS WELL AS MISS A GOOD PORTION OF THE SHOW. PLEASE FIX THIS AND DO BETTER!!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Last year’s concert was a 3/10. First time.

    by Ss on 3/20/24

    I was so disappointed with the concert for year 2023. As others have mentioned, the host were lacking, no music playing between acts. I left at 1am to make a party I had reservations for. I don’t even think I’ll get tickets to the concert this year because of last year. Why must we wait so long to know who will be there. They should be planning before the year starts. I just knew I was going to sing my heart out but I had more fun at the day parties.

  • 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