People are traveling from all over to attend the 2016 Essence Festival, a constantly growing event created in 1994.
The 2016 Essence Festival in New Orleans kicks off today, and there’s plenty for both natives and tourists to do for the Fourth of July weekend.
There will be food, music, art and more for the four day weekend, starting Thursday. Here’s some of the things you can find:
Artists
Artists from different genres will hit the stage to give mind blowing performances, including a New Orleans’ style tribute to the late Prince. Attendees can hear music and see performances ranging from R&B to hip hop to jazz to gospel. Most big names perform on the main stage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This weekend will see appearances from Maxwell, Tyrese, New Edition, Mariah Carey and Ciara — just to name a few. The talent doesn’t stop at the mainstage, however. Dej Loaf, Tink and MC Lyte hit the Art of Hip-Hop Superlounge; V. Bozeman, Mali Music and Lalah Hathaway perform on the For the Love of R&B Superlounge; and Tweet, The Internet, Kehlani and Leon Bridges will bless the Hot Right Now Superlounge.
If you don’t know who these artists are, get acquainted because Essence does not disappoint. The performances are timeless and endless, and the audience members will have trouble naming their favorite.
Inspirational Speakers
Essence doesn’t just bring people to their feet with their favorite artists. The popular music festival also brings inspirational speakers for those who need a word of comfort and wisdom. The lists of speakers is just as big as the list of artists. Guests will be given the opportunity to see YouTube personalities, models, recording artists and more. Todrick Hall, Tyra Banks, Keke Wyatt and Michelle Williams will all appear on the empowerment stages. The list goes on. Anything you probably want to hear will be there.
Freebies
While you’ll be getting your groove on at night, don’t forget to pass by the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to grab some free stuff, as well as maybe sneak a peak at a couple of celebrities walking by. The biggest sponsors that will fill space are Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Verizon, Ford and Wal-Mart. You can find these companies holding meet and greets, mini performances, raffling off tickets to the Essence concerts, giving free samples and more. You’ll drown in all the free stuff you didn’t know you could get.
Besides the larger companies, smaller franchises and businesses sell books, clothes and paintings. There will be tons to see, so prepare for lots of walking.
Expos
Let’s not forget about the expos. The Beauty and Style Expo begins each day starting Friday and lasts from 11:30 a.m. to about 5 o’clock. You’ll see makeup and hair tutorials, hair shows and fashion shows.
There’s also the Money and Power Expo to give you business and financial saving tips.
And though the food is not free, the tasty, mostly Southern cuisine, will be one for the books. Prices vary at the “Essence Eats” food court but attendees have a variety of choices as vendors come from around the country.