Source: Instagram @essencefest
The time has finally come: The 2017 Essence Music Festival is underway, which means, in just a couple of days, the Big Easy will be filled with visitors from around the country. You probably have your schedule set to see Diana Ross, Xscape, Chance the Rapper, and No Limit, but, like every year, I’ve curated a list of the most happening parties to attend.
From day events, to concert after-parties, to boozy brunches, this annual guide is jammed-packed with things to do, so you’ll never have to figure it out on your own. Feel free to print it, share it with friends, and be sure to check back as the list will be updated until EMF weekend. Have fun!
THURSDAY, JUNE 29
Throwback Thursday R&B Covers: Essence Music Fest Edition
@ The Howlin’ Wolf, 907 South Peters St.
9P | Tickets
Soundbytes Meets The Crockpot: A NOLA | L.A. Jam Session, hosted by PJ Morton + Mel Hunter
@ Three Keys @ Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St.
9:07P | RSVP
The Pink Affair
@ Razzo Bar And Patio, 511 Bourbon St.
12 – 6P | FREE
Welcome to New Orleans Gala w. US Congressman Cedric Richmond
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
Midnight | Tickets
FRIDAY, JUNE 30
Morton Records Day Party BBQ w. DJ G-Cue ft. 3D Na’Tee + Denisia
@ 411 S. Rampart St.
1 – 4P | No Cover
The Ultimate Dayhem Party
@ Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton St.
2 – 6P | Tickets
Red, White, and YOU Day, hosted by Kandi Burruss
@ Après Lounge, 608 Fulton St.
2 – 10P | Tickets
We Read: A Fly Girl Mixer w. LHHNY’s JuJu, Toya Wright + more
@ Octavia Art Gallery, 454 Julia St.
4 – 7P | Tickets
90s House Party Essence Fest Weekend Day Party
@ Little Gem Saloon, 445 S. Rampart St.
4P – Midnight | Tickets
The Essence of Comedy w. Mario P
@ Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave.
7:30P | Tickets
Ashanti Festival Weekend Power All White Affair
@ Masquerade Nightclub (inside Harrah’s Casino), 8 Canal St.
9:30P | Tickets
Welcome To Our City NOLA presents Mystikal w. band + more
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
10P | Tickets
Double Decade Throwback Party w. H-Town
@ Bourbon Heat, 711 Bourbon St.
10P | Tickets
All White Party w/ Big Tigger + Kid Capri
@ Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave.
10P | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-all-white-party-music-festival-weekend-kid-capri-tickets-35648148572
Essence of Noir, hosted by Lance Gross + DJ Chris Dope
@ Mannings New Orleans, 519 Fulton St.
10P | Tickets
Welcome to New Orleans Affair
@ Eiffel Society, 2040 Saint Charles Ave.
10P | Tickets
Not-for-Sale Essentials Edition w. DJs Lil Jodeci + Pr_ck
@ Three Keys @ Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St.
10P | RSVP
Exclusive All White Affair w. Kandi Burruss + performance by Tank
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
Midnight | Tickets
SATURDAY, JULY 1
New Orleans Natural Hair Expo
@ Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.
10A – 4P | Tickets
Get Glammed #PrettySituation Pop-Up Shop + Teen Girl Empowerment Tour
@ Hilton Garden Inn, 1001 S. Peters St.
10A – 7P | More Info: prettyhairposse@gmail.com
Sundress & Seersucker Day Party
@ Barcadia, 601 Tchoupitoulas St.
12 – 7:30P | Tickets
The Good Life Day Party w. Angela Yee, Lance Gross, and Larry Morrow
@ Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave.
1 – 5P | FREE
All White Great Gasby Day Party, Hosted by Tiny
@ Après Lounge, 608 Fulton St.
3 – 10P | Tickets
All White Flight Bike Ride
@ 14 Parishes, 1638 Clio St. (meetup)
7P | Tickets
GRITS & BISCUITS: A Dirty South Set
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
10P | Tickets
Mardi Gras Day Party w. Big Tigger, Raheem DeVaughn, Eva Marcille, Doug E. Fresh, + more
@ Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave.
10P | Tickets
The Art of Luxury Black & White Blowout w. Kenny Burns, Terrence J, and Toya Wright + live performance by The-Dream
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
10P | Tickets
The Groove w. DJ RQ Away, Mick, Wally Spears + more
@ Three Keys @ Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St.
10P | RSVP
Noirlinians Afrobeat Party: Essence Edition w. DJs Chris Stylez | Natty Boom
@ 5416 South Claiborne Ave.
10P | Tickets
The Glo Up, hosted by Black Men with Beards
@ 14 Parishes, 1638 Clio St.
11P | 25+ | Tickets
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Hair Glam Squad Salon Experience [Free hair/barbering/makeup services]
@ Hilton Garden Inn, 1001 S. Peters St.
11A – 3P | FREE
Rock the Runway Celebrity Fashion Show w. BBWLA’s Angel Love
@ New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal St.
2 – 4P | Tickets
Celebrity Comedy Cookout Day
@ Après Lounge, 608 Fulton St.
2 – 7P | Tickets
NOLA Nobles Dandy Affair
@ Three Keys @ Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St.
2 – 6P | RSVP
Hangover Day Party: EMF*ck It Up Sis w. DJ D-Nice
@ Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave.
3 – 8P | Tickets
Manes, Martinis, and Massages
@ 14 Parishes, 1638 Clio St.
3P | Tickets
RCS #Glasshouse Day Party
@ New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
3 – 8P | Tickets
All White Festival Weekend Finale
@ Masquerade Nightclub (inside Harrah’s Casino), 8 Canal St.
10P | Tickets
Shades of Black Weekend Climax w. Kenny Burns and Monica, + live performance by Juvenile
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
10P | Tickets
Essentials: Soul in the Horn, hosted by Elle Varner + D. Prosper
@ Three Keys @ Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet St.
10P | Tickets