Every 4th of July weekend, the Essence Music Festival takes over the city of New Orleans and this weekend will be no different. In fact, in a few days, the EMF will most likely be bigger and better than before because this year, the festival is celebrating 25 years of festival excellence. And to commemorate the occasion, for the first time EVER, #EssenceFest is hosting the official after parties following the Super Dome performances with ESSENCE After Dark. There will be live podcasts, comedy shows, and jam sessions every night, July 4-7.
So, what’s the late-night move at #EssenceFest? Check it all out below. As always, 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 throughout EMF weekend. HAVE FUN!
ESSENCE AFTER DARK SERIES
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Women in Hip-Hop ft. MC Lyte | Republic NOLA | 10P-2A
FRIDAY, JULY 5
The Read Live | Orpheum Theater | 6:30P
Herlarious ft. Kym Whitley | Orpheum Theater | 10P
Reggae X Afrobeats Link Up ft. Estelle | Republic NOLA | 10P-2A
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Dead Ass Podcast Live with Khadeen & Devale Ellis | Orpheum Theater | 6:30P
Mike Epps & Friends | Orpheum Theater | 10P
Teddy’s Jam ft. Guy & Blackstreet | Republic NOLA | 10P-2A
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Beats & Bounce w/ Big Freedia & Mannie Fresh
ALL WEEKEND | JULY 5-7
COAG Pop-Up Shop | JW Marriott [3rd Floor] | 11A-7P
ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL PARTIES & EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
French Quarter Comedy Fest ft. DeRay Davis | The Saenger Theatre | 8:30P
The Intro: Meet & Greet | Razoo Bar & Patio | 8P-1A
THURSDAY, JULY 4
The PINK Affair Day Party | Razzo Bar & Patio | 11A-7P
The Cookout – Red, White & Blue Day Party | Barcadia New Orleans | 3-9P
Essence Independence Day Silent Party | Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel | 7P-Midnight
Get Lit Rooftop Kickoff Party | VUE Rooftop Bar | 8P-2A
My Adidas Old School House Party | Barcadia New Orleans | 9P-3A
Trap Soul ft. Toya Wright | Aprés Lounge | 10P
Fire & Ice: Welcome To New Orleans EMF Kick-Off ft. Kid Capri | Bourbon Heat | 10P
FRIDAY, JULY 5
The Good Brunch w/ Black Girl Podcast | Lauren at Pythian | 11A-2P
Trap Yoga & Mimosas | JW Marriott | 12P
Strut: The Fashion Experience | New Orleans Board of Trade | 12:30-4P
Welcome to New Orleans Day Party | Le Meridien | 2-8P
Chicken & Waffles Day Party | Barcadia New Orleans | 3-9P
The Champagne Day Party | Laurenia at Pythian | 3-7P
All-White Masquerade Boat Party w/ a Splash of Red ft. Biz Markie | Creole Queen | 7-10P
Rock The Boat All-White Boat Ride | Creole Queen | 7-10P
Mardi Gras Party | Barcadia | 9P-Midnight
All-White Fabulous Friday Affair w/ Terrence J & La La Anthony | Le Meridien | 10P
Anything But White | The Fillmore (atop Harrah’s Casino) | 10:30P
The Swift Lounge | Laurenia at Pythian | 10:30P
Nice + Fresh Party ft. DJ D-Nice + Doug E. Fresh | New Orleans Board of Trade | 11P
SATURDAY, JULY 6
The Good Brunch w/ Black Girl Podcast | Lauren at Pythian | 11A-2P
Trap Yoga & Mimosas | JW Marriott | 12P
All-White Great Gatsby Day Party ft. DJ Envy | Aprés | 2P
Represent Meet & Greet Day Party | Le Meridien | 2-8P
The Champagne Day Party | Laurenia at Pythian | 3-7P
All White Affair ft. Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh & Kenny Burns | Metropolitan | 3-9P
I Love the 90s ft. Ginuwine | Le Meridien | 9:30P
The Black Affair ft. NAS & DJ Envy | Masquerade (inside Harrah’s) | 10P
The Swift Lounge | Laurenia at Pythian | 10:30P
SNL ft. Big Daddy Kane | New Orleans Board of Trade | 11P
SUNDAY, JULY 7
The Essence Weekend Pop-Up Experience | Holiday Inn – Downtown | 9A-6P
Sunday Funday: NOLA Festival Meet & Greet Day Party | Le Meridien | 2-8P
1 comment
There is a major event on Saturday morning commemorating our Ancestors. It is called The MAAFA, and it starts at 7am in Congo Square. Attire is all white.