Credit: festival.essence.com
The time has arrived! The 2018 Essence Music Festival is underway and I couldn’t be more excited. From Janet Jackson, to Xscape, to Daniel Caesar, to The Roots with Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, this year will be something to remember. But aside from the concerts and the seminars at the Convention Center, the places to be are the day and after parties. There are tons, and I do mean tons of things to get into.
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!
THURSDAY, JULY 5
Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s EMF Welcome Party
ft. Music By MC Lyte + Special Guests
Invite Only
Lipstick N’ Laughter
w/ Sherri Shepherd, Kym Whitley, David Arnold, and More
@ Joy Theater, 1200 Canal St.
7p | Tickets
FRIDAY, JULY 6
Fabulous, The All White Friday Affair
w/ Lance Gross + Toya Wright
@ Le Méridien New Orleans, 333 Poydras St.
1P | Tickets – SOLD OUT
Welcome to New Orleans Day Party
@ Le Méridien New Orleans, 333 Poydras St.
3P | Tickets
Trap Karaoke
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
8P | Tickets – SOLD OUT
Black Girl Giggles Comedy Festival, Shakedown, & Dance Party
@ Foundation Room (inside House of Blues), 225 Decatur St.
8P | $20 | Dress Code
All White Party: Casino Royale Edition
ft. DJ Kid Capri
@ Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave.
9P | Tickets
Welcome to New Orleans Festival Weekend Experience
w/ Jason Mitchell, Rotimi (Dre from Power), Angela Yee + DJ Envy, and More
@ Masquerade Nightclub (inside Harrah’s Casino), 8 Canal St.
Tickets
Tichina Arnold’s 90s Birthday Bash
Hosted by Tisha Campbell
@ the Revolution, 1840 Thalia St. (at Oretha Castle Haley)
9P | Tickets
DJ Snoopadelic All White Exclusive
ft. Kenny Burns
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
10:30P | Tickets
SATURDAY, JULY 7
The Power Of Influence Awards: All Star Edition
Honoring Teddy Riley, Karen Civil, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, and More
Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave.
1-6P | Tickets
Damn That DJ Made My Day Party (FEST EDITION)
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
2P | Tickets
Pop Up Shop Day Party
@ Le Méridien New Orleans, 333 Poydras St.
2P | Tickets
NOLA Silent Day Party
@ Three Palms Bar and Grill, 3813 Tulane Ave.
3P | Tickets
The Ultimate All Black Experience
w/ Floyd Mayweather, Jr. + Mary J. Blige
@ Masquerade Nightclub (inside Harrah’s Casino), 8 Canal St.
Tickets
Harlem Nights
Hosted by Lorenz Tate ft. DJ Biz Markie + Doug E. Fresh
@ Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave.
9P | Tickets
I Love The 90s
@ Le Méridien New Orleans, 333 Poydras St.
9:30P | Tickets
Grits & Biscuits: A Dirty South Set
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
10P | Tickets
The After Party
ft. Idris Elba + Kid Capri, DJ Aktive, Bomshell Boogie
Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave.
10P | Tickets
The Art of Luxury Black & White Affair
Hosted by Michael B. Jordan + Lance Gross
The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
10:30P | Tickets
SUNDAY, JULY 8
Doug E. Fresh’s Decades! Day Party
ft. DJ Soul Sister + DJ RQ Away
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
1:30P | Tickets
NOLA Festival Day Party
w/ Kenny Burns + DJ SNS
@ Le Méridien, 333 Poydras St.
2P | Tickets
The Sweet Spot
@ House of Blues, 225 Decatur St.
7:30P | Tickets
Requiem w/ DJ Raj Smoove
@ Foundation Room (inside House of Blues), 225 Decatur St.
10P
Sunday Reign: Shades of Black Weekend Climax
ft. Jeezy + Kenny Burns
@ The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
10:30P | Tickets
The Ultimate All White Experience
@ Masquerade Nightclub (inside Harrah’s Casino), 8 Canal St.
Tickets