Missy fit: Ms Elliott takes to the Superdome stage for Essence Fest 2023
Essence Festival of Culture 2023
Citywide
This weekend sees a welcome return to one of the cornerstones of the New Orleans festival circuit, and as you might imagine, there are some big names in town. Here’s a summary of the talent, as well as highlights of the excellent wider program.
As always, the lineup boasts musical legends from across the decades. Big name artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill are all taking the stage at the Caesars Superdome. Other performers include Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Tems, Tobe Nwigwe, Jagged Edge, Ari Lennox and DJ Clark Kent. Deon Cole will host.
There are plenty more events going on at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The festival hosts “experiences” — unique areas dedicated to beauty, health, fashion, business and other topics impacting Black culture, especially Black women — with keynote speakers, vendors, panels, workshops and more across the Convention Center.
The Essence Film Festival also takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Guests can expect “all things film and television", including celebrity panels, screenings, and info about behind the scenes gigs.
Essence hosts a family-friendly party 10am to 6pm on Monday, July 3, at Armstrong Park. This year the day features New Orleans musicians, artists, food vendors including seafood, and kids’ activities. This year's lineup includes Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, Flagboy Giz, Pell, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Reup Reedy, Raj Smoove and Sheba Songz.
Of course, food is an essential part of any New Orleans festival, and Essence is no different. Another joyous new addition to the schedule is the first-ever Essence Eats Food & Wine Festival at The Sugar Mill and Mississippi River Heritage Park. Expect a delicious menu of celebrity chef appearances, demonstrations, panels, fine food trucks and local vendors.
The festival hosts authors for daily book readings, interviews and signings. Among this year's authors are Sierra Tribble, Clarence Haynes, Debra Lee, Van Garret, Derrick Young and Kim Johnson. The experience is powered by Mahogany Books, an independent bookstore specializing in books by writers of African descent.
Beauty, wellness, health, wealth and tech are all given full programs as well, making this year’s Essence Fest the most expansive ever. Click below for a more detailed exploration of those elements, and in general, rejoice that Essence is back in full flow, and with more to enjoy than ever before.
Essence Festival of Culture 2023 website
Black Girl Giggles returns to Essence Fest
More culture
Citywide
This weekend sees a welcome return to one of the cornerstones of the New Orleans festival circuit, and as you might imagine, there are some big names in town. Here’s a summary of the talent, as well as highlights of the excellent wider program.
As always, the lineup boasts musical legends from across the decades. Big name artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill are all taking the stage at the Caesars Superdome. Other performers include Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Tems, Tobe Nwigwe, Jagged Edge, Ari Lennox and DJ Clark Kent. Deon Cole will host.
There are plenty more events going on at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The festival hosts “experiences” — unique areas dedicated to beauty, health, fashion, business and other topics impacting Black culture, especially Black women — with keynote speakers, vendors, panels, workshops and more across the Convention Center.
The Essence Film Festival also takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Guests can expect “all things film and television", including celebrity panels, screenings, and info about behind the scenes gigs.
Essence hosts a family-friendly party 10am to 6pm on Monday, July 3, at Armstrong Park. This year the day features New Orleans musicians, artists, food vendors including seafood, and kids’ activities. This year's lineup includes Big Freedia, The Soul Rebels, Flagboy Giz, Pell, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Reup Reedy, Raj Smoove and Sheba Songz.
Of course, food is an essential part of any New Orleans festival, and Essence is no different. Another joyous new addition to the schedule is the first-ever Essence Eats Food & Wine Festival at The Sugar Mill and Mississippi River Heritage Park. Expect a delicious menu of celebrity chef appearances, demonstrations, panels, fine food trucks and local vendors.
The festival hosts authors for daily book readings, interviews and signings. Among this year's authors are Sierra Tribble, Clarence Haynes, Debra Lee, Van Garret, Derrick Young and Kim Johnson. The experience is powered by Mahogany Books, an independent bookstore specializing in books by writers of African descent.
Beauty, wellness, health, wealth and tech are all given full programs as well, making this year’s Essence Fest the most expansive ever. Click below for a more detailed exploration of those elements, and in general, rejoice that Essence is back in full flow, and with more to enjoy than ever before.
Essence Festival of Culture 2023 website
Black Girl Giggles returns to Essence Fest
More culture