While musicians like Jill Scott, Maxwell, Master P and GloRilla rock the Caesars Superdome each night during the Essence Festival of Culture, that’s only a part of what’s going on this weekend. There will be plenty more happening over at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Essence Fest will host a number of “experiences” dedicated to beauty, health, fashion, business and other topics important to Black women and Black culture. There will be interviews and panels, workshops and demos, a marketplace and more in each experience hub.
Below is a round-up of this year’s experiences. All are free to attend and take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6, unless otherwise noted. A free, general admission ticket is required and can be found at essence.com. Many programming specifics have not yet been announced, so look for the latest on the festival’s website or on the Essence 360 app.
The Essence Festival of Culture hosts ‘experiences’ at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
BeautyCon: EFOC Edition
BeautyCon is a platform focused on beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends, and in the past has organized events at conventions in Los Angeles and New York. Essence Ventures acquired the platform in 2021, and BeautyCon has since become a staple hub at Essence Fest. Programming focuses on beauty and fashion trends and self-care tips for Black women, with interviews and workshops with influencers, entrepreneurs and experts. Featured speakers this year include U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and makeup artist Delina Medhin.
Community Center
This hub will feature tables and informational booths by organizations focused on civil rights, Black economic empowerment and activism. Essence also will host the We Love Us Community Day at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at University of New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena. Find more details on the Essence 360 app.
Essence Authors
Essence Fest hosts Black authors for interviews, book readings and signings. This year’s programming includes a talk between historian Jessica Harris, chef Nina Compton and author Osayi Endolyn about the food of the African diaspora; comedian Roy Wood Jr. discussing his forthcoming book “The Man of Many Fathers”; and Pulitzer Prize winning author Robin Givhan and actor and writer Jayne Kennedy sharing about their writings on Black fashion and art. There also are panels focused on navigating the publishing industry for first-time authors.
Essence Film Festival
Organized by Essence Studios, the film festival inside the fest will feature screenings by Black filmmakers. There’s also the associated Essence Hollywood House, which will feature interviews and panel discussions with filmmakers and film industry professionals. Programming includes sessions on the growth and use of artificial intelligence, how to find funding for film projects and the impact of representation on screen.
Essence Food & Wine Festival
The Food & Wine Festival highlights chefs, restaurants and dishes connecting the African diaspora. There will be food-focused events and workshops with restaurateurs and culinary experts. A po-boy showdown kicks things off on Friday, and there are sessions on wine and spirits and panels on the growth of keto diets and sober living.
The annual Essence Festival of Culture returns to the Convention Center July 4-6.
Essence Stage
The center stage at the convention center will feature an eclectic mix of programming, from interviews and keynotes to special presentations and music. There will be a celebration of the 30th anniversary of “Living Single” with cast members and a panel discussion. Podcasters Crissie West and Kid Fury will host a live edition of “Hot Topics” about current news. New Orleans-born filmmaker and photographer Edward Buckles will talk about his work. And there are events focused on reality television and modern dating and relationships.
Essence Wellness House
This hub at the festival will feature exercise and movement classes as well as vendors and sessions focused on mind, body and spiritual health. There are daily guided meditation sessions, a space offering free health screenings, and panels with health professionals holding sessions on mental health, sexual health and nutrition.
GBEF HQ
The Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) is an organization focused on breaking down economic barriers faced by the Black community, through policy advocacy, business education and leadership development. Each year, GBEF hosts a summit at Essence Festival featuring interviews with political leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs.
GU Creators House and Kickback
Girls United (GU) is Essence’s platform for young Black women, featuring content created by Gen Z for Gen Z. During Essence Fest, GU will take over Common House, 420 Julia St., on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, for a place where young creatives can network, collaborate and learn from some of today’s biggest influencers. There also are sessions about using Twitch, growing online audiences and navigating friendships as people grow. And on Friday, July 4, GU will host the Kickback Day Party at The Fillmore with performances by Moliy and T99ZY. Tickets for the Kickback start at $25. Find more info at linkin.bio/essencegu_.
New Voices Village
This hub focuses on new entrepreneurs and people looking for tips on starting or growing a business. Programming will include interviews and workshops, product demos and group “office hours,” where attendees can ask questions.
Suede Men’s Experience
As a publication and through its festival, Essence has historically focused on Black women. But this hub is all about Black men, with vendors, speakers and panels focused on sports, financial literacy, men’s health, fatherhood, arts and more.
SOKO MRKT
Formerly known as the Essence Marketplace, the SOKO MRKT gives space for Black- and women-owned businesses selling everything from clothing, handmade jewelry and accessories to visual art and unique goods.