The Essence Music Festival officially begins on Thursday, June 30, 2016 and it ends on July 3, 2016. As in the past the festival will be held in New Orleans, which the concerts in the Superdome. Festival organizers recommend that travelers arrive in New Orleans on June 29, 2016.

Just a few of the entertainers include: Mariah Carey, Tyrese, Faith Evans, Ciara, Kenny “Babyface” Edmunds, Puff Daddy and the Family and Kelly Price.

Hotels (to step it up) for the 1016 Essence Music Festival<

Most of the more luxurious hotels in the area are around $300 per night with a minimum of three nights required on the dates of the festival.

Roosevelt Hotel – Waldorf Astoria

Ritz-Carlton

Loews New Orleans Hotel

Omni Royal New Orleans Hotel

This year, the music festival features expos, mini conferences designed to educate. This year’s expos are the: Beauty & Style Expo and the Money and Power Expo. The expos are free, but they require advanced registration.

The Beauty & Style Expo offers fashion shows, beauty tutorials, and free mini makeovers and products. The Essence Beauty & Style Expo is from July 1-3.

Where is everything happening during the Essence Music Festival?
The big evening concerts will be held at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans.

The workshops, including the empowerment seminars and the gospel tribute will be held at the Superlounge. The address to the Superlounge is 900 Convention Center Boulevard.