What began as a one-time concert in 1994 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine has become the largest annual event to honor African-American culture in the United States. The four-day festival, running this year from June 30 to July 3, has hosted some of the biggest names in R&B, soul, gospel, blues, hip hop, and jazz, including Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, The O’Jays, Janet Jackson, En Vogue, and Mary J. Blige. Essence Fest, as it is sometimes known, takes over New Orleans’ Central Business District as local stores offer arts, crafts, books, and other products created by African-Americans. The Essence Festival also offers a series of free daytime seminars and community-oriented events at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center focused on black entrepreneurship and empowerment, but every night is capped off by marquee headliners taking the stage at the world famous Superdome. The Essence Festival is a unique blend of business savvy and booming talent that encourages African-American independence and drive, all followed by four decades worth of some of the most recognizable names in pop music. Score with TicketCity - the place to go for Essence Festival tickets.
The 2017 Essence Festival takes place June 29-July 2 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. This year's Essence Festival lineup will feature headliners Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Chance The Rapper, Solange, and John Legend, plus many more artists.
Essence Festival 2017 Lineup
Diana Ross - John Legend - Mary J. Blige - Chance The Rapper - Solange - Chaka Khan - Jill Scott - Master P - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - India.Arie - Monica - Jazmine Sullivan - Mystikal - Silkk The Shocker - Mia X - Rhonda Ross - Ari Lennox - Bj The Chicago Kid - Daley - Emily Estefan - Elle Varner - Jhene Aiko - Gallant - Sir the Baptist - Yuna - The Jones Girls ft. Shirley Jones - Leela James - Remy Ma - Lalah Hathaway - Lizzo - Kelly Price - June's Diary - Shaggy - Ro James - Tweet - Teyana Taylor - Michel'le - PJ - Moses Sumney
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2017 Essence Festival at Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The Superdome is as much a part of New Orleans’ lure as Bourbon Street and jazz music. The domed stadium has hosted seven Super Bowls, five NCAA Men’s Basketball championships, and every Essence Music Festival since 1994, with the exception of 2006. The stadium holds roughly 75,000 people, and since its redesign in 2010, provides a terrific concert experience. Its superb sound system and giant screens ensure there’s not a bad seat in the house. For fans who can’t get enough music during the festival, it’s a short trip to Bourbon Street, where you can indulge in jazz and blues until the wee hours of the morning.
Can I record the concert at Essence Festival?
No professional video or audio equipment is permitted, but cellphones are allowed.
What time does Essence Festival begin?
Doors for Essence Festival open at 6:00 pm Friday.
Is there parking at Essence Festival?
Since it’s designed for big events, the Superdome provides ample parking. There is also parking available at the Morial Convention Center.
Can I bring food or water to Essence Festival?
No outside containers, knapsacks, or backpacks are permitted, though medicine approved by security is allowed. The Superdome sells food, beverages, and alcohol to concertgoers.
Will there be alcohol at Essence Festival?
Outside beverages, including alcohol, are not allowed at Essence Music Festival. Alcohol will be sold inside the festival.