Essence Music Festival began 15 years ago as a celebration of ESSENCE Magazine’s silver anniversary.

The festival continued each year thereafter, taking place July 4th weekend in New Orleans. This festival is the largest African-American music and empowerment event in the country.

Night-time performances with your favorite artists, plus free empowerment seminars and other daytime sponsored events draw 270,000 attendees annually.

THE MUSIC

Known as the Ultimate Party Weekend, entertainment includes world-famous nationally recognized talent, as well as the most popular local artists. Nightly concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place in the New Orleans Arena. Tickets are required.

THE SEMINARS

While the musical entertainmeant is certainly a big part of the Essence Music Festival, that is not the only draw.

Empowerment seminars given by some of the most inspiring and influential people in America today are a major and important part of the festival.

The free three-day seminar series takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (900 Convention Center Blvd.)