Essence Festival of Cultural 2025 Survival Guide
10 Tips for Your Essence Festival Experience
Tip #1: When to Book – Right now.
Right now. If you haven't already booked your Essence Festival 2025 hotel and party package, you still have time. Essence Fest is one of the most popular annual music festivals, and attendees come from across the country and internationally to attend. Hotels, concerts, and party passes sell out year after year, and waiting to book is a mistake. To secure the best hotels conveniently located close to the Superdome and festival activities, we strongly recommend booking now. If you choose to book with us, and we hope you do, we offer a convenient payment plan to help you spread out your payments and plan ahead for the festival.
You can check out our Essence Festival packages for 2025
Tip #2: Getting Around. You Don't Need a Car.
Don't waste money on a rental car. New Orleans is a beautiful, walkable city. When you book one of our Essence Festival hotel and party packages, you'll be a short stroll or a quick Uber or Lyft away from festival activities, but we also strongly recommend trying out the New Orleans streetcars at least once.
If you're flying into New Orleans, skip a car rental and consider taking an airport shuttle, a taxi, a private or shared departure and/or arrival transfer. Traffic in New Orleans around Essence Fest can be very congested.
Tip #3: Download the APP!
Download the Essence Festival App when it becomes available a few weeks before the Essence Festival. This a great way to stay connected, view venue maps, entertainment stages, schedules, entertainers, speakers, film screenings, giveaways, health & wellness activities, and so much more. The Essence Festival App is available for both iOS and Android phones.
Tip #4: Don't Leave Home Without These
Bring your walking shoes and don't forget a light jacket or wrap before heading out to the concerts, the Superdome has a tendency to get cold! Trust us – you'll thank us later, pack those comfortable shoes!
Tip #5: Put The Brakes On Your Diet
Now you know how New Orleans is famous for its exquisite cuisine, and you've heard how good the food is. You have to experience the food. There are so many food staples to choose and pick from Dragos, Deanie's Seafood, Mother's Restaurant, Dooky Chase, and the list goes on and on. There are several restaurants located around many of the hotels downtown to take in some savory gumbo, jambalaya, a good ole Po' Boy sandwich, and even your infamous powdered sugar beignets from Café Du Monde.
Tip #6: Attend A Boat Party If You Can!
Year after year, the number of all-white parties increases. Don't forget to pack white clothing for those fantastic white parties. You can find all white parties on land and sea, so you must be prepared. The scorching heat in New Orleans in July requires cool, breathable clothing.
You may not be on the Red Carpet in Hollywood, but New Orleans during Essence Fest is definitely star-studded. We suggest selecting two White Outfits at a minimum for the Essence Festival!
When you book a Clar' Escapes Travel package, you have the option to book the VIP on the River Boat Party on the City of New Orleans Riverboat. These parties are based on availability, so book these early!
Tip #7: Drink lots of water!
Hydration is vital in the July heat and humidity of Louisiana. Drink plenty of water! Also, consider packing a personal fan like a water misting fan. If your hotel has a mini-fridge or refrigerator, you can get to a drugstore to purchase a pack of water.
Tip #8: Bring Sunscreen and Hand Sanitizers!
Melanin skin isn't exempt. Let's debunk that myth right now; people of color need sunscreen too. All skin types are susceptible to damage caused by harmful UVA/UVB rays. It is highly recommended that you wear sunscreen on your trip. Dermatologists recommend everyone wear sunscreen every day. Don't forget to pack a travel-size hand sanitizer or pick up a bottle when you arrive.
Tip #9: Pack some Patience!
Essence Festival is a huge event, be prepared for the crowds. Be safe and be aware of your surroundings.
Tip #10: Experience Bourbon Street and the French Quarter
You'll have an absolutely fantastic experience at Essence. Bring your BFF and surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. While you're in New Orleans, don't forget to stop by Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, it's everything you've heard and much more.
