The best way to describe the Essence Festival is, it’s one big celebration of fun, good food, entertainment and partying 24/7 and learning about women’s empowerment. “The Essence Fest” as it is commonly known is full of excitement and very happy people who are walking around in their glory, singing, dancing, eating and just moving. Yes, the Essence Festival is about constant movement, stopping by some of your favorite booths and checking out a brand that may interest you. You will also see some of the Celebrities walking around as well as entertaining the public. Imagine having four fun full days of movement that never stops.
Start your day with a great Breakfast, you will need it from all the walking around you are going to be doing. You will notice I said with a great Breakfast, not a healthy breakfast. New Orleans is known for its delicious food. Just remember you are on a mini vacation so eat well. I’m bad right! Enjoy yourself.
The best Shrimp and Grits is at Hobnobbers 139 Carondelet St, New Orleans.
Just be sure to wear the most comfortable shoes because the Convention Center is one huge building to walk around in. I wouldn’t wear heels to the day time activities. It’s just not smart and since this is a lifestyle blog for the over 50+, I cannot emphasize it enough. People take heed to what I am saying, I experienced it with my cute sexy sandals and by the first night, I had to run out and buy an emergency pair of sneakers. My feet were swollen Day 1 of the festival so buying backup sneakers made the rest of my stay perfect. 
The Essence Festival is two-fold. (Day-Time and Evening ) The day-time component of the Festival took place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. It’s free to get in but you have to pay for your meals and it’s set up like an expo with hundreds of booths that have food, entertainment and various Brands of products which automatically captures your attention.
This year’s festival attendees and participants were some of the most prominent people in politics, entertainment, business, activism and beyond. From Iyanla Vanzant, Cissy Houston, Maxine Waters, Ava DuVernay, Halle Berry and a host of others, those women are the epitome of what the “Essence Empowerment Experience” is all about and because of their contributions to society the turn out was extraordinary.
The “Essence Festival” is a field day of fun, entertainment, women’s empowerment, celebration, and commemoration. It’s a must go to every year event and make sure you bring plenty of friends and your walking shoes. The Festival takes place at the Ernest J Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
You never know who you might see at the Essence Festival! Here is Anthony Anderson giving out autographs to Fans! 
Two Essence Beauty Queens, Ms. Black Louisana, and Ms. Black Ouachita Parish!
The cast of the “Have and Have Nots! Tyler Lepley, Angela Robinson, and Gavin Houston!
Check out what’s happening at the Essence Festival, there so many things to see and do!
Black is definitely inspiring at the 2017 Essence Festival!
THE CAST OF QUEEN SUGAR! WOW!
I had the pleasure of seeing the founder of Carol’s Daughter at Essence Fest 2017!
Dinner Time at The Bourbon House in the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter Hotel, Canal St – The best Corn and Crab Soup in Town!
OMG! Best seafood platter in New Orleans
“GIRLS TRIP”CAST, IS A SEE ALL BE ALL!
The evening component of the festival is held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome where Diana Ross, John Legend, Solange, Xscape and a host of other dynamic stars lit up the stage with their great music, lots of dancing and patrons partying for a night to remember.
WALKING OFF THE FOOD ON CANAL STREET!
The “Essence Of It All” is; come and experience The Essence Festival in New Orleans. Therefore, if you find yourself in New Orleans next year, the 2018 Essence Festival will begin Friday, July 6 until Monday, July 9, 2018. I guarantee you it will be a fun-filled weekend of empowerment, inspiration, entertainment, and good eats. So start planning now.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/essence-festival-2018-registration-35925461021