Essence Fest 2026 Recap: A First-Timer’s Diary of Culture, Fashion, Exploration, & Unforgettable Vibes in New Orleans - July 4th Weekend
Better late than never, right?
We’re three weeks past the trip, but I have to share my experience.
The trip was a late birthday gift to myself-since I had never been to New Orleans, I had to check it out.
If you’ve been following the news around Essence Fest in recent years, you know critics have been pretty harsh, due to the seemingly changing theme. But I’m happy I went! The overall energy felt like a big vibrant party/family reunion for Black Americans (particularly Black Women), coming from every corner of the country. Seeing Black business owners, convention attendees, and locals all hanging out, letting loose, and soaking up the city, was magic!
Urban Fashion Sense x Essence Fest ‘26 Video
Having Teyana Taylor as the event’s brand ambassador set the tone. She’s been killing it!
Here’s the ultimate recap of my trip to the Big Easy for Essence Fest x July 4th (250th Anniversary). Video and highlights below….
Urban Fashion Sense 2026 Essence Fest x New Orleans Recap
The Convention, Activations & Star-Sightings
Essence Festival of Culture sponsored by Coca-Cola!
I didn’t realize the convention activities were complimentary?! You just gotta get to New Orleans!
All the conferences, and activations at the convention center are F-R-E-E! (you may only pay for some vendor merch and VIP access).
I really wanted to check out the Valentino and Target activations, but I was too late. I also missed out on getting a cute bag from Mielle. But I snagged some pretty bags from Strands of Faith and Camille Rose (which I ended up using to consolidate my luggage on the way home—a major win!).
While over by Strands of Faith, I spotted Kandi Burruss at her KandiKoated booth, and even bumped into Kendra G, who was sweet enough to pose for a picture with me! I wish I would’ve saw my girl Tokyo Vanity!
Shoutout DJ Envy, who brought NY to NO with a Power 105.1 Breakfast Club and Bodega activation, as well as a mini car show exhibit for the fellas. There was also an ESPN x Disney activation highlighting the upcoming 2027 Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles, California!
Catching besties Normani and Ryan Destiny on stage for the If Not For My Girls conversation was another highlight. Didn’t realize I would be seeing them in person in just a few months, when I watched their Essence sit-down a few months ago.
Wish I could have caught them again on Sunday, performing alongside Mya, Sevyn Streeter, and Chloe Bailey for Missy and Choreographer, Fatima Robinson’s curated Aaliyah tribute, but they were a last-minute addition and we didn't have tickets for Sunday's show!
NOLA Fashion, Local Designers & Street Style
New Orleans Style: On Saturday, while most people were at the convention center, my mother, sister, and I, visited H&M for the HFR (Harlem’s Fashion Row) pop-up, hosted by Brandice Daniel, and highlighted incredible Black designers.
Shoutout HFR for always showing up for Black fashion and putting rising talent on the map!
Lisette Scott (JAM + RICO) – @jamandrico
Sophia Mitchell (LITBODIES) – @litbodieswaxart
Chuks Collins (CHUKS COLLINS) – @chukscollinsofficial
Jared Harris (ROCFRESH) – @_rocfresh
Nwamaka Ngody (ANWULI EYEWEAR) – @anwulieyewear
Kasha Reavis and John (BOHN JSELL) – @bohnjsell
Bruce and Glen Proctor (BRUCEGLEN) – @bruceglen
Flore K. (Flore K. New York) – @florekny | florekny.com
Speaking of talent and style, shoutout New Orleans native, designer of EMLINE—I saw everyone rocking his line around the city.
On our first day in the French Quarter, I wore the Honda Racing Striped Mesh Jersey top I copped from Fashion Nova, with my adidas Barreda ‘Mary Jane’ Sneakers and was taking some street style photos, when I met Raheem or “Heem”, owner of a local streetwear boutique, Heem Adisa.
He thought my top was dope, took a picture for inspiration, and invited us to his pop-up shop!
We went the next day and had a great time meeting another group from the city and learning about his brand. While there, I also met Steff in the City, a native of New Orleans and talented jewelry designer.
The Night Concerts: Legendary Energy
Most people go to Essence Fest for the night shows at the Caesars Superdome…. emphasis on night ‘cause on the 4th of July, we were in there until 2 AM!
We caught the end of PattiLaBelle’s set…. But Babyface brought the house down, running through a legendary rendition of hits he produced and admitting what I’ve been saying for years: Bobby Brown is the King of R&B!
Brandy performs in Chanel at Essences Fest 2026
Then came Brandy and Monica. I loved both of their sets and outfits— Brandy took us straight down memory lane in iconic Chanel and Cross Colours fits!
Monica wore custom Schiaparelli designed by Daniel Roseberry!
Monica: A Dozen Roses and So Gone - favorite performances!
Brandy: Incredible dancing, a beautiful tribute to Whitney Houston and En Vogue, and she brought out
Yo-Yo and MC Lyte for the I Wanna Be Down Remix!
Brandy joined by Yo-Yo and MC Lyte at Essence Fest. 2026
Exploring New Orleans & The Food Scene
While I loved the activations and music, my mother, sister, and I made sure to spend plenty of time exploring the city. The local people are so welcoming!
Now, let’s talk about the French Quarter: the energy is amazing, but the Quarter itself is definitely an acquired taste.
As for the food? DELICIOUS.
Desire’s at Sonesta Hotel: Great spot in the French Quarter (even though they forgot my cornbread).
Ladelyo’s Creole Catering: Grabbed some delicious food from them at the Convention Center.
Patti Pies: I picked up a small Patti Pie for my mom at the convention center, and to my surprise, Miss Patti LaBelle herself was right there at her booth!
Rumba: Located near our stay, this place had a gorgeous island vibe with a live steel pan performer. I had the shrimp and grits and a virgin mojito (pro-tip: ask them to add raspberry!). It came served with a stick of sugar cane, which was such a nice touch.
Pralines: I finally had an Aunt Sally’s NOLA praline at the airport on my way back home, and it did not disappoint.
Where We Stayed & Day Trips
I’m keeping our stay a secret because we ALL loved it so much and I want to save it for my next trip! But I will say it was about 20 minutes outside the city, worth every single dime, and surrounded by great retailers.
It was also super close to the Destrehan Plantation, which we had to visit in celebration of Independence Day, and America’s 250 Years of Freedom.
Unlike other plantations that were 1–2 hours away, Destrehan was an easy drive. We learned so much about the 1811 Slave Revolt, Louisiana sugar cane history, fur manufacturing, and more.
Want to plan your own NOLA getaway? If you are interested in learning more about where I stayed or want details on the exact spots I visited and more, send me a direct message in the Let’s Work section here!
I’d love to assist you with curating an identical trip for your next New Orleans, Louisiana adventure.