Essence Festival 2022
Essence Festival, you owe me nothing!
I went back to New Orleans for the festival this year. This time was a little bit different. Previously, I went as an attendee, but this time, I actually worked the festival. It was a great experience of meeting new people and networking. I think with the pandemic everyone was ready to be outside. You can tell the joy and excitement of everyone that you met. It was definitely the reunion we all needed. I saw so many people I knew as well and it was the joy for me!
With Janet Jackson, New Edition, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, and more, it’s safe to say that the festival brought in numbers. I need to add that Janet Jackson may be the reason why concert tickets went quick. You can purchase a package deal or buy the concert tickets separately. You don’t have to pay to go into Marc Morial Convention Center, but you will need to RSVP to get in.
If you’re looking for a hotel close to the Marc Morial Convention Center, I would say Marriot, Hilton or Loews. I stayed at the Loews and it was walking distance to Bourbon Street and you can walk to the Caersars Superdome if you want. Ubers and Lyft raised their rates and it’s probably best to walk if you can do it. My mistake was not catching a local cab to the airport. They charge a flat rate of about $37 depending on your hotel location.
Although, I didn’t get a chance to go to all my favorite spots, I was on a mission. For reference, you can read about The One Time I Went To Essence On A Budget for food options and my past Essence Festival experience. Next time, I will be going to Morrow’s and Dragos even if I have to fly in earlier to go. I couldn’t wait on line for 3 hours. AbsoluteIy not. However, I did try to squeeze in a few on my last night there. I ran to Bourbon Street real quick and nothing has changed, still crowded. lol I went to the Civic Center for the Hulu Motel skating party. I got VIP tickets for this since my friends work for Hulu streaming. I also went to Pythian Market for the Essence Black Women in Sports brunch. You can watch the YouTube video below for the brunch.
Watch my recap below and read more about my Nola experience.
Ace Hotel
This location is in Warehouse District which is close to art galleries, museums, shopping cocktails and just a short walk to the French Quarter. They had a few after parties for Essence as well.
Gianna’s Restaurant
This is located at the corner of Magazine and Girod Streets in the New Orleans Warehouse District. They offer rustic Italian cuisine rooted in Louisiana tradition and technique.
Pictured: Shrimp Scampi
Not Pictured: Grilled Octopus
Heard Dat Kitchen
This location is Black-owned and is a family-owned and operated establishment. I didn’t get a chance to eat in their restaurant, but they do deliver via GrubHub. This was one of my favorite meals.
Pictured: Benson Boogie (Catfish, Fried Shrimp, Grits)
Dookie Chase’s Restaurant
Founded by Emily and Dooky Chase, Sr., Dooky Chase’s Restaurant became the meeting place for music and entertainment, civil rights, and culture in New Orleans. Now, people have events here or you can make reservations to eat. I went for a fundraising breakfast before Essence Festival started.
Pythian Market
This location is a food hall and gathering space in Downtown New Orleans. In here you’ll find local food purveyors, a fast craft bar, and curated retail vendors. More than a food hall, Pythian Market is a place for community and a celebration of culture and the arts. This is where the Essence Black Women In Sports brunch was held.
