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This has been a busy summer for us--from Central America down to New Orleans we can definitely say this summer has been amazinggggg!! Fourth of July weekend, the JSD crew hit the beautiful streets of New Orleans, to Laissez les bon temps roule ( Let the good times roll) for Essence Music Festival.
EMF was sort of a last minute adventure for us, so here are some tips on how to prepare should you want to participate in good, grown folk fun!
1. DO plan in advance
While you can go to EMF at the last minute it is best to plan in advance for 2 main reasons: 1)Hotel Accommodations can become either scarce or pricey
2) A lot of the free events are no longer available or now cost if you wait until the week before or of EMF.
2. DO sign up for Pop-Up Shops
Pop-Up Shops are a good way to connect with local & visiting artist, designers, djs etc. You can usually sign up for these on Eventbrite by just searching for Essence Music Festival Parties. We visited a Pop-Up shop that had several vendors in one location. We purchased body oils from Jones & Rose--so glad we stopped in there! These are also are good way to cool off and get complimentary drinks!
3. DON'T forget to stay hydrated
Summertime heat can be brutal, especially in New Orleans which is why it is important to stay hydrated! You will be drinking & partying (more than likely), so drink plenty of water and replenish your electrolytes after a day out in the city.
4. DO download the official EMF App
The official EMF app came in handy this year. It was a way to connect with others participating in the festival activities as well as ways to keep up with official events. Such events like speakers & performances at the Convention Center and the nightly lineup at the Superdome. The app was supposed to grant you access to certain exclusive events. Maybe we downloaded it too late, but it is highly recommended if you want to stay in the loop. We know for next year!
5. DO go to the Ernest Morial Convention Center
Why go to the convention center??? For all of the free stuff! Free performances, celebrity sightings, product giveaways & not to mention the food court. There are plenty of reasons to visit the Convention Center during EMF. We were also able to score free tickets to one of the concerts that weekend. This is highly recommended.
6. DON'T forget to stay safe
Yes you are on vacation, you can let your hair down and be free. However, don't forget to stay safe! You may be on vacation but that doesn't negate the fact that crime doesn't stop. A few tips on how to stay safe in NOLA 1) Do not wander the city at night by yourself. Tourist are especially vulnerable in areas known to not be safe for tourist; 2) Be aware of your surroundings--if something or someone looks suspicious then remove yourself from the situation; 3) Try to attend as many events that are sponsored by Essence--these will be where the majority of the tourist are + a little bit safer 4) Attend Bourbon Street during the day-yes incidents can still happen during the daytime, but there is a different crowd on Bourbon in the daytime. Trust us.
7. DO attend at least one of the performances
Some people (especially locals who have been to 10x festivals) just like to enjoy the plethora of parties. If you haven't been to an EMF before, please make sure to go to one of the nightly concerts. The tickets can be pricey, but purchasing a single night ticket can be as low as $59! Besides you get to see a lot of people-from headliners to intimate performances in the Superlounges, attending one of the concert nights will be a good experience. This year P. Diddy + The Fam & Kendrick Lamar had the dome rocking!!!
Did you miss this year's Essence Music Festival? You can check out photos on www.essence.com. If you want to stay in the loop about the 2017 festival sign up for the newsletter! What were some of your highlights from the festival? We'd love to chat!
-JSD