The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning to New Orleans July 3-5, and the momentum is building. We're ramping up for a weekend packed with music, meaningful community connections, education, and unforgettable moments on the stage at the Superdome. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, one thing remains true: how you prepare makes all the difference.
The key to fully enjoying everything from daytime panels to late-night concerts is packing smart. Summer in New Orleans is no joke, so the blazing heat coupled with back-to-back events can leave you feeling overwhelmed. That's why having the right items on hand is necessary. That looks like comfortable shoes that can carry you through hours of walking, SPF and cooling fans to beat the heat, and stationery or notebooks to capture gems dropped during enthralling discussions.
The good news? You don't have to go far to find what you need. Many of your festival must-haves can be found right at We Love Us, a one-stop destination that makes weekend prep simple. Shopping there means you're putting your dollars directly into the hands of Black-owned businesses. Added bonus? This year, vendors from the platform will actually be on hand at ESSENCE Festival, at We Love Us, the Marketplace (formerly SOKO MKT), in case you forget to pack the following must-haves that help you move through the weekend with ease.
01 Vie Beauty 30COOLDOWN Rose Water Misting Fan
New Orleans heat can be intense, especially when you're navigating outdoor events or packed venues. This misting fan combines a cooling breeze with a refreshing rose water mist to revive your skin and keep you comfy. It has four power settings you can choose from and is rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about batteries.
02 Hustle & Hope Dream Big, Hustle Harder Motivational Notebook
This year, there will be 20+ curated experiences, and many of them will be knowledge-packed. Having a notebook to jot down messages obtained between panels, workshops, and inspiring conversations ensures you don't forget the important stuff. This Dream Big, Hustle Harder notebook gives you a stylish space to write down ideas, goals, and key takeaways all weekend.
03 F&W Style Violet Clear Bag
Get easy access to the evening concert series with this clear purse. It's functional, allowing the essentials to be seen by security at the Superdome, but it also manages to be cute thanks to the colors and leather exterior.
Available at We Love Us04 28″ 3 Bundle Pack of Non-Toxic Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair
Protective styles are a go-to during festival season because who wants to worry about styling their hair daily during ESSENCE Festival? This braiding hair is ideal if you want a low-maintenance braiding style. Its hypoallergenic, non-toxic design ensures healthy hair with no irritation and provides comfort in the heat. Best of all, you get to enjoy the weekend without worrying about constant hair upkeep. It comes in 17 different colors and is 56†when unfolded.
05 Pounded Yam Productions Black Girl Reading Canvas Tote Bag
A reliable tote is essential when you're on the go all day. This canvas bag is spacious enough to carry your festival essentials, such as water, beauty products, snacks, and vendor giveaways. Because tote bags shouldn't be boring, this one in particular makes a bold, culturally affirming statement.
06 Undefined Inc. R&R Sun Serum
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially during the summer. This lightweight sun serum helps shield against harmful UV rays while keeping your skin hydrated and radiant. It layers seamlessly under makeup and is a broad-spectrum SPF 50. The tint options also range from medium to untinted.
07 Vuliwear ZAG Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just an accessory; they're a trendy way to protect your eyes from the sun. The ZAG frames shield your eyes from harsh sunlight while instantly upgrading your outfits. Handcrafted in Italy, they're unisex and lightweight with a funky design on the lenses.
08 Be Rooted Glitter & Glitz Jumbo Floaty Blue Barrel Pens
While we live in a digital age, we haven't completely done away with analog items. Having a pen on hand ensures you can write things down, especially in the event that your phone dies. They can also come in clutch when jotting down notes or exchanging contact info. These fun glitter-and-glitz pens add a playful touch to your festival kit while also offering some practicality.
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