The party with a purpose, Essence Fest, offers 2 weekends (June 25-28 & July 2-5) of culture and entertainment. Only this year, the experience will be virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has never happened before in the 26-years of Essence Fest history. This year, Essence Fest Organizers dubbed the event: Unstoppable Virtual Experience. Essence Fest Studios will be streaming the events.
“As we began to see the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our community, it became more important to us than ever to still create a Festival experience that delivered the community, love, laughter, fun and empowerment that the Festival is known for—and to leave our audience feeling inspired and uplifted, especially during these times. “
Richelieu Dennis, founder & chair, Essence Ventures (parent company of ESSENCE)
Amanda Black, Bruno Mars, Doug E. Fresh, John Legend, Patti LaBelle are only a few of the headliners scheduled to stream live concerts during the evenings. Several New Orleans musicians, together with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, will pay a special tribute to New Orleans including PJ Morton, Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Tank and The Bangas and Big 6 Brass Band.
And, if you know Essence Fest, you know this is not all. The virtual event will also feature performances, summits, panels. Leading musical artists, influencers and experts from around the world will join the virtual party with a purpose.
Essence Fest 2020 Schedule:
THURSDAYS:
- ESSENCE Wellness House [5 PM-9 PM (ET)]: Kickstart your path to recovery with meditation, conversations, workouts and tutorials designed to boost your mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and financial wellbeing.
FRIDAYS:
- ESSENCE Beauty Carnival [5 PM-9 PM (ET)]: Step inside a virtual beauty sphere with top brands, makeup artists, hair stylists, skincare experts and more! Stream live tutorials and get expert tips for accentuating your own flawless beauty with products and brands that are making a splash across the globe.
- ESSENCE After Dark [9 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Tune in for music brought to you by your favorite stars.
SATURDAYS:
- Wealth & Power [2 PM-6 PM (ET)]: Get the tools you need to invest in yourself and make strides in entrepreneurship, career and personal finance. Plus, get the latest on the 2020 candidates, the issues that matter most…and why your voice counts!
- Entertainment All-Access [6 PM-7 PM (ET)]: Catch your Hollywood favorites in Q&As and be the first to see exclusive sneak peeks of the hottest upcoming releases.
- Evening Concert Series [7 PM-10 PM (ET)]: Our explosive evening concert series goes digital! Catch the #ESSENCEFest all-star lineup in performances to benefit and celebrate our Essential Heroes, Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
SUNDAYS:
- Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration [11 AM-1 PM (ET)]: Tune in for Sunday worship featuring powerful words of praise and legendary Gospel performances.
For a full Essence Fest schedule of events https://www.essence.com/v1festival2020/