Essence Fest returns to N.O. in 2021

Essence Fest

Organizers with one of New Orleans’ most profitable events, Essence Festival, say the music fest will return to the city in 2021.

“After continued monitoring of the evolving developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic and in collaboration with our partners in the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana, ESSENCE will no longer move forward with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture live experience. We look forward to returning to New Orleans in 2021,” organizers said in a statement released Wednesday.

But event organizers say fans can still enjoy this year’s Essence Fest online, “We will host the first-ever ESSENCE Festival of Culture: The Virtual Edition taking place over July 4th weekend as a multi-day experience and benefit celebration linked to this effort.”

“We are confirming today that we will no longer move forward with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture live experience – and look forward to returning to New Orleans in 2021.” #EssenceFest https://t.co/4GIuk3aYaV

— ESSENCE Festival (@essencefest) April 15, 2020

Tickets for the 2020 Essence Fest will be honored at the 2021 Essence Fest once it returns to New Orleans. A full ticket refund is also available organizers say.

Related: Mayor calls for all festivals in N.O. to be cancelled until 2021 but Lt. Gov. 'cautiously optimistic' 

Based on developments over the past couple of weeks, including updates from our city and health partners, we are officially announcing that we will move the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture closer to the fall. Visit https://t.co/xhrTNEmoKN for the full statement. #EssenceFest pic.twitter.com/7WB1QBCh0y

— ESSENCE Festival (@essencefest) March 28, 2020

You can read the full press release here.