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Home • 2022 Essence Festival of Culture

2022 Essence Festival Survival Guide: 18 Items You Need For The Four-Day Event

Here's Essence's recommendation on what's worth bringing in preparation for the Essence Festival of Culture.
2022 Essence Festival Survival Guide: 18 Items You Need For The Four-Day Event
By Jailynn Taylor · Updated June 15, 2022
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If you haven’t already marked your calendar for the 2022 Essence Festival, run don’t walk to purchase your tickets for the biggest cultural event of the year. The four-day event is being held in the heart of New Orleans and will include everything from vendors, musical performances from your favorite artists, comedy shows, and much more. Along with the excitement, we want to ensure you come prepared for those long days ahead.

Generally, there are not many rules at the event, but a clear bag policy is in effect, and they cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″. You are allowed to have non-transparent clutches, but they can be no bigger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. That being said, we recommend bringing the essential items you know you will need throughout the day and downsizing where possible. Think sample size portions so you can fit everything in these smaller bags.

Another precaution is to keep some of your cards at home in case they get lost or stolen at the event. Other essentials include but are not limited to sunscreen, a form of payment, a vaccination card, a portable charger, and comfortable walking shoes. We know you may want to freshen up throughout the day so pack a mini of your fave refresh spray or press powder to stay Polaroid ready. We want you to have a good time while beating the NOLA heat. 

You might be wondering what to pack for Essence Fest, so we’ve covered 18 items that are certified to make your experience a breeze.

01
01 Clear Mini Backpack Stadium Approved, Waterproof Transparent Backpack for Work, Security Travel, Concert & Sport Event

Are you planning to bring a few more items to Essence Festival? No worries, this mini backpack is size compliant, spacious, and see-through.

Available at Amazon
14.99 Originally $25.99 Shop Now
02
02 Clear Fanny Pack Stadium Approved Multi-purpose Waist Bag for Work, Travel & Sporting Event

There is a bag policy for the Essence Festival. This bag complies with the rules and is ideal for those who don’t plan to carry much.

Available at Amazon
14.99 Shop Now
03
03 JW Pei The Card Holder – Green Croc

With the restriction on bag size, try downsizing your cardholder and only bring one or two cards to pay with and an ID. This prevents your wallet from occupying too much space in your bag or getting lost or stolen.

Available at JW Pei
15 Shop Now
04
04 INIU Portable Charger

Don’t get left stranded when your phone dies— a portable charger is essential!

Available at Amazon
19.99 Shop Now
05
05 Vehla Willow – Creme/Olive

These chic shades will have you feeling like you should be performing on stage.

Available at Vehla Eyewear
160 Shop Now
06
06 Urban Outfitters Safari Pocket Bucket Hat

Stay cool while looking cool in this Urban Outfitters bucket hat.

Available at Urban Outfitters
25 Shop Now
07
07 Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

We are here for a good time and not a sunburn. Apply and reapply with this spray-on sunscreen.

Available at Ulta
15.99 Shop Now
08
08 Dezi Skin Dew Me Over Prep, Set & Refresh Continuous Mist

While out in the NOLA heat, what better way to refresh your skin than with Dezi Skin Dew Me Over Prep.

Available at Dezi Skin
36 Shop Now
09
09 Charlotte Tilbury Mini Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

If you want your makeup to last the whole event and then some, a good setting spray like Charlotte Tilbury Mini Airbrush will do the job.

Available at Sephora
20 Shop Now
10
10 Laura Mercier Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Looking a bit shiny after the day’s festivities? Laura Mercier Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder is perfect for touch-ups.

Available at Sephora
24 Shop Now
11
11 Liane V Beauty Vacation Mode- Magnetic

We aren’t fussing with our lash glue melting off at Essencefest. These magnetic lashes hold all day.

Available at Liane V Beauty
20 Shop Now
12
12 Liane V Beauty Easy Fix Magnetic + Classic Liner – 01 Jet Black

You get a clean eyeliner wing and magnetic lash glue all in one.

Available at Liane V Beauty
12 Shop Now
13
13 Jason Wu Beauty Jewel Stick – 01 Blue Pearl

Pack light with this vibrant Jewel Stick that can double as an eye shadow or eyeliner.

Available at Jason Wu Beauty
16 Shop Now
14
14 Glamnetic Groovy Green

No time to schedule a manicure? No problem. Glamnetic’s press on will have you looking salon ready in under 10 mins.

Available at Glamnetic
21.99 Shop Now
15
15 Polaroid Go Instant Camera

Capture the biggest event of the year with friends and family on candid polaroid pictures.

Available at Polaroid
99.99 Shop Now
16
16 Brookstone Portable Mini Personal Fan with Power Bank

Keep cool with this mini fan that has five different speeds and is USB rechargeable.

Available at Amazon
19.99 Originally $24.99 Shop Now
17
17 UGG LA Cloud Sandal

Essence Festival will consist of a lot of standing and walking, so prep accordingly with shoes that feel like walking on clouds, i.e., UGG’s LA Cloud Sandal.

Available at UGG
110 Shop Now
18
18 Birkenstock Natural Leather Patent

Birkenstock’s is another comfy sandal option that molds to your feet for the best fit.

Available at Birkenstock
170 Shop Now

TOPICS:  essence fest essence festival 2022 essence festival of culture
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