July 2026 • New Orleans
YOUR SQUAD.
YOUR CULTURE.
YOUR WEEKEND.
The definitive guide to experiencing Essence Festival with your crew. Where to stay, what to do, and how to make it unforgettable.
Get the GuideWhy Bring Your Squad
World-Class Performances
The biggest names in R&B, hip-hop, and soul. Three nights of incredible music at the Superdome.
Empowerment Experiences
Daytime seminars, panels, and experiences at the Convention Center. Culture, community, and celebration.
Private Villas
Skip the hotel chaos. Private properties with pools for your whole squad to stay together.
Four Days of Celebration
Arrive. Settle in. Evening kickoff events and parties around the city.
Daytime experiences at Convention Center. Night one at the Superdome.
More daytime programming. Night two brings the biggest headliners.
Final day experiences. Closing night performances. Brunch and goodbye.
Room for Your Whole Squad
Private Properties
Hotels during Essence are insane—triple prices, long lines, and you're split across floors. Private properties keep your squad together with space to actually relax. Bring 16 and everyone gets a real bed—most get their own room.
- Private heated pools for daytime hangs
- Up to 12 bedrooms & 17 real beds
- Full kitchens for group meals
- Room for 14-30 guests—you don't need to fill it
- No hotel elevator lines
Squads Who Stayed
"A stunning, modern space… beautifully decorated with vibrant colors that instantly uplifted our mood. This is a hidden gem."
"If you're considering this property for a large gathering of any type, stop considering and just book. 10/10!"
"There is a building at the entrance that is staffed 24/7 and you can get extra towels, TP, paper towels, etc."
"Thank you Max and the CastleDay team... they were flexible with check-in... we didn't have any issues getting Ubers for 25."
Real reviews from guests at Castleday Retreats, our featured property—rated 4.98 across 99 stays.
Book Early for Essence
A villa that fits your whole squad under one roof is the scarcest inventory in the city on Essence weekend—popular weekends book 3-6 months out.
Check Availability