It’s Essence Fest time, and everywhere you look in the French Quarter you can see great events and popups going on. However, look around the city and you’ll see more than just Essence Fest going on. While the whole weekend is intended to be progressive, we’re highlighting our favorites.
Saturday, July 6
Alpha Kappa Alpha Mammogram Mobile Screenings 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is providing 70 FREE 3-D mammograms to uninsured women during the 2019 Essence Music Festival on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 beginning at 10 am each day. It doesn’t get much more progressive than that!
The 3rd Annual Black Girl Giggles Comedy Festival – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Black Girl Giggles Comedy Festival is a celebration of Black women comediennes. In addition, attendees can enjoy various workshops and parties! This year’s festival will feature over 60 Hilarious Black Women Comics from all over the country.
The Great Drag Debate: Blue Party Primary – 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Five “candidates” with platforms that align with the “blue” party will debate their policy points LIVE! in front of a cheering audience for a chance to be one of three queens who will move on to the General Election. Don’t miss your chance to be there and have your voice heard!
Sunday, July 7
Gus’ Fried Chicken Soft Open Benefiting Son of a Saint – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gus’s will donate 100% of the day’s sales (excluding alcohol and merchandise) to support the amazing Son of a Saint organization! Come out and celebrate their soft opening while supporting a great cause.
Citizen SHE presents Laugh Revolution (Political Comedy Show and Brunch) – 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Citizen SHE United builds an aligned base of Black women who inform, advocate for, and enact a collective policy agenda to address the needs of Black women across the state of Louisiana.
Compassionate Service Initative – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
American Vegan and other volunteers will gather near the Convention Center to distribute water and frozen fruit pops to the area’s homeless.
No matter how you choose to spend your weekend, remember – every weekend can be a progressive weekend! We hope that these suggestions will help you make the most of yours.
