convention center
soko mrkt
soko mrkt
SOKO MRKT powered by ESSENCE is the premier shopping destination at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where attendees can explore and support emerging Black-owned businesses. This platform showcases innovative entrepreneurs' stories, brands, and products, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates creativity and commerce. By connecting entrepreneurs with shoppers, resources, and a broader audience, SOKO MRKT empowers businesses to grow, scale, and thrive while promoting peer-to-peer support and amplifying their narratives across the ESSENCE ecosystem.
DATE: JULY 4TH – JULY 6TH DOORS OPEN: 10A CST PROGRAMMING: 10A-4P CST LOCATION: ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CTR.
Marketplace
Convention center
GU
KICKBACK
Music
GU KICKBACK
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the minds of your favorite creatives? At the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, GU welcomes you into our vibrant creative universe—an immersive, inclusive hub designed to empower and elevate the digital mavens of tomorrow. Creator’s House is where innovation meets inspiration, offering tools, resources, and a supportive community to help you master content creation and redefine your digital footprint. Built for the next generation of ESSENCE readers, this space bridges creativity and culture, providing an opportunity to dive into the trends shaping pop culture, spark meaningful connections, and unleash your potential as a cultural influencer.
DATE: JULY 4TH – JULY 6TH DOORS OPEN: 9:30A CST PROGRAMMING: 10A-4P CST LOCATION: ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CTR.
