Essence Fest is returning to New Orleans this weekend, Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, with some of the top names in regional, national and international black entertainment today. This year, locals Mystikal, Dumpstaphunk, Tank & the Bangas, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will be performing in the official festival. There are also plenty of events going on outside the festival appealing to the Essence-goers. Here are just a few:

Thursday, July 2:
Higher Heights Reggae Band w/Waterseed at BMC 9p

Friday, July 3:
Flashback Friday hosted by Doug E. Fresh & Mannie Fresh at Republic 10p
Juju Association presents "Essence After Hours" with Radius Etc., RC & the Gritz, Tank & the Bangas at the Hi-Ho 10p
Original Pinettes Brass Band at Bullet's Sports Bar 8p

Saturday, July 4:
DJ Low Down Loretta Brown (aka Erykah Badu) w/DJ RQ Away at Tipitina's 10p
Hustle! w/DJ Soul Sister at the Hi-Ho 11p-3a
Scandalous hosted by Jussie Smollett at Republic 10p
Waterseed at Blue Nile 10p

If you're going to the festival, also be sure to check out the Community Corner, an area full of local and national community-based non-profits. 100 Black Men, BackStreet Cultural Museum, Healthy Start, and Kicks for Kids are just a few of the New Orleans organizations that will be present. See the full list: http://www.essence.com/festival/community-corner.