On July 4th weekend, over 150,000 music lovers will converge on New Orleans for the country's pre-eminent black music festival— a festival locals shouldn't miss.

Believe it or not, The Essence Festival is one of the few festivals in Louisiana where it is inappropriate to wear fanny packs, tank tops and cut-offs.

Since its inception In 1995, the Essence Festival has been "the party with a purpose," as well as a primer in current fashion. People attend dressed to...