Razzos:

EMFsocial.com’s take: The best way to explain Razzos is before any of us heard of a “day party” there was Razzos. At Razzos, Essence Fest attendees have been “day parting” for many years without promotion or hype.  Razzos provides cheap drinks, atmosphere and plenty of EMFers all day and night long. The energy of Bourbon Street and its venues is epitomized by Razzos. There are plenty of other spots on bourbon but only one Razzos. 

Bourbon Street:

EMFsocial.com’s take: Bourbon is filled with venues that provide many of the same attributes that Razzos does although none of them is Razzos. However, what makes Bourbon just as much is that abundance of great venues is actually the street – Bourbon Street. For most of Essence Fest, Bourbon Street is cut off from vehicle traffic. So EMFers crowd the streets traveling to/from the various venues. The crowd in the streets causes plenty of socializing and thus another great social outlet.

However, we will warn that on Friday and Saturday night of Essence Fest Bourbon Street gets flooded with many younger non-Essence Fest patrons. So although Bourbon Street is great we suggest staying away from Bourbon after 10pm on Friday and Saturday night.

 W Hotel Lobby:

EMFsocial.com’s take: Any time the lobby can be a popping social outlet. The Sheraton previously had the liveliest lobby but it has been surpassed by the W hotel.  The influx of social events held at the W hotel has caused this scene. It seems like there’s always some type of event being held the entire weekend and therefore people chilling in the lobby area. The vibe is definitely more upscale than what you see on Bourbon, Sheraton or Marriott but the all day happy hour feel persists.  

Harrah’s Casino:

EMFsocial.com’s take: This is a decent social scene at times during the day but it explodes in the late night hours. There are parties held at several different venues within Harrah and of course gambling which together causes the casino traffic to explode. This creates more of a club like atmosphere than the true all day after hour feel but a jumping social scene nonetheless.    

Sheraton Lobby:

EMFsocial.com’s take: Any time the lobby can be a popping social outlet. The “glasshouse” design of the lobby with a centrally located bar and plenty of surrounding seating provide a great set up for social interaction. No longer is Sheraton the host of many social events which has somewhat lessened its social scene. However, with the abundance of EMFers it houses and the long tradition of the “Sheraton Lobby” it’s still one of Essence Fest best social scenes. 

Marriott Lobby:

EMFsocial.com’s take: Any time the lobby can be a quality social outlet. The design of the lobby is not the glasshouse look that Sheraton has but is also nice and very large. With the abundance of Essence Fest attendees it houses and its central location, the Marriott lobby offers a quality Essence Fest social spot.