The turn of the new decade marks the 50th anniversary of the popular event, Essence Fest. In honor of the milestone, organizers recently announced that it will now be expanded to 5 days.

This announcement marks the first time that the festival will be held for this long. From July 1-5, people will be able to head to New Orleans to celebrate with the iconic Black magazine.

According to the Essence website, the longer festival will bring more opportunities to focus on advancing economic development, education and entrepreneurship in around the city of New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.

In addition to announcing the extension, the brand also announced that it signed on to host the yearly event for an additional 5 years in New Orleans.

“Our decision to remain in New Orleans, Louisiana was ultimately rooted in the landmark partnership that we have developed with the City and the State over the past 25 years and in our collective intentionality to bring even more depth to that relationship,” Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications, told Essence.com.

No word yet on who or what the milestone anniversary will bring to New Orleans, but we are sure it will be amazing.

Are you excited about the extension?

Related: Essence Festival Brings A Wellness House To New Orleans