News Summary
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans, celebrating 55 years of Black culture with a packed lineup of performances and community events slated for the weekend of July 4 to 6. The festival, with a theme of ‘Made Like This,’ showcases notable artists including Master P, GloRilla, and Buju Banton, while also featuring engaging daytime activities such as panels, workshops, and the ESSENCE Market. Attendees are encouraged to download the E360 app for real-time updates and personalized scheduling.
New Orleans will host the ESSENCE Festival of Culture from July 4 to July 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 55 years of Black culture in the United States. The festival, known as the largest celebration of Black culture and music, has achieved over $1 billion in economic impact since its inception, making it a vital event for both the local community and attendees from around the world.
This year’s festival theme, “Made Like This,” emphasizes the richness of Black heritage, the power of community, and innovation. The festival will feature notable artists, including a hometown return for Master P, who will perform to honor the legacy of New Orleans hip-hop culture. Debut performances by rising stars GloRilla and Buju Banton are also slated for this exciting event, showcasing both established icons and newer talent.
The ESSENCE Festival will host a diverse range of experiences, starting with the ESSENCE Market at the Convention Center, which is free to the public. Festivalgoers can participate in engaging daytime events such as the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, BEAUTYCON @ ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, the ESSENCE Film Festival presented by ESSENCE STUDIOS, ESSENCE Authors, SOKO MRKT (a marketplace supporting Black-owned businesses), the Global Black Economic Forum HQ, and the ESSENCE GU Kickback, aimed at Gen Z audiences.
Daily Lineup Overview
The lineup for the three-day festival is packed with performances and events. On Thursday, July 3, opening ceremonies, community events, and pre-festival parties will commence, with artist performances to be announced. The focus on Friday, July 4, includes daytime panels and workshops, concluding with headline performances featuring Boyz II Men, Davido, and Maxwell on the main stage, along with performances by GloRilla and Donell Jones in the superlounges.
On Saturday, July 5, festival attendees can look forward to cultural villages and fashion shows throughout the day, with evening performances from Nas, Summer Walker, and The Isley Brothers, as well as appearances by Muni Long and Buju Banton in the superlounges.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, July 6, with a cherished Gospel brunch and final day celebrations, including a closing performance by Master P and a special tribute titled “ESSENCE Flowers” honoring Quincy Jones, curated by Jermaine Dupri. Additional artist performances in the superlounges are still to be announced.
Ticketing and Attendee Information
Weekend passes and individual tickets are currently available for purchase. Those attending are encouraged to download the E360 app for real-time updates and personalized scheduling to maximize their festival experience. The evening performances at the Caesars Superdome will be hosted by prominent figures Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns.
Essence Magazine Milestone
The ESSENCE Festival coincides with the 55th anniversary of Essence Magazine, which has evolved from a print publication to a multi-platform cultural phenomenon. Major partners for this year’s festival include Coca-Cola, AT&T, L’Oréal Groupe, and Target, which serves as the official retail partner.
As attendees prepare for an enriching weekend filled with cultural celebration, music, and community engagement, the ESSENCE Festival promises to be a memorable event, honoring the legacy and future of Black culture.
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Additional Resources
- 107 Jamz
- USA Today
- My New Orleans
- Essence
- Target Corporate News
- Wikipedia: Essence Festival
- Google Search: Essence Festival 2025
- Google Scholar: Essence Festival 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Essence Festival
- Google News: Essence Festival 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
