Festival attendees enjoying the essence of Black culture at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.
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.
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.
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.
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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