Essence Festival of Culture
Returning to New Orleans from July 3 to July 6, the Essence Festival of Culture is known as the largest gathering in celebration of African American culture.
What began 20 years ago as Essence Magazine's 25th anniversary has become an empowering festival combining music, business, and cuisine. Celebrating the 55th anniversary of Essence Magazine, America's top magazine dedicated to Black women, this year's theme is "Made Like This," highlighting the profound, limitless, and unstoppable presence of African American excellence, culture, and community.
Celebrating Black Excellence, Culture, & Essence Magazine's 55th Anniversary
Based in the historical roots and expanding future of Black culture and music, Essence Fest brings together some of the most influential Black musicians across genres to take the stage at the Caesars Superdome for a weekend full of joy, glam and connection. This has allowed the festival to blossom into an empowering movement that inspires future generations to strive for excellence and think beyond cultural boundaries.
Bringing a variety of experiences to the Crescent City, get your tickets before they sell out to take part in highly-anticipated events including the Global Black Economic Forum, Beautycon, and an immersive culinary deep dive.
2025 Essence Fest Music Lineup
Bridging together an Evening Concert Series filled with the influential voices of hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, and more, this year's lineup is particularly star studded. From GRAMMY Award-winning Babyface, known for his soothing melodies, to New Orleans legend Master P for his final performance, the lineup features a cross-generational slate of timeless acts and emerging voices.
While some acts will remain a surprise until their performance, the confirmed superstar lineup includes superstar vocal group Boyz II Men, GRAMMY Award-winning Erykah Badu, R&B icon Maxwell, chart topper Davido, hip hop legend Nas, and iconic GRAMMY Award-winning GloRilla. This is only the beginning of notable musicians traveling to the Crescent City to pay tribute to culture and Essence Magazine. Others such as the original human beatbox Doug E. Fresh, soulful pop star Summer Walker, and global sensation Davido will take the stage and mesmerize the crowd with their distinguished sounds.
Joining Master P as part of his record label, No Limit Records, No Limit Soldiers features Mia X, the first female member of No Limit Records, and Master P's brother Silkk the Shocker in this career-defining moment as Master P's last performance.
Honoring the sounds that laid the foundation for music as we know it today, Songwriters Hall of Famer Jermaine Dupri will play tribute to Quincy Jones by playing his music and bringing artists together whose work reflects his influence and legacy. From those who worked directly with Jones to those who carry on his legacy through their sounds, this performance will feature R&B icons Tyrese and Al B. Sure!, Robin Thicke, SWV, Xscape, The Pharcyde and Mobb Deep. Spanning multiple genres and generations, this performance will illuminate the depth of Jones' legacy in the foundation of hip hop.
With performances from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 4 to June 6, the number of notable musicians is limitless. Find the rest of musicians set to play on the festival's website.
Beyond the Music: Cuisine, Culture, and Commerce
While the headliners are worthy of your attention, don't shy away from the other experiences found at this year's Essence Fest. From the festival's shopping center, Soko Market, to the Community Impact Hub, more than 20 curated experiences will submerge you in the boundless excellence of culture.
The Community Impact Hub, one of the many experiences located in the Morial Convention Center, will gather the organizations leading the charge in activism surrounding civil rights and economic empowerment. Through panel discussions and workshops, the programming highlights collective activism and community wide efforts to discuss issues such as justice, health equity, and more.
Whether you are there for the music and looking to add to your weekend or are a leading professional in your field, the weekend will bubble with conversations, collaboration, and the continuation of culture. Each experience brings individuals with shared interests to discuss the past, present, and future across more than 20 fields.
How to Join the Fun
Text your group chat and rally your friends, because Essence Fest weekend is all about culture and community. Far more than just a gathering or your average music festival, this is a weekend celebrating Black identity, artistry, and resilience.
Both single day passes and three-day weekend passes are available and can be bought through Ticketmaster.
