Who's Closing out Essence Fest's Final Evening?
The celebration of Black joy, Essence Fest, returns to New Orleans for its 31st year from July 3 to July 5.
Music is the crown jewel of Essence Fest, closing out the festival every night with it Evening Concert Series. Hip-hop, R&B, soul, and blues legends have graced the stage over the years, and the 2026 edition will be no different.
Here's what to expect from the Sunday evening concerts.
BABYFACE
BABYFACE, one of R&B's greatest writers, singers, and producers, brings his solo performance to Essence Fest. Revolutionary hits including "Everytime I Close My Eyes" with Kenny G, "When Can I See You," and "Wonderful Tonight" made him one of the most influential R&B artists and helped launch his production career. As a producer, he helped launch three of hip-hop and R&B's biggest acts in TLC, Toni Braxton, and Usher.
Patti LaBelle
The Godmother of Soul needs no introduction, but she deserves it. Patti LaBelle started her professional career as a member of Labelle in 1965 and has been topping the charts with iconic songs such as "Lady Marmalade" in 1974. In her career spanning seven decades, she has sold over 50 million records, with seven gold records and one platinum for 1983's "Winner in You."
George Clinton and Friends
George Clinton helps close out Essence Fest with his revolutionary funky beats. Known as Dr. Funkstein and The Prime Minister of Funk, Clinton helped popularize one of the biggest genres of the '70s with hits including "Atomic Dog," which has had a lasting effect on hip-hop and R&B and has been sampled on other hit songs including Snoop Dogg's "Who Am I."
Public Enemy
Catch one rap's earliest pioneers and most controversial acts. Public Enemy began in the late '80s and quickly became more than just a music act with strong social and political messaging in their songs. Their 1995 song "Fight the Power," featured in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, was the epitome of that messaging. They have played hits such as "He's Got Game," "Rebel Without A Pause," and "Bring the Noise" at recent concerts.
Doug E. Fresh and Friends
Hip-hop fashion icon and maker of essential '90s party hits Doug E. Fresh looks to rock the Superdome stage on the last night of Essence Fest 2026. Hits such as "Where's Da Party At," "Keep Risin' to the Top," and "Bustin Out (on Funk)" will transport the audience back to the '90s.
Tickets for the Sunday evening concerts start at $82 and are available at essence.com/essencefestival2026. Check out our guide to Essence Fest ticketing before you head to the fest.
