News Summary

Mark your calendars for the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, returning to New Orleans from July 4-7, 2025. This year’s festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with a lineup of iconic performers and impactful events, including a tribute to Quincy Jones. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant exploration of Black culture, music, and community activities throughout the festival weekend.

New Orleans Gets Excited for ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2025!

Mark your calendars, because the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning to the vibrant streets of New Orleans from July 4-7, 2025. This annual extravaganza not only celebrates the rich tapestry of Black culture but also brings forth an array of stellar musical performances, engaging panels, and exciting brand activations that attract hundreds of thousands of attendees to the Big Easy.

Wave One of Performers Revealed

The excitement is palpable as organizers have just announced the very first wave of performers, and wow, it’s a lineup that’s sure to get everyone buzzing! Get ready to groove with the likes of:

Boyz II Men
Davido
Maxwell
Master P
GloRilla
The Isley Brothers
Nas
Summer Walker

These amazing artists are just the beginning, as festival organizers assure us that more names and surprise performances will be unveiled in the coming weeks. This year’s festival promises to be one for the books!

A Special Tribute to Quincy Jones

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be a heartfelt tribute to the legendary music producer Quincy Jones, curated by the talented Jermaine Dupri. This special segment titled “ESSENCE Flowers” will honor Jones’s incredible contributions to the music industry and is sure to be a moving experience for festival-goers.

A Celebration of Legacy

This year, the ESSENCE Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary—which is no small feat! Founded in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine, this beloved festival has become an unforgettable part of the New Orleans cultural landscape. The events will take place at two major venues: the grand Caesars Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The Festival Theme: “Made Like This”

As always, the festival will embrace a meaningful theme—this year’s is “Made Like This”. This theme captures the essence of legacy, rhythm, and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the festival and its attendees. It’s not just about the music; it’s a celebration of community and culture.

Activities Galore!

Attendees can expect a wealth of daytime activities designed to entertain and inspire, including:

ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™
BEAUTYCON™ at ESSENCEFEST Edition
AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™
ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™
ESSENCE Authors™
SOKO MRKT™
GBEF® HQ
ESSENCE® GU® Kickback

What’s more? Master P is set to make his much-anticipated return to the ESSENCE stage right in his own hometown! Plus, GloRilla and Buju Banton will be debuting at the festival this year, adding to the excitement.

Get Ready for ESSENCE Festival 2025!

Weekend packages for the 2025 festival are officially available for purchase, so it’s time to make those plans. To stay in the loop about exclusive offers and festival updates, attendees are encouraged to download the E360 app. This is an event you won’t want to miss, filled with music, culture, and the very best of what New Orleans has to offer.

So get your friends together, plan your trip, and get ready to celebrate at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2025!