[Essence Festival, Facebook]

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Returns to New Orleans in 2025

06:00 April 17, 2025
By: Ayanna Lovelady

ESSENCE Festival 2025

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® is returning to New Orleans from July 4-6, 2025, marking a momentous celebration of ESSENCE Magazine's 55th anniversary.

This year's festival, themed "Made Like This," promises an extraordinary lineup of musical legends and rising stars, combining daytime enrichment with electrifying nighttime performances at Caesars Superdome.

[Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle]

Event Details

  • Dates: July 4-6, 2025
  • Location: Caesars Superdome & Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
  • Hosts: Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns

Live Performance Highlights

The star-studded lineup features iconic performers including:

  • R&B legends: Boyz II Men, Maxwell, The Isley Brothers
  • Contemporary Stars: Summer Walker, GloRilla, Davido
  • Special Appearances: Master P, Nas, Muni Long
  • A Tribute to Quincy Jones curated by Jermaine Dupri

ESSENCE Festival Experience

Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy signature events at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from July 4-6, including:

  • ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™ - Daily tastings and chef demonstrations featuring local and celebrity chefs
  • BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition - Beauty workshops and demos in the Convention Center's Great Hall
  • ESSENCE Film Festival® - Screenings and filmmaker discussions at Theater B, July 4-6
  • SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE® - Shop from Black-owned businesses in Hall H, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
[Essence Festival, Facebook]

About ESSENCE Fest

As one of the nation's largest cultural event, ESSENCE Festival continues to generate nearly $1 billion in economic impact while celebrating Black artistry, self-expression, and leadership on a global scale. Whether attending in person or virtually, the 2025 festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future.

Since its inception in 1995, ESSENCE Festival has grown from a one-time event celebrating ESSENCE Magazine's 25th anniversary into a cultural phenomenon. That first year featured legendary performances from artists including Luther Vandross and Gladys Knight, setting the stage for what would become the nation's largest festival celebrating African American culture and music.

Through the years, the festival has hosted historic moments, from Barack Obama's appearance during his presidential campaign in 2007 to Prince's unforgettable performance in 2014, as well as Michelle Obama's inspiring debut in 2019. Even during the challenges of 2021, the festival adapted with a virtual format, proving its resilience and commitment to celebrating Black excellence.

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