Essence Magazine launched the Essence Festival of Culture in 1995 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the publication. Last year, the annual celebration of Black women, Black music and Black-owned businesses marked its 30th edition, and in 2025, the celebration continues with the 55th anniversary of the magazine.
Essence Fest returns to New Orleans Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, with busy days at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and even busier nights at the Caesars Superdome. This year’s theme is “Made Like This.”
The music lineup, July 4-6, includes Maxwell, Boyz II Men, Davido, GloRilla, Babyface, The Isley Brothers and New Orleans’ own Master P celebrating his career and the No Limit legacy with Mia X, Silkk the Shocker and more special guests. Jill Scott will celebrate the musical legacy of her hometown, Philadelphia, with help from Patti LaBelle and Jazmine Sullivan. And Jermaine Dupri will honor late music titan Quincy Jones with a star-studded showcase.
Prior to the evening concerts, Essence Fest will be headquartered at the convention center with panels, interviews, workshops, film screenings, food events and the SOKO MRKT, featuring Black- and women-owned businesses selling items. Programming starts up at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. July 4-6.
Events on Thursday, July 3, kick off the festival weekend. In the afternoon, Xavier University of Louisiana will host the “Battle of Jollof vs. Jambalaya,” a cooking competition pitting the West African dish against the south Louisiana staple. Admission is free, but a ticket is needed.
Later Thursday, DJ D-Nice will host another edition of his Club Quarantine Live with special guests at The Fillmore. The music starts at 10 p.m., and tickets are $70 general admission.
Admission to the convention center is free, but registration is needed. Tickets for the evening concerts are $82 per night. Find links to all tickets at essence.com/essencefestival2025.
Essence Fest also has a new, free app this year called Essence 360 with information about events, lineups and links to tickets. Find it in the Apple App and Google Play stores.
On the pages below, readers will find information about this year’s music performers, the experiences happening at the convention center and 20 Black-owned restaurants to check out during the Essence Fest weekend.
Previewing the Essence Fest concerts at the Superdome on Friday, July 4.
Previewing the Essence Fest concerts at the Superdome on Saturday, July 5.
Previewing the Essence Fest concerts at the Superdome on Sunday, July 6.
The Essence Festival of Culture hosts ‘experiences’ at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center July 4-6.
People need to eat, and there are plenty of Black-owned businesses to show some love to during Essence Fest weekend and beyond.
The Black Girl Giggles comedy festival takes place July 3-6 at venues across town and featuring 28 local and visiting comics.
Keep up with the latest New Orleans events at calendar.gambitweekly.com.