Essence Festival returns to New Orleans from July 3â6, drawing over 100,000 people for the ultimate Black cultural reunionâmusic, empowerment, entrepreneurship, beauty, and joyâall in America’s best event host city.
đ¤ Headliners Set to Ignite the Superdome
A powerhouse lineup awaits on the main stage at Caesars Superdome:
- Babyface, Jill Scott & Friends, Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, Ari Lennox, with a special tribute set called âEssence Flowersâ honoring Quincy Jones curated by Jermaine Dupri.
- Master P will deliver his final career performance on Sundayâa monumental sendoff for the No Limit
- Additional spotlight headliners include Boyz II Men, Davido, Maxwell, Nas, GloRilla, Buju Banton, The Isley Brothers, Muni Long, Summer Walker, Donell Jones, and more
đ˘ Energy at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Daytime at the Convention Center is just as electric:
- Panels on business, wellness, politics, culture, and creativity
- Celebrity conversations and live podcast sessions
- Beauty tech lounges, Black-owned brand activations, health checks, giveaways, and interactive wellness zones
Day sessions are free with registration, making the festival a city-wide celebrationânot just a concert series.
đ Citywide Vibe: Where to Be & What to Do
- Pop-up day parties in the Warehouse and Arts Districts
- Celebrity brunches, networking mixers, and after-hours events
- High-style fashion on Canal and Bourbon StreetsâEssence Fest is a runway
- Culinary adventures: donât miss Black-, African-, and Caribbean-owned spots downtown (try Neyows, Jolie, or B Sweets Bistroâyouâll need a reservation!)
- For the best desserts and sweets you have to try B Sweet Bistro and Bakery.
- Clear-bag policy in effectâpack smart and light
Related: Essence Helps the NOLA Economy
đŻ Why Essence Fest Matters
This isnât just a partyâitâs Pride, Progress, and Purpose. For four days, New Orleans becomes a full-scale exhibition of Black excellenceâfrom chart-topping hitmakers to entrepreneurs, activists, and health advocates.
đ In Short: What to Expect
| What | Where | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Superdome concerts | Nightly | Legacy acts + rising stars |
| Convention Center events | Daytime | Workshops, empowerment, community |
| After-hours & pop-ups | City-wide | Networking, late-night culture, and local flavor |
| Food, fashion & fun | Across downtown | The signature essence of NOLA |
âď¸ Visiting NOLA? Pro Tips
- Book earlyâdowntown hotels fill fast
- Stay centrally located (CBD, Warehouse, or French Quarter)
- Register daytime passes via Essence app
- Expect high tempsâbe chill and ready to walk
- Prepare for fireworks and 4th of July traffic
đŞ Ready for Essence Fest?
Expect a tidal wave of good music, community love, spiritual uplift, and unapologetic Black joy. Whether you came for legacy, learning, or leisureâNew Orleans has your back.
See you in the Big Easyâin full festival mode!