Essence Fest 2025 Is Here—And You’ll Wish You Were in New Orleans This Weekend

New Orleans is about to erupt with rhythm, roots, and raw Black joy as the Essence Festival of Culture 2025 kicks off tomorrow, July 4, and runs through Sunday, July 6. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fest-goer, this year’s lineup, energy, and soulful extras are giving everything—and then some.

If you weren’t planning to be in the Big Easy this weekend, we’ll say it now: prepare for serious FOMO.

A Stage Packed with Icons & Anthems

Essence Fest has always brought the culture, but 2025 is stacked with legends and fan-favorites, from classic soul to new-school bangers. The main stage at the Caesars Superdome will be on fire all weekend long:

1. Friday, July 4 (Day 1):

Kick things off smooth and soulful with Maxwell, Babyface, and The Isley Brothers—because nothing says Black excellence like a night of timeless love songs and silky falsettos. But don’t get too comfortable—GloRilla and breakout act Psiryn are pulling up to inject raw, unapologetic heat into the mix.

Image: Performance at 29th Annual Essence Fest

2. Saturday, July 5 (Day 2):

Day two is giving divine feminine. The incomparable Jill Scott leads a soul-stirring set, joined by Jazmine Sullivan and Patti LaBelle in a celebration of womanhood, power, and unmatched vocal runs. Afrobeats superstar Davido, goddess of groove Erykah Badu, and dancehall icon Buju Banton will shake the dome from all corners of the diaspora. Add in Summer Walker, rising star Molly, and a Super Lounge appearance from R&B king Donell Jones, and you’ve got a night for the books.

3. Sunday, July 6 (Day 3):

You didn’t think they’d close it quietly, did you? Day three is a love letter to hip-hop, with Boyz II Men, Nas, and a legendary New Orleans moment from Master P, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, and the No Limit Soldiers in what’s being called Master P’s final performance. Add sets from Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Muni Long (in the lounge), and even more surprises… and whew. Just whew..

Image: Caesar Superdome arena

Culture on Every Corner—Yes, That Includes the FoodIt wouldn’t be Essence without feeding your spirit and your belly. This year’s Dining Guide is a foodie dream, featuring must-visit spots like:

• Morrow’s – the brunch-to-dinner hotspot where creole classics meet comfort food

• Willie Mae’s Scotch House – where fried chicken is gospel

• Pra Lees – your go-to for flavor and vibes in equal measure

So yes, come for the music. But stay for the gumbo, fried catfish, and good-good lemonade.

Image: Morrow’s Food Spread

More Than Music

Essence Fest is always bigger than the beats. The daytime experiences at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are all about community, creativity, and culture. From wellness panels and tech talks to BeautyCon glam stations and AfroPunk vibes, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and deeply affirmed.

Image: Guests at Essence Fest

Don’t Just Watch It—Feel It

From the power of Patti’s vocals to the bounce of New Orleans streets, this weekend is a full-sensory celebration of Blackness—our stories, our music, our food, our style, our future.

If you’re going? Pack your fits, hydrate, and prepare to dance, cry, laugh, and testify.

If you’re not? Well, let’s just say you’re going to wish you were.

Follow Black Film Wire for more news on upcoming black festivals.