Everything you need to know about Essence Fest 2025
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Essence Fest returns to New Orleans July 3-6, with events throughout downtown and inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome.
Why it matters: The massive festival celebrates Black culture, beauty and music.
Catch up quick: New Orleans has been Essence Fest's home since its inception in 1994 (except for 2006 following Hurricane Katrina and the 2020 and 2021 editions, which were held virtually).
- This year marks two anniversaries: The 55th year of Essence Magazine, and the 20th year since Katrina, which Essence has already marked with a special edition of the magazine.
What they're saying: "We just wanted to be really thoughtful" about programming for this year's event, said Essence Ventures chief content officer Michele Ghee. "The cultural affirmation that we have tied to this Essence Festival is 'made like this' because we know the times that we're in."
- "We're not blind to the fact that this community is under attack. But that doesn't mean that we don't have the right to still amplify, celebrate, educate, inspire everybody. We wanted to give ode to this amazing community that has withstood way more than what we're seeing right now."
How it works: The Essence Festival of Culture is best thought of as a massive umbrella brand for dozens of attractions, performances and showcases.
- During the day, they include sponsored activities and celebrity appearances for sub-brands like BeautyCon, the Essence Food and Wine Festival, AfroPunk BLKTOPIA, the Global Black Economic Forum and the Essence Film Festival. Most are free and center around the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
- Some daytime events also feature headlining political and cultural speakers, some of whom are announced last-minute. Recent years' examples include then-Vice President Kamala Harris and Oprah, though the 2025 lineup hasn't yet featured any surprise names.
- And at night, the party amps up with ticketed, headlining acts in the Superdome.
Caesars Superdome lineup
The Caesars Superdome lineup includes Babyface, Jill Scott & Friends, Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, Ari Lennox and others. Tickets.
The intrigue: The lineup also includes a show billed as Master P's final performance.
- "Who bigger than Master P?" Ghee says. "What he has accomplished and what he's done and how he's built businesses from the trunk of his car to ... owning his masters, and his family legacy? ... We're excited about all of it."
Fun fact: The Superlounges are back, too.
- The spaces are carved out inside the Superdome and for a long time offered a nightclub vibe separate from the main stage, but the fest did away with them during venue renovations in recent years.
- "This is the grown and sexy spot," Ghee says, while the main stage "is where you're having a good time family party."
Yes, but: Superlounge access is limited to those with VVIP tickets, according to Essence Fest's social media.
Parking
Street parking is available, and various downtown lots are within walking distance of both the Superdome and the convention center.
- Superdome parking can be purchased in advance.
What to wear
However you attend, just make sure to dress the part. Essence Fest is as well known for great music as it is for celebrity spotting and high-fashion looks.
- For inspiration, see the guide Essence made on what to wear last year.
- Or glean inspiration from The Roots' favorite street style looks in 2024.
Expect a clear bag policy for the Superdome and the convention center, too.
Where to eat and drink
Dig in: We have Black-owned restaurant recommendations for downtown New Orleans, and 5 African and Caribbean restaurants to try.
- Or join the Where Black NOLA Eats Facebook page for more recommendations.