Cardi B, George Clinton and Patti LaBelle will headline Essence Fest 2026. Photos via Getty: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis; Theo Wargo for Songwriters Hall Of Fame; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
Essence Fest, billed as the country's largest celebration of Black culture, returns to New Orleans on July 4.
Friday: Cardi B makes her Essence debut this year. She headlines with Latto, Kehlani and SZN4.
Saturday: Brandy and Monica headline with Patti LaBelle, Leon Thomas and Josh Levi.
Babyface, Public Enemy, Big Boi, Doug E. Fresh, Scarface, Big Freedia, Leon Thomas, Nona Hendryx and Durand Bernarr will also perform.
The intrigue: Organizers say additional voices will be announced later.
What's next: The performances at the Caesars Superdome require tickets, while workshops and events at the convention center are free with registration.
