ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2025: Still Lighting the Path for Community, Culture & Connection

Every summer, the heartbeat of Black excellence echoes loudest in the soul of New Orleans — and in 2025, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®️, now over 30 years strong, proved yet again why it’s more than just a festival — it’s a living, breathing movement of culture, community, and commerce.

From the unforgettable sounds that shook the Superdome to the inspiring moments in the press room where stories are shaped and shared with the world, ESSENCE continues to remind us that we are “Made Like This”: boundless, unstoppable, and limitless.

This year’s star-studded lineup read like a who’s who of iconic Black music legends and future trailblazers: GloRilla, Summer Walker, Muni Long, Maxwell, Boyz II Men, Davido, Nas, The Isley Brothers, Donell Jones, Buju Banton, and hometown hero Master P, just to name a few. Night by night, the crowd was lifted by timeless performances from Babyface, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Erykah Badu, Ari Lennox, and a special tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones, curated by Jermaine Dupri and featuring a powerful roster including Tyrese, Robin Thicke, Al B. Sure!, Xscape, MC Lyte, The Pharcyde, Mobb Deep, and SWV.

Beyond the main stage, the city itself became an extended part of the celebration. Musical storyteller Juice and Grammy-winning powerhouse Elle Varner delivered an electrifying, intimate performance at the historic Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club, reminding everyone why New Orleans remains the beating heart of live jazz and soul.

The magic continued at Brunch on Sundays hosted at Studio Be, the city’s most vibrant art gallery — where music, culture, and creativity collided under one roof. With none other than Nas as the surprise special guest, attendees were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that fused culinary delights, iconic art, and legendary hip-hop vibes.

But while the stage drew the lights and cameras, the real magic unfolded in the ESSENCE Press Room — the behind-the-scenes hub that captured every headline moment and amplified voices often unheard. It was here that incredible stories were exchanged with heart and purpose. We witnessed the soulful storytelling of Major, the thought-provoking conversations with Sam Collier, and the inspiring testimonies of Miraca & Steve Sanders, who shared their journeys of faith, family, and overcoming.

The buzz continued with the cast of The Divorce Sistas, whose presence sparked dialogue around sisterhood and resilience, and Juice, whose hypnotic trumpet and heartfelt lyrics kept the spirit of the Crescent City alive in every note. ESSENCE also used its platform to uplift critical causes — none greater than its ongoing support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which continues to stand as a beacon of hope for countless families.

And this year, the Convention Center was transformed into an immersive playground of beauty, wellness, and shopping thanks to Beautycon™️. The pink concept was an eye-catching, fresh addition that created a space where beauty met community and commerce. From bold new brands to trusted favorites, the vendors brought products, experiences, and knowledge straight to festival-goers eager to discover, sample, and glow up. It was a vibe that perfectly captured the joy of self-expression and the brilliance of Black beauty entrepreneurs.

Of course, the ESSENCE Festival has never been just about what happens on stage or screen. From the lively SOKO MRKT™️ showcasing Black-owned businesses to powerful economic conversations at the Global Black Economic Forum HQ, immersive experiences like Beautycon, the Food & Wine Festival, and the powerful sisterhood moments at the 6th Annual Women En Blanc Honors Brunch, ESSENCE proves that when we gather, we grow.

This year’s Women En Blanc Honors Brunch, hosted by the effervescent Jazzy McBee, turned the elegant Reverie into a garden of gratitude as trailblazing women like Tee Wilson, Kim Cole, and more were honored for their unyielding impact in business and community leadership. It was a morning of florals, fierce fashion, and heartfelt connections — a reminder that when women rise together, we all rise.

So whether you came for the music, the movement, or the memories, ESSENCE Festival of Culture remains a sanctuary for celebrating Black brilliance in all its forms — a place where Culture, Community, and Commerce come alive like nowhere else in the world.

As the confetti settles and the lights dim until next year, one thing is certain: we are still here, still brilliant, and still making history — together.

Only at #ESSENCEFest.