2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented by Coca-Cola® Reveals Night-by-Night Lineup!

The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® is headed back to New Orleans July 3–5, 2026 at the Caesars Superdome with an all-star lineup celebrating hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk across three unforgettable nights.

Friday, July 3 kicks off with Cardi B making her ESSENCE Festival debut alongside Latto, Kehlani, and rising vocal group SZN4.

Saturday, July 4 brings an iconic R&B takeover with Patti LaBelle, Brandy & Monica, Josh Levi, and newly added Grammy winner Leon Thomas, with another surprise guest still to be announced.

Sunday, July 5 closes the festival with legendary hitmaker Babyface, hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh, and George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic celebrating 50 years of the Mothership with special guests Big Boi, Scarface, Big Freedia, Nona Hendryx, and Durand Bernarr.

Beyond the nightly concerts, festivalgoers can experience daytime programming at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center featuring conversations, culture, beauty, wellness, business, and interactive experiences.

Tickets for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® are on sale now, with single-night tickets available beginning May 13 at 10 AM CT.