ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2025 Returns To NOLA With A Star-studed lineup

The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® is back in New Orleans from July 4–6, celebrating 55 years of ESSENCE Magazine with the theme “Made Like This.” This year’s festival honors Black culture with intentional, impactful experiences and nonstop entertainment that spans generations.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns, the Evening Concert Series will showcase legends and rising stars alike. Boyz II Men, R&B Icon Maxwell, Davido, Master P, Summer Walker, Legendary Hall of Famers The Isley Brothers, beloved R&B singer and songwriter Donell Jones, multifaceted hitmakerMuni Long, and lyrical legend Nas, Grammy award-winning reggae superstar Buju Banton lead the first wave of performers.

A standout tribute curated by  Grammy award-winning super producer Jermaine Dupri—ESSENCE Flowers—will honor the legendary Quincy Jones in a can’t-miss celebration of his cherished  musical legacy.

Festival goers can also enjoy the return of fan-favorite experiences like BEAUTYCON™, ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™, ESSENCE Film Festival®, and more. This year’s celebration is not just about music—it’s about culture, empowerment, and legacy.

From the page to the stage, the ESSENCE Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Black excellence—and this year, it’s going even bigger.

Get ready to experience the culture like never before—because we were “Made Like This.”