Get ready, Houston! The soul of Black culture is calling us back to New Orleans for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola®, promising an unforgettable celebration of heritage, music, and empowerment. Set against the electric backdrop of the Big Easy, this year's festival isn't just a music event—it's a powerful love letter to our past, present, and future.

Celebrating 55 years of storytelling by ESSENCE Magazine, the 2025 festival expands its already star-studded lineup with the voices and legends that define generations. This year’s theme—“Made Like This”—honors the resilience, brilliance, and beauty of Black culture, brought to life through once-in-a-lifetime moments and show-stopping performances.

🌟 Star Power Takes Center Stage

The Evening Concert Series returns with unforgettable energy, headlined by Grammy-winning icons and emerging talent alike. New additions to the lineup include the velvet-voiced Babyface, the dynamic Jill Scott & Friends set, which unites powerhouse vocalists Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, and Jill herself for a night of pure Philly soul.

Joining them on the main stage are already-announced acts like Boyz II Men, Afrobeats phenom Davido, R&B favorite Maxwell, and New Orleans' own cultural trailblazer Master P, who is set to deliver his final performance—a heartfelt farewell to an era that redefined hip-hop independence.

🎶 A Tribute Fit for a King: Quincy Jones

In a moment of reverence and rhythm, Jermaine Dupri will lead the “ESSENCE Flowers” tribute, celebrating the enduring legacy of the incomparable Quincy Jones. Artists like Tyrese, Robin Thicke, SWV, Al B. Sure!, Xscape, The Pharcyde, and Mobb Deep will honor Jones' genre-spanning influence, from R&B classics to hip-hop legends. This tribute is a must-see for music lovers who understand the roots that shape today’s sounds.

💃 Superlounge Revival + Local Legends

The iconic Superlounge returns, offering intimate sets that have historically catapulted artists into the spotlight. Reimagined and reenergized, this fan-favorite feature invites audiences to rediscover rising stars in an up-close setting. Expect crowd-rocking performances by Erykah Badu, Ari Lennox, Psiryn, MOLIY, and the original beatbox legend himself, Doug E. Fresh, who will lead a freestyle tribute celebrating ESSENCE Magazine’s 55-year legacy.

And in a hometown hero moment, Master P reunites with No Limit Soldiers, including Mia X and Silkk the Shocker, alongside Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dru Hill, and Keri Hilson, in a powerhouse performance that fuses grit, gospel, and Southern swagger.

🔥 Even More to Experience

This multigenerational experience doesn’t stop there. The lineup also includes icons like Buju Banton, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas, Summer Walker, Donell Jones, and Muni Long—bridging decades of soul, reggae, rap, and R&B in a seamless celebration of Black excellence.

🎟️ How to Attend

The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® is made possible by presenting sponsor Coca-Cola®, with key partners including AT&T, L’Oréal Groupe, and Target. Weekend concert packages are now available, and attendees are encouraged to download the E360 app for exclusive access to event updates, personalized schedules, and insider perks.

Whether you’re flying in from H-Town or caravanning with your crew, the ESSENCE Fest is more than a destination—it’s a pilgrimage. So book your flights, rally your group chat, and meet us in New Orleans for the culture’s biggest reunion.

💬 Stay Connected

Follow @ESSENCEFest on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, and subscribe to ESSENCE Magazine to keep up with announcements, artist spotlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.