Essence Festival of Culture Electrifies New Orleans

Black excellence in music, empowerment, and community, the Essence Festival of Culture will be held in New Orleans, July 3-5, 2026, at Caesars Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Free day seminars include keynote speakers, health/finance panels, and beauty, fashion, and wellness expos of 500+ vendors. R&B, hip-hop stars with surprise guests headline nightly concerts; previous acts included Megan Thee Stallion, Charlie Wilson. It is the largest African American culture event in the world, with an estimated 500,000 or more attendees since 1994. The 3-day passes begin at 150 on Ticketmaster; the 3-day packages are inclusive of hotels such as the Westin. The atmosphere of NOLA is enhanced by after-parties, jazz brunches and Creole food under the Fourth of July fireworks. Such an empowerment center is a source of networking and inspiration.

Festival Empowerment Seminars

Festival empowerment seminars offer free sessions on entrepreneurship, mental health, with celebs like Issa Rae motivating Black women attendees.

Culture Concerts Lineup

Culture concerts lineup at Superdome promises high-energy mainstage/superlounge shows, blending gospel, soul, and contemporary hits nightly.

Official Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/essencefest