GloRilla, Summer Walker and more to perform at ESSENCE Fest

By    |  
Apr 15, 2025
GloRilla, Summer Walker & more included in ESSENCE Fest lineup

GloRilla, Summer Walker & more included in ESSENCE Fest lineup

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning to New Orleans this summer, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest cultural events of the year. Now in its 31st edition, this year’s festival is especially significant. It marks the 55th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine, a publication that has served as a voice for Black women and Black culture since 1970.

Held from July 4–6, 2025, the ESSENCE Festival isn’t just a music event—it’s a full-on cultural celebration. The theme this year, “We Are Made Like This,” speaks to the generations of Black excellence that have shaped the world and continue to define the future. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, this year’s festival is designed to uplift, educate, and entertain.

A Star-Studded Lineup Spanning Generations

Each year, the ESSENCE Festival delivers some of the best talent in the music industry. 2025 is no exception. Expect to see a diverse and high-energy lineup that spans genres and generations. Some of the biggest confirmed names include:

  • GloRilla

  • Summer Walker

  • Muni Long

  • Nas

  • Boyz II Men

  • Davido

  • The Isley Brothers

  • Buju Banton

  • Master P

  • Jermaine Dupri

A major highlight of the weekend will be “ESSENCE Flowers,” a tribute to Quincy Jones, curated and hosted by Jermaine Dupri. The tribute will bring together artists who have sampled, studied, or collaborated with the legendary music producer. It’s a can’t-miss moment that promises to celebrate the deep impact Quincy has had on global music.

Honoring a Magazine That Shaped a Movement

While the concerts get much of the attention, it’s the story behind the festival that truly sets it apart. ESSENCE Magazine began in 1970 as a publication by and for Black women. Over the years, it has become a cultural cornerstone, covering everything from politics and entrepreneurship to fashion and entertainment.

The magazine’s 55th anniversary is more than just a milestone. It’s a tribute to decades of storytelling, advocacy, and cultural preservation. The phrase “a time capsule and a forward-looking celebration” from ESSENCE’s official announcement perfectly describes how the festival blends legacy and vision.

Two Iconic Venues, Endless Energy

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture will be hosted across two major venues in New Orleans:

  • Caesars Superdome

  • Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Daytime experiences at the Convention Center will include panel discussions, wellness sessions, business expos, film screenings, and more—all free and open to the public. Meanwhile, evening performances at the Superdome will feature high-profile headliners, emerging artists, and surprise guests.

Doors typically open at 6:00 PM for the concerts, with events lasting into the night. Arrive early to explore interactive brand activations, food vendors, and pop-up shops from Black-owned businesses.

What to Expect Each Day

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the weekend:

  • Thursday, July 3 (Pre-Festival Events): Community kickoffs, welcome parties, and VIP experiences

  • Friday–Sunday, July 4–6:

    • Daytime: Panels, exhibits, shopping, food, wellness, and workshops

    • Evening: Concerts and superlounge performances

Each day is curated to spotlight a different element of Black culture, including music, wellness, tech, business, spirituality, and fashion. If you’re planning to attend for multiple days, consider getting a festival pass or VIP upgrade for premium access and perks.

Why New Orleans Is the Perfect Backdrop

The Crescent City offers more than just a location—it provides soul, rhythm, and flavor that amplify the entire festival. From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll feel the energy. New Orleans is rich in Black history, music, and culinary tradition, making it the ideal setting for this monumental cultural gathering.

Outside of the festival itself, attendees can explore:

  • Frenchmen Street’s live music scene

  • Iconic Creole and soul food spots

  • Historic Treme and Congo Square

  • Second line parades and art markets

  • Steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River

Don’t forget to sample classic dishes like gumbo, beignets, and crawfish étouffée while soaking up local jazz and brass band performances.

Travel & Planning Tips for ESSENCE Festival 2025

Heading to New Orleans for the first time? Here are some user-focused, evergreen travel tips to help you have the best possible experience:

  • Book Early: Hotels sell out quickly, especially those within walking distance of the Superdome and Convention Center. Book accommodations months in advance.

  • Plan for the Heat: July in New Orleans is hot and humid. Stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing, and keep sunscreen handy.

  • Use the App: ESSENCE typically offers a festival app with event schedules, maps, and real-time updates. It’s a great tool for navigating the weekend.

  • Support Local: Spend time exploring local businesses and supporting Black-owned vendors throughout the city and the festival grounds.

Tickets, VIP Passes, and How to Attend

Tickets for ESSENCE Festival 2025 are already on sale through the official ESSENCE Festival website and authorized vendors. Options include:

  • Single-Day General Admission

  • Three-Day Weekend Pass

  • VIP & Platinum Packages (with perks like early access, reserved seating, and exclusive lounges)

Daytime programming at the Convention Center is free and open to the public, but early registration is recommended for special sessions and limited-capacity events.

If you’re attending with a group, consider a travel package that includes hotel, transportation, and ticket bundles—it takes the stress out of planning and guarantees access to key events.

More Than Music: A Movement of Empowerment

The ESSENCE Festival has long been known as the largest celebration of Black culture and Black women in the world. But it’s also a movement. It provides a space for authentic conversation, business networking, spiritual healing, and intergenerational connection.

Whether you’re dancing in the Superdome, attending a wellness workshop, or discovering a new Black-owned brand at the marketplace, you’re part of something bigger—something that affirms identity and inspires future change.

A Legacy That Keeps Giving

As ESSENCE turns 55, this year’s festival offers a reminder that culture isn’t static—it evolves. What started on the printed page now lives boldly on the stage. From fashion and beauty to activism and art, the ESSENCE brand continues to empower Black communities globally.

Whether you’re there for the music, the mission, or the memories, ESSENCE Festival 2025 is more than an event—it’s a homecoming.

Ready to be part of history?
Visit ESSENCEFestival.com to buy tickets, explore hotel packages, and start planning your experience. You don’t want to miss what’s sure to be one of the most powerful weekends of the year.