ESSENCE Festival

We know. You were refreshing our feed. You were texting the group chat like, “They better not play with us this year.”

The first wave of the lineup is here.

Boyz II Men. Davido. Maxwell. Master P. GloRilla. The Isley Brothers. Nas. Summer Walker. Jermaine Dupri presents an “ESSENCE Flowers” tribute to Quincy Jones. And that’s just the beginning. You know we love a surprise. 

Text your people. Lock in your PTO. Get your tickets. We’ll see you in New Orleans.

Calling all Black-owned businesses, founders, and community leaders—vendor partner applications for ESSENCE Festival 2026 are still OPEN!

Join us July 3rd–5th for our signature experiences in New Orleans, including the SOKO MKRT, Beautycon, Food & Wine, and the Community Center. From emerging brands across beauty, food, and lifestyle to organizations and activists driving meaningful change, these spaces are designed to spotlight innovation, share powerful stories, and create real opportunities for connection, visibility, and commerce.

Don’t wait! ESSENCE Festival Vendor Partner Applications close February 23rd. Tap the ESSENCE Entrepreneur Portal below for full details, requirements, and submission information.

🔗: ems.essence.com/login

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Angela Rye, Lynae Vanee And More Talk Politics, Power And The People At ESSENCE Fest 2025 essence.com/festival/2025-…

Comedian KevOnStage Talks ‘Successful Failure’ And Turning Setbacks Into Strategy At ESSENCE Fest 2025 essence.com/festival/2025-…

During the ESSENCE Festival, Netflix surprised one unexpected couple with a surprise getaway to the Bahamas.

Be sure to watch Madea's Destination Wedding, premiering Friday, July 11, only on Netflix. #NetflixPartner

netflix.com/title/81702431