The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® is celebrating 30 years of loving us, and it’s shaping up to be the most legendary event yet with the addition of Usher!
From July 4-7, 2024, New Orleans will once again be the epicenter of Black culture, music, and joy.
This year’s festival is a four-day extravaganza that spans generations, both in-person and virtually, and promises to be a celebration for the ages.
Star-Studded Evening Performances
This year’s evening concert series at the Caesar’s Superdome is nothing short of spectacular.
The headliners are a mix of legends and current chart-toppers who have all left their mark on the ESSENCE stage.
Usher will give a special one-night-only performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of his iconic album, Confessions. Get ready to groove to hits like “Yeah!” and “Burn” as Usher shows us why he’s still got it.
Janet Jackson, the global icon herself, is returning to the festival. After her 2022 performance, which remains one of the highest-grossing nights in the festival’s history, Janet is back to remind us all why she’s a living legend.
Charlie Wilson will grace the stage with his undeniable melodies and generation-defining songs. Expect nothing but smooth vibes and unforgettable moments.
Victoria Monét is making her debut on the ESSENCE legacy stage, and it’s sure to be a showstopper. With her sultry voice and captivating performance, she’s one to watch.
Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires is a milestone celebration you won’t want to miss. Featuring some of our favorite hometown artists, this performance is a nod to New Orleans’ rich musical history.
And let’s not forget the Special Tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, curated by Grammy-Award winning producer & songwriter, Bryan-Michael Cox. This all-white party will honor the entertainers who started this beloved tradition.
Daytime Experiences Galore
While the nights are filled with unforgettable performances, the days are packed with activities that celebrate Black culture in all its forms. Returning festival favorites include:
- ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™
- BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition
- AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™
- ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™
- ESSENCE Stage™
- SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®
- ESSENCE Authors™
- ESSENCE® GU® CREATORS HOUSE
- GBEF® HQ
For the fellas, The Suede: Men’s Experience™ (formerly known as In His Zone) is back, providing a space for Black men to connect and explore topics like money, fatherhood, creativity, and more.
New this year is the ESSENCE Hollywood House™, a space dedicated to networking and mentoring in the entertainment industry.
A Legacy of Joy
“For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice,” said Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™.
“As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time.
It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”
Holmes continued, “New Orleans is our home, my hometown, and we look forward to embracing this community once again. Last year, we proudly generated $316 million for New Orleans and Louisiana, and we look forward to another year of new memories. This is your formal invitation to join us—bring your family, friends, and cousins too— for a celebration of unparalleled Black joy. Don’t forget to download the app for all the latest updates.”
Get Your Tickets Now!
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is presented by Coca-Cola® and major partners, AT&T, L’Oréal Groupe, McDonald’s USA, and Target Corporation.
Stay tuned for all official updates for this year’s festival at ESSENCEFestival.com and join the conversation on social at @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Tickets are now available on the festival’s website, and for those who can’t attend in person, tune in to ESSENCE.com and ESSENCEFestival.com for a virtual viewing experience.
Consider this your official invitation to the biggest birthday party of the year!
Don’t be the last person in the group chat to lock in their hotel, flights, tickets, and all-white outfit.
This 30th celebration is going to be unmatched.
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