New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, USA
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is the ultimate celebration of Black joy, creativity, and community, taking over New Orleans every Fourth of July weekend. From unforgettable performances spanning Hip-Hop, R&B, soul, and more during the Evening Concert Series to immersive cultural experiences throughout the city, #ESSENCEFest is where culture takes center stage.
Discover and support emerging Black-owned businesses at the We Love Us Marketplace, engage in transformative conversations through the Global Black Economic Forum, and explore beauty, identity, and self-expression with Beautycon™ and ESSENCE Authors. Experience curated spaces designed for connection and inspiration, including SUEDE Lounge: The Men's Experience, the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, and the Creator & Podcast Festival.
More than a festival, ESSENCE Festival of Culture is a gathering rooted in purpose, celebration, and possibility—a bold expression of who we are and where we're headed together.
General Admission (Free) registration is required to enter the Convention Center, unless a VIP ticket is purchased.
Experience the ESSENCE Festival of Culture like a VIP. Your ESSENCE VIP Pass includes exclusive early entry to the Convention Center beginning at 9:00 AM—one hour before general admission. Arrive early and get first access to experiences, programming, shopping, and more. You'll also enjoy reserved seating at the ESSENCE Stage, first come first served.
Your ESSENCE VIP Pass includes exclusive access to the ESSENCE Luxe Lounge—your destination to relax, recharge, and elevate your Festival experience.
Inside the Lounge, guests will receive their curated ESSENCE gift bag, enjoy surprise-and-delight moments, special talent appearances, premium amenities, and access to device charging stations throughout the day.
VIP Pass holders also receive expedited VIP entry lanes at Convention Center entrances, as well as priority access at select activations and experiences.
Upgrade your festival experience with the Beautycon™ VIP Pass. Enjoy early entry to the Convention Center beginning at 9:00 AM—one hour before general admission. You'll also enjoy reserved seating at the Beautycon Stage, first come first served.
Your BEAUTYCON VIP Pass includes exclusive access to the BEAUTYCON VIP Lounge—your destination to relax, recharge, and elevate your Festival experience.
VIP guests will receive their curated BEAUTYCON gift bag inside the Lounge, featuring products from leading beauty brands, along with access to surprise-and-delight moments, special talent appearances, and exclusive VIP experiences throughout the weekend.
BEAUTYCON VIP Pass holders also receive expedited VIP entry lanes at Convention Center entrances, as well as priority access at select BEAUTYCON activations and experiences.
Westside Gunn & Smoke DZA bring wrestling to the Essence Festival this year with nonstop sports entertainment, live experiences, and musical performances from some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Blending wrestling, music, fashion, and Black culture into one electrifying atmosphere, 4th Rope delivers a one-of-one cultural experience where energy, creativity, and community take center stage.
