Performers announced for 2025 Essence Festival: Dates, tickets, hosts, what to know
The 2025 Essence Festival of Culture will bring "legacy, rhythm, and resilience" to New Orleans this summer.
Attendees can expect performances from major artists like rapper GloRilla, R&B songstress Muni Long, and hip hop trailblazer and NOLA native Master P, according to a festival announcement.
The festival, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of Essence Magazine, is set for the Fourth of July weekend.
"This year's festival will be both a time capsule and a forward-looking celebration — honoring the legacy that began on the page and now lives boldly on the stage," Essence said.
Here's what we know about this year's festival.
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2025 Essence Festival of Culture: Dates, tickets, venue, hosts
The 2025 Essence Festival of Culture is set for July 4-6 in the New Orleans.
The festival said "elevated daytime experiences" would take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, while evening concerts are at the Caesars Superdome.
Tickets are currently available on Ticketmaster.
Comedian and "Black-ish" star Anthony Anderson and cultural multi-hyphenate Kenny Burns will serve as the hosts at the Caesars Superdome.
According to Essence, this year's theme is "We are Made Like This," which "speaks to the generations of Black brilliance that have shaped the world and continue to move it forward. "
Confirmed performers
According to Essence, current and legacy acts will take the stage at the Caesars Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Performers announced so far include:
Muni Long
Summer Walker
GloRilla
Maxwell
Davido
Master P
Boyz II Men
Donell Jones
Buju Banton
The Isley Brothers
Nas
Who is curating the Quincy Jones tribute?
Legendary producer Jermaine Dupri will spearhead a tribute for Quincy Jones. The late music icon died in late November at the age of 91.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
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