2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is a vibrant celebration of Black joy, creativity, and community, lighting up New Orleans every 4th of July weekend. From electrifying performances in Hip-Hop, R&B, soul, Afrobeats and Reggaeton at the Evening Concert Series to a dynamic range of cultural experiences, #EssenceFest is where Culture takes center stage. Discover and support emerging Black-owned brands at SOKO MRKT™, tap into visionary conversations with the Global Black Economic Forum, and explore identity and expression through Beautycon™, Essence Authors, and AFROPUNK. Dive into the Suede men’s experience, indulge in diaspora-inspired flavors at the Essence Food & Wine Festival, and connect with purpose at the Community Impact Hub. This is a space Made Like This—a bold, joyful affirmation of who we are.  

This year’s Essence Festival of Culture® holds unprecedented significance as we unite to celebrate our culture, connect with friends & family, and, of course, have fun! The VIP experience is perfect for guests looking for an elevated, unforgettable time at EFOC July 4 through 6. Our VIP invites guests will enjoy exclusive products and services, all designed to pamper and inspire.

As an EFOC VIP, you’ll receive:

• Access to Premium VIP Lounge and Exclusive Activations
• Registration & Access via E360 App
• Early Event Access to Beautycon area + Beautycon VIP area
• Beautycon branded gift bags for client-provided product
• Curated Photo Ops

Some featured brands included are:

• ALODIA
• FENTY SKIN
• K18
• TLB
• MIELLE
• NOYZ
• PDC
• Sol De Janeiro
• UNDEFINED

Hall G: Main Access Point for VIP (wristband pick up)

Club Quarantine VIP Upgrade Details – Premium Experience & Seating

We are pleased to offer VIP upgrades on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Your VIP package will include the following exclusive benefits:

• Priority venue entry: Bypass general admission lines and enjoy expedited access upon arrival.
• Exclusive access to BG’s Lounge: Relax with premium, exclusive drinks in our VIP only lounge before the show starts.
• Premium seating: Enjoy fantastic, reserved views of the stage in our best seats.
• Dedicated server: A personal server will attend to you and your party throughout the performance—no need to leave your seats.

Your virtual besties are back for another round at GU® Creator's House for the Dirty Thirty celebration of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ in New Orleans. As promised, we're bringing back the auntie-free zone so that Zillennials can be boundless and disruptive in the summertime. This year, we're elevating and bringing in a new era for Girls United, widening the perspective of what it means to be creative and helping our audience tap into a reimaged version of themselves.

Still want to attend? GU® Creator's House is SOLD OUT but you can join the waitlist now!

(Waitlist entry is NOT guaranteed and is subject to venue capacity!)

The Girls United Kickback is the exclusive after party you need to be at as we welcome the next generation of ESSENCE Festival. Act up in this auntie-free zone that’s packed with a lit lineup, Tik Tok worthy moments, and a VIP vibe you won’t get anywhere else. 

Africa meets the American South in the ultimate cultural cook-off and basketball game celebration of flavor. Join us at Essence Fest for Battle of Jollof vs. Jambalaya, where food, sport, music, and pride collide.

Team Jollof and Team Jambalaya will go head-to-head in a high-energy showdown on the court and in the kitchen featuring celebrity chefs, basketball stars, DJs, and cultural influencers representing two iconic dishes and the communities that made them legendary. This event includes:

• Basketball game (Tip Off: 5:30PM)
• Jollof and Jambalaya cook off
• Live DJ performances
• Photo moments
• VIP Lounge Area

Expect bold bites, spirited competition, and nonstop vibes.

Whether you’re repping West Africa or riding for the South, this event is all about unity through flavor, fun, and unapologetic Black excellence.

Come for the food. Stay for the culture. Root for your team.

Let’s see who really runs the rice.

Essence Communications, in partnership with Coach Percy "Master P" Miller, Team Hope Foundation and Operation Restoration, invites you to register your child for a special Basketball Clinic during the We Love Us Community Day—an official extension of Essence Festival programming.

This FREE clinic is for youth in grades 2–6 and will be led by Coach P, focusing on basketball fundamentals, mentorship, life skills, and team-building.

Clinic Highlights:

✔️ Open to up to 200 participants (Grades 2–6)

✔️ Free gear kits for all participants

✔️ Lunch provided

✔️ Youth mentorship, life skills coaching, and team-building

✔️ Parent/guardian must be present at check-in to sign a liability waiver – no adult, no participation

🩺 While your child participates in the clinic, families are welcome to explore the onsite Health & Wealth Pavilion, which includes:

– Heart health screenings 

– Breast cancer screenings 

– Financial wellness workshops

– Mental health resources & check-ins

🎉 The day wraps up with a community block party featuring music, food, games, and performances by rising artists in partnership with Essence Talent.

🔒 Please note: This registration form is only for the basketball clinic.

Spots are limited—register now to reserve your child’s place!

Click here to RSVP for ESSENCE FILM FESTIVAL now!

2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Ticketing Terms & Conditions