Essence Fest lineup unveiled
Cardi B, Brandy, Monica, Latto, Kehlani, and Patti LaBelle headline this summer’s Essence Festival in New Orleans, promising a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul.
Essence Festival, which began in 1995, has grown into a major celebration of Black culture, attracting around 500,000 attendees each year. The festival takes place every 4th of July weekend in New Orleans. The 2024 Essence Festival generated a whopping $346.3 million for New Orleans, with attendees spending an average of $3,135 during their stay. This spending created 2,642 jobs and $113.7 million in income for local workers. While the festival brings significant revenue, a 2024 study found that about $70 million "leaked" out of the local economy. Major sponsors like Coca-Cola, AT&T, L'Oréal, McDonald's, and Target partner with Essence to uplift the Black community. The festival features various daytime experiences, including the Essence Food & Wine Festival, Beautycon, and the Essence Film Festival. In 2024, Target was the official mass merchandise retail partner and created an "Inner Circle Experience". The festival faced some criticism in 2025 due to a perceived shift away from its traditional Black American focus. There were also reports of lower turnout and concerns about Target being a main sponsor amid diversity, equity, and inclusion controversies.
