We know. You were refreshing our feed. You were texting the group chat like, “They better not play with us this year.” The first wave of the lineup is here. Boyz II Men. Davido. Maxwell. Master P. GloRilla. The Isley Brothers. Nas. Summer Walker. Jermaine Dupri presents an “ESSENCE Flowers” tribute to Quincy Jones. And that’s just the beginning. You know we love a surprise.  Text your people. Lock in your PTO. Get your tickets. We’ll see you in New Orleans.

The countdown to ESSENCE Festival has officially begun and in true ESSENCE fashion, we’re starting with Ladies First. From legendary voices who built the foundation to the Hitmakers running the charts today, the women of music are stepping onto the Superdome stage. The lineup reveal starts now, and trust us, the girls are coming with something special: Brandy & Monica Kehlani Latto Patti LaBelle Cardi B And Much More To Come! Get your tickets now! See you in New Orleans! ESSENCE Fest 2026 Here We Come!

Calling all Black-owned businesses, founders, and community leaders—vendor partner applications for ESSENCE Festival 2026 are still OPEN! Join us July 3rd–5th for our signature experiences in New Orleans, including the SOKO MKRT, Beautycon, Food & Wine, and the Community Center. From emerging brands across beauty, food, and lifestyle to organizations and activists driving meaningful change, these spaces are designed to spotlight innovation, share powerful stories, and create real opportunities for connection, visibility, and commerce. Don’t wait! ESSENCE Festival Vendor Partner Applications close February 23rd. Tap the ESSENCE Entrepreneur Portal below for full details, requirements, and submission information. 🔗: ems.essence.com/login

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Angela Rye, Lynae Vanee And More Talk Politics, Power And The People At ESSENCE Fest 2025 essence.com/festival/2025-es…

Comedian KevOnStage Talks ‘Successful Failure’ And Turning Setbacks Into Strategy At ESSENCE Fest 2025 essence.com/festival/2025-es…

During the ESSENCE Festival, Netflix surprised one unexpected couple with a surprise getaway to the Bahamas. Be sure to watch Madea's Destination Wedding, premiering Friday, July 11, only on Netflix. #NetflixPartner netflix.com/title/81702431

DISCOVER UOMO BORN IN ROMA FRAGRANCES BY VALENTINO. #EFPARTNER

DISCOVER UOMO BORN IN ROMA FRAGRANCES BY VALENTINO. #EFPARTNER

Hey Lover, this is more than a crush! LL Cool J surprised us with a performance of his Quincy Jones sampled “Hey Lover” during a tribute to the composer curated by Jermaine Dupri. P.S. After all these ladies definitely still love Cool James. #ESSENCEFest25

Yearn, Yoddle, and Croon for our love. Boyz II Men closed out ESSENCE Festival 2025 on Bended Knees, and we were all IN IT. We are talking about INNIT. Also, Wanya Morris will always be one of our favorite voices. #ESSENCEFest25

Our cup runs over with the tea that was clocked this weekend at ESSENCE Fest. Let’s review, shall we? 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾 #ESSENCEFest25

Honey Bxby kicked off our evening concert series tonight, make some noise for our girl! 😍🔥 #ESSENCEFest25

WNBA legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Sheryl Swoopes is soaking up the energy at ESSENCE Fest. Celebrating a culture rooted in unity, empowerment, and inspiration. There’s nothing like being surrounded by a community that uplifts each other. 💫🏀 #ESSENCEFest25

You've downloaded the app, now what? Here's what we have to offer! Download the 360 app to stay updated on everything #ESSENCEFest25

Davido hit the ESSENCE Fest stage in New Orleans with a heart full of gratitude - excited to perform in a city that he loves, celebrate the culture, and pay homage to one of his favorite artists, Lil' Wayne. Africa and NOLA? A perfect blend. #ESSENCEFest25

Pull up to ESSENCE Mainstage for A Big Boss Link Up! Keke Palmer, Creme of Nature CBO, talks big boss moves and all things natural hair with Chandra Coleman, SVP of Marketing✨ Follow us for exclusive moments! bit.ly/cremeofnatureeffoc #ESSENCEFest #CremeOfNature #UnstoppableHair

🚨LAST CALL: It’s the final day to experience LYS Beauty at Essence Fest! Stop by Booth 8556 for one last vibe, grab your goodies, and leave feeling a little closer to you than before.

Taylor Polidore Williams stepped out and did not come to play—grace, glow, and beauty on full display at ESSENCE Fest. ✨🔥 #ESSENCEFest25

Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready 😜 Who’s ready for night 2! #ESSENCEFest25

The vocals, the harmonies, the fits all in the key of US 🔥 @psirynmusic left it all on stage. We know @Kandi is proud! #ESSENCEFest25

Maxwell had the crowd in their feelings and on their feet—every note, every lyric, they sang it right back to him. Pure soul and connection! #ESSENCEFest25