Celebrate 30 Years of Excellence at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ in New Orleans
Jo-Carolyn Goode | 5/24/2024, 2:11 p.m.
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® promises to be a landmark celebration, marking 30 years of cultural excellence, empowerment, and entertainment. Returning to its beloved home in New Orleans from July 4-7, 2024, this year’s festival will honor its rich history while looking towards the future with an extraordinary lineup of performances and events.
A Star-Studded Evening Concert Series
The evening concert series at the Caesar’s Superdome will be a cornerstone of the festival, celebrating legacy and evolution. Headlining the event will be none other than Usher, delivering a special one-night-only performance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his iconic album, *Confessions*. Joining him on stage will be global icon Janet Jackson, R&B legend Charlie Wilson, and three-time Grammy Award-winner Victoria Monét.
Adding to the excitement, Birdman & Friends will present a milestone celebration marking 30 years of Cash Money Millionaires. The festival will also feature a special passing of the torch by Frankie Beverly & Maze, ensuring a memorable tribute to the artists who have shaped the ESSENCE Festival over the years.
Daytime Experiences: A Feast for the Senses
The festival's daytime experiences at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will offer a wide array of activities and events for attendees. This year's highlights include:
- ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™: A culinary journey celebrating the best in Black cuisine and beverages.
- BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition: Showcasing the latest in beauty trends and products.
- AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™: A dynamic fusion of music, art, and culture.
- ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™: Screening groundbreaking films and hosting insightful discussions.
- SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®: A vibrant marketplace featuring unique Black-owned businesses.
The Suede: Men’s Experience™ will provide a space for Black men to engage in topics such as fatherhood, health, and creativity in a supportive environment. New this year is the ESSENCE Hollywood House™, designed for networking and mentorship in the entertainment industry.
A Homecoming for Music Legends
Usher, who first performed at the ESSENCE Festival at the age of 19, will return to commemorate the 20th anniversary of *Confessions*. Janet Jackson, whose 2022 performance remains one of the festival’s highest-grossing nights, will once again grace the stage. Charlie Wilson will deliver his timeless melodies, while Birdman & Friends celebrate three decades of Cash Money with a special performance.
The festival will also see performances from New Orleans’ own Tank and The Bangas, alongside special guests Teedra Moses, HaSizzle, and Dawn Richard. Victoria Monét will make her inaugural performance, promising a show-stopping experience.
A Grand Finale and More
The festival will close with the beloved all-white party, featuring a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze. Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox will curate this significant moment.
Additional performers include D-Nice with his Club Quarantine Live, The Roots & Friends featuring Ari Lennox and Mickey Guyton, and the reunion of R&B supergroup TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank). Expect stellar performances from Ayra Starr, SWV, Busta Rhymes, Jacquees, and many more.
Join the Celebration
“For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has blossomed into a pillar of our culture,” said Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™. “New Orleans is our home, and we look forward to embracing this community once again. Last year, we proudly generated $316 million for New Orleans and Louisiana, and we look forward to another year of new memories. This is your formal invitation to join us—bring your family, friends, and cousins too—for a celebration of unparalleled Black joy.”
Get Your Tickets Now
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® is supported by major partners including AT&T, L’Oréal Groupe, McDonald’s USA, and Target Corporation. For all the latest updates, visit [ESSENCEFestival.com](https://www.essencefestival.com) and join the conversation on social media @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Tickets are now available on the festival’s website. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual viewing experience will be available on ESSENCE.com and ESSENCEFestival.com.