Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Essence Festival of Culture Returns with Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jermaine Dupri
Bennett Raglin; Matt Winkelmeyer; Derek White/Getty Images
Essence Festival of Culture will be back and bigger than ever with Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jermaine Dupri among the headliners. Taking place in New Orleans for the 29th time, this year’s festival will see the biggest acts in music as Hip-Hop continues to celebrate 50 years.
Hip-Hop Celebrates 50 Years at Essence Festival of Culture
The extravaganza, presented by Coca-Cola, will offer in-person and virtual experiences for attendees near and far. This year, festival-goers can expect to feel the deep impact that Hip-Hop has had on global culture over the last five decades — from a special 25th anniversary performance of the Grammy-winning album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to a celebration of So So Def’s 30th anniversary to an unforgettable ensemble of Hip-Hop pioneers spearheaded by Doug E. Fresh. Offering some Afrobeats and R&B, Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones, and Kizz Daniel will also take the stage. Comedians Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams and Janelle James will offer comedic relief as DJ Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri and DJ Clark Kent will keep the party rocking over the span of four days.
New Elements Added to the Essence Festival of Culture Schedule
Essence Fest 2023 has added new elements to its already action-packed schedule of events. Activations include nightly concerts at the Superdome, Essence Food & Wine Festival, Beautycon: Essence Festival of Culture Edition, AFROPUNK: Essence Festival of Culture Edition, Essence Center Stage, Essence Marketplace, New Voices Village, Community Corner, Essence Authors, Global Black Economic Forum and Village, Girl’s United House, Essence Family Day: The Block, and much more.
Celebrate Black Culture at the Essence Festival of Culture
“For nearly three decades, the Essence Festival of Culture has been an international and joyful gathering that empowers community throughout the global Black diaspora,” newly appointed Vice President Hakeem Holmes stated in a press release. “As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, it continues to be a crown jewel of Black culture and plays a pivotal role in the amplification and celebration of the contributions of the Black community through business, music, and more.” He added, “As we gear up to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, we couldn’t think of a better way to honor the contributions the genre has made on global culture and the impressions that these artists and their deep musical catalogs, which we all know so well, have been ingrained into the fibers of our day to day lives.”
Get Your Tickets Now
Essence Festival of Culture takes place from June 29-July 3 in New Orleans, La. with perfomances going down at NOLA’s Superdome. Tickets can be purchased along with weekend packages at ESSENCEFestival.com.
