Every year, hundreds of thousands of music lovers, fashion girlies, and aunties from around the world head to New Orleans for Essence Fest. The festival runs from July 3–6 and always brings something fresh for the culture.
Yes, there were a few bumps in the road this year (which Essence has openly taken accountability for), but the highlights? The highlights reminded us exactly why people keep coming back year after year.
Check out some of our favorite moments below:
Breakout Stars Mariah The Scientist, Leon Thomas, Coco Jones, and Glorilla Take Center Stage
This year, Essence Fest brought the vibes and the Superlounges back, which is a special series of performances for VVIP ticketholders that had the crowd talking.
Friday night opened strong with Ari Lennox setting the tone in the Superlounge, and breakout star of the year Leon Thomas (thanks to his viral single Mutt) took over the AT&T Dream in Black Stage Friday and the Superlounge on Saturday. Fans were hoping he’d hit the main stage after Summer Walker dropped out last minute, but his double performance more than delivered.
Coco Jones lit up the mainstage Friday night with fan favorites from her Why Not More album, including “On Sight” and “Taste”, a Britney Spears’ Toxic sample, and she followed it up with another set Saturday on the AT&T Dream in Black Stage for those who missed the first.
And of course, GloRilla made her ESSENCE Festival Of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola® Evening Concert Series debut, setting the energy all the way up.
Meanwhile, Mariah the Scientist hit the Coca-Cola stage on July 5th with her new hit Burning Blue, which just got the Rihanna cosign. At the Smurfs premiere, Rih mentioned right now it’s her go to karaoke song and Mariah’s response? “Tell her to call me.”
Disney Announces Tiana’s Joyful Celebration Traveling Across 12 Cities
Disney made a major splash during the Essence Festival with an exciting announcement about their upcoming immersive exhibition that celebrates the heart and soul of New Orleans. Inspired by the spirit of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the experience will take visitors on a journey through music, food, and culture with interactive, multi-sensory moments that bring the magic to life.
Kicking off March 7, 2026, the exhibition will debut at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children’s museum in the world before heading out on a nationwide tour to 12 more cities in 2027. A joyful celebration, indeed.
Ryan Coogler Is Back With New National Geographic Documentary
Ryan Coogler is having a major year. After the success and buzz around Sinners and Marvel’s Ironheart, he’s now lending his talents to a powerful new National Geographic documentary, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time.
On Saturday, July 5, Essence Fest hosted the world premiere screening with a moving panel and Q&A led by director Traci A. Curry. The conversation also featured New Orleans natives who lived through Katrina and shared firsthand accounts of survival, loss, and resilience.
Premiering July 27 on National Geographic and streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+ the doc marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina and centers the voices of the people who make New Orleans (and Essence Fest) unforgettable.
