The 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans from Friday, June 30, through Sunday, July 3, for in-person concerts, seminars and related events. Select programming will also be available online. Organizers of the Festival promise to “host a multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration.”
“As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, the Essence Festival of Culture is a staple that celebrates community and empowers equity,” said Essence CEO Caroline Wanga. “We are excited to welcome the family back live to New Orleans and thrilled to connect with more of our diasporic family through new digital experiences. Whether it be those that have three years of outfits reflective of the Festival tradition that was disrupted by the pandemic, or those who will have their inaugural Festival experience in 2022, all are invited to immerse in the crown jewel of culture known as the Essence Festival of Culture. Our almost three-decade-relationship with the City of New Orleans has been critical to the fiber of the Festival and we fully recognize and appreciate the City and its citizens for all they do to create memorable experiences for all attendees. Lastly, it is critical that we understand that what we deliver with this Festival—live and virtually—also impacts Black economic inclusion. The ability to have those that benefit from this be Black businesses is my favorite manifestation of our 2022 Festival theme, ‘It’s The Black Joy for Me.’”
As Essence intentionally connects deeper within New Orleans’ culture, it is bringing back new and returning activations, including concerts at the Superdome, Superlounges, Essence Wellness House, Essence Eats Food, Wine & Spirits Festival, the Essence Studios Screening Room, The Men’s Experience, The Marketplace (which economically impacts thousands of Black-owned businesses), the Girls United track which highlights Gen Z experiences, Day of Service, E-Suite, Wealth & Power Stage, The Tech Summit and more.
Headline and opening acts will include the following in performance at the Caesars Superdome:
Friday, July 1: Nicki Minaj, Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Kes, Mickey Guyton
Saturday, July 2: Janet Jackson, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, D-Nice and Friends: Carl Thomas and Stephanie Mills, Lucky Dave and a special tribute to Patti Labelle
Sunday, July 3: New Edition, Isley Brothers, The Roots and Friends: Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon the Chef, City Girls, Tems, Wizkid
The Essence Gets Lifted Gospel Celebration will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for all three days of the festival.
Attendees are required to show proof of a COVID vaccination. Tickets are now on sale. For tickets, access and updates, visit www.essencefestival.com. Join the conversation via social @ESSENCEFest. Experience The Festival on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCEFestival.com.
