Last year, the ESSENCE Festival attracted a record-breaking 550,000 attendees from around the world to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend, earning the distinction of being the largest gathering in the event’s history. Touted as one of the country's biggest live events, the ESSENCE Festival celebrated its anniversary with 20 stages of programming. The annual 4-day event features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and the world’s best performers each night.

With some of the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders, the ESSENCE Festival has featured an array of performers over its 20-year history including Prince, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Kahn, Alicia Keys, New Edition, Kanye West, Gladys Knight, Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Destiny’s Child, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson and many more.

The Essence Music Festival is held in New Orleans, the city of where African-American music and culture are vastly celebrated. The festival attracts nearly 200,000 of the best-dressed, fun-loving, talented, and committed people in the nation. You will enjoy the largest gathering of African-American musical talent in the U.S., as well as listen to some of the top-notch speakers in empowerment seminars.

Visit the official Essence Music Festival website for additional information.