The 27th Essence Festival of Culture begins Thursday night in New Orleans with a star-studded lineup featuring Janet Jackson, The Isley Brothers, New Edition, Nicki Minaj and more.
Kevin Hart kicks off the four-day party Thursday, then the music goes full throttle beginning Friday with Minaj, Beenie Man, Mickey Guyton, Machel Montano and Kes. Jackson headlines Saturday night on a bill including a tribute to Patti LaBelle. Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Stephanie Mills, Carl Thomas, Lucky Daye and D-Nice will also share the stage.
Plus, more stars were added this week: Ashanti, Chloe x Halle, LeToya Luckett, Dru Hill, Sevyn Streeter and The Lox.
Vice President Kamala Harris will also greet the crowd Saturday night at the Caesars Superdome in The Big Easy.
The festival wraps up Sunday with New Edition, The Isleys, The Roots joined by Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon The Chef, along with City Girls, Wizkid and Tems.
The weekend offers a variety of events, including the Beauty Carnival, Essence Film Festival, Men’s Experience, Food & Wine Festival, Health Hub, Tech Summit, Wealth & Power panel and a gospel celebration.
Tickets are available to attend in person or virtually on the festival website.
For the first time, select evening performances and daytime events will be streamed on Hulu July 1-3 from 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. CT.
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