The 2025 Essence Festival is an annual music and culture festival that celebrates the African American experience. The festival was founded in 1995 by Essence magazine and is held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival features a variety of musical performances, as well as speakers, workshops, and other activities.
The Essence Festival is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the United States. In 2019, the festival drew over 500,000 attendees. The festival has been praised for its positive impact on the city of New Orleans and for its celebration of African American culture.