ESSENCE Fest returns July 3-6, 2025 with an incredible lineup that promises to make this year's celebration one for the ages. The four-day festival coincides perfectly with the Independence Day weekend, creating an extended celebration of culture, music, and empowerment that uniquely captures the spirit of both American freedom and Black excellence.

A Legacy of Culture and Empowerment, The Essence Festival, often called "the party with a purpose," has been a cornerstone of Black culture and empowerment since its inception in 1995. What started as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine has grown into the largest African American culture and music festival in the United States.