Essence Festival Announces Night-by-Night Lineup For Annual Installment

ESSENCE Fest returns to New Orleans July 6 through July 8 at the Superdome.

The ESSENCE Festival is now among the largest consumer live events in the nation. In addition to its daytime events, the Festival organizers have just announced the lineup for nighttime concerts happening at the Superdome.

The lineup includes Ledisi, Serani, SWV (as part of Teddy Riley’s New Jack Swing Experience) Jussie Smollett; KeKe Wyatt (as part of Kelly Price’s “For the Love of R&B” curation); Lady of Rage, YoYo, and DJ Captain Charles (as part of Doug E Fresh’s Legends of Hip Hop Show); Damien Escobar; Ella Mai; Lloyd; Louis York; Pell; Yanina; and for the first time ever, a special night of celebrating New Orleans Bounce headlined by Big Freedia, and featuring DJ Jubilee.

Previously announced talent include headliners Janet Jackson; Mary J. Blige; Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and more in a special curation by The Roots; and Snoop Dogg.

Throughout the weekend, the performances will include 40 acts from A-list talent and returning as the main stage host is Roy Wood Jr., from Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” with D-Nice keeping the Mainstage music going through the weekend.

Tickets for 2018 ESSENCE Festival are now on sale.