Essence Festival

Whether Essence Fest is changing or simply growing depends on who you ask. The Gulf States Newsroom's Tanner Riley attended the 2026 festival. Here's what he saw.

With record crowds, extreme heat, and packed streets expected in downtown New Orleans this weekend, here’s how to move through Essence Fest 2026 safely, smoothly and like you’ve done it before.

Some members of the Black business community in New Orleans say they feel shut out by Essence Fest organizers.

Mayor LaToya Cantell said in a press conference Tuesday evening that organizers of New Orleans festivals should start thinking about postponing until…

This week on Inside the Arts, the party with a purpose, ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola, kicks off its 25th Anniversary with a visit from former…

This week on Inside the Arts, a celebration of blues music, arts and blueberries on the Northshore. Charmaine Neville is among a stellar lineup of…

This week on Inside the Arts, a nationally acclaimed ballerina makes her debut at the 22nd annual ESSENCE Fest. We talk with ballet star Misty…

The Essence Festival marked its 20th anniversary by setting a record for annual attendance with more than 550,000 participants celebrating four days of…

The event is a must for any true lovers of rhythm and blues music. David Greene talks to Jason King, who hosts NPR's 24/7 R&B and Soul music stream, about the festival which kicked off Thursday night.

This week on Inside the Arts, the 20th Essence Festival kicks off Independence weekend. We catch up with Prince protégé, singer Elisa Fiorillo Dease, who…