The Frontal Queen's Official Guide to Essence Festival of Culture 2025

The Frontal Queen's Official Guide to Essence Festival of Culture 2025 

Whether you’re going for the concerts, beauty pop-ups, the food and drinks, or just trying to spot your fav creators IRL, the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is serving everything and more. We know it can feel like a lot (especially if it’s your first time), so here’s your TFQ guide on what to expect, where to be and what not to miss.

First Things First: Download the ESSENCE 360 App

Before anything else, get the ESSENCE 360 app. It’s your festival BFF to register for events, build your custom schedule, discover event locations, and connect with other attendees. 

💄 ALL THINGS BEAUTY 

ESSENCE BeautyCon™ (July 4th- 6th )

BeautyCon is where you go to get all your beauty bits. Think free samples, freebies from brands, exclusive drops, meet-and-greets with your fave beauty influencers and panel discussions you actually want to hear.

Some brands you can expect, Fenty Skin, Mielle, K18, Alodia, Sol de Janeiro, TLB, Undefined, L’oreal, NOYZ + more 

TFQ Tip: This is the perfect time to try new products you’ve been eyeing. You might even walk away with a full-size goodie or two

Talks we’re excited for:

• The State of Beauty — Friday, July 4, 10:30 AM–10:50 AM
• Beauty Looks Like Me — Saturday, July 5, 1:15 PM–2:00 PM
• In the Lab: The Science Behind Beauty Innovation — Sunday, July 6, 1:15 PM–2:00 PM
  
  

SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®

Support Black-owned businesses across fashion, beauty, wellness and home. Some cool  brands we found on the lineup:

• Alodia Haircare: Founded by a PhD Trichologist & MD, they offer hair and scalp consultations plus custom regimes.
• JRUMZ: Sleek headphones and earbuds designed with health + style in mind.
• Ora Ana: A gorgeous demi-fine jewelry brand.
• Swimma Caps: Swim caps, goggles & shower caps made for textured, protective and loc’d hair.
• Xpress by Nailbed & Bar: Cool Artistic, Press-on nails you’ll actually want to wear.
• Puzzles of Color: Artistic jigsaw puzzles created by Black artists from around the world. 

Disclaimer: We’re not affiliated with these brands, we just think they’re cool.

CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT

ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™

Po’Boy showdowns, Mixology battles (who will win the "Best Hurricane Cocktail" crown?), celeb chef demos and of course, Po’Boy showdowns. Expect appearances from Big Freedia, Toya Johnson and Ingrid Best. .

Talks we’re excited about:

• Let’s Toast: Spirits, Legacy & Ownership — Saturday, July 5, 1:02 PM–2:55 PM
• Dessert Diaries: Stories, Swaps & Sweet Connection — Saturday, July 5, 1:50 PM–2:10 PM
  

ESSENCE Stage™

Raw, unfiltered convos about reality TV, sports culture with key industry names and reality stars like Jordan Chiles, Quad Webb, Yandy Smith-Harris, Keith Lee and more.

Talks we have on our list:

• More Than a Taste: Keith Lee on Food, Family and Finding a Voice — Saturday, July 5, 12:00 PM–12:30 PM

ESSENCE GU® Creators House (July 5–6)

Gen Z, this one’s for you. Creator workshops, panels, Twitch takeovers and wellness talks with some of your fave creators like Justine’s Camera Roll, Kimberly Bizu, Casey Winbush + more. 

• What The Twitch? Saturday, July 5 2:35 PM - 3:05 PM

ESSENCE Film Festival®

This year's lineup includes the world premiere of Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time (Nat Geo), plus screenings like The Chi cast convo, Wildcards, Someone Loves You, and The Memo. For the full film lineup, check ESSENCE's official site. 

See your favorite podcasts and shows live. 

NETWORKING + BIZ VIBES

ESSENCE Hollywood House™ (July 4th - 6th) 

Want to work in the film/TV industry? This is your place to connect with casting directors, writers, producers and on-screen talent hosting several talks and workshops 

ESSENCE GU® Creator Mixer (July 5)

A laidback opportunity to vibe with other creators, connect with brands and maybe even land your next collab.

Global Black Economic Forum HQ 

Future moguls, this one’s for you. Expect conversations with Gov. Wes Moore, Nikole Hannah-Jones and more.

One to note:

• Financial Literacy & the Power to Prosper — Friday, July 4, 11:30 AM–11:55 AM
  

WELLNESS & SPIRITUALITY

Tap into your soft life era

Hormone health talks, guided movement, mindfulness panels and spiritual alignment workshops, this is your chance to rest and reset.

Talks we’re excited for:

• Mental Wellness & Investing During Uncertain Times — Saturday, July 5, 12:05 PM–12:35 PM
• Staying Still Session — Sunday: With Gia Peppers, Dr. Raquel Martin & Rome Flynn, followed by a TAMLA music showcase

Sunday Morning Worship (July 6)

Soak in the spirit with Jekalyn Carr, Bishop Paul Morton and more.

🎶 MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE

ESSENCE GU® Kickback (July 4)

Live from The Fillmore: Moliy, T99zy, Chxrry + more. Hosted by Zoe Spencer.

Club Quarantine (July 6)

You already know. Enough said.

Evening Concert Series @ Superdome

From gospel and soul to hip-hop and R&B, the main stage is stacked with legendary acts, your current favs and rising acts 

📝 TFQ Final Checklist

• Download the ESSENCE 360 app
• Charge your phone (trust us)
• Bring all your TFQ haircare must-haves
• Check out this blog for what to wear inspo
• And most importantly? Come as your full, fabulous self
  
  

For more info and schedule details: ESSENCE Official Site

See you in NOLA, Queen 🫶