ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® Unveils First Wave of Performers for 2026

Evening Concert Series, Leading with the Ladies: Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Kehlani, Latto, and Brandy & Monica

NEW ORLEANS – In celebration of Women’s History Month, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® has announced the first wave of performers for its 2026 Evening Concert Series. Leading the lineup are Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Kehlani, Latto, and Brandy & Monica, who will take the stage at the Caesars Superdome July 3–5 in New Orleans.

This year’s lineup highlights women who have shaped music, culture, and the entertainment industry through their talent, influence, and lasting impact. Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B will make her ESSENCE Festival of Culture® debut, bringing the bold style and chart-topping success that helped redefine women’s presence in hip-hop.

Latto, also making her festival debut, represents a new generation of Southern rap artists. With multiple platinum records and a growing global audience, she continues to expand the reach and visibility of women in rap.

Kehlani, a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, is known for her emotional storytelling and distinctive voice in contemporary R&B. Her music blends honesty, creativity, and independence, earning her a loyal fan base worldwide.

Brandy and Monica, former ESSENCE cover stars and Grammy-winning vocalists, return to the festival stage with a legacy that helped define modern R&B. Their collaboration and individual careers continue to influence generations of artists. Patti LaBelle, the legendary Grammy-winning soul singer, also returns to the festival. With a career spanning more than six decades, she remains one of music’s most powerful live performers and a lasting icon in soul and R&B.

This first wave of performers reflects a powerful mix of generations, genres, and musical styles. Additional performers, special guests, and programming will be announced in the months leading up to July.

https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2026/https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2026/

By day, programming at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, creating a space where culture, creativity, and business come together. Founders connect with audiences, filmmakers debut new projects, beauty innovators share trends, authors meet readers, and entrepreneurs grow their brands.

Applications are now open for vendors, creators, and founders interested in participating in SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE® and select daytime programming. Entrepreneurs and brands are encouraged to apply early to secure their place at the festival.

Building on the cultural creator model introduced in 2025, the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® will continue to collaborate with visionary creators who help shape the festival’s programming and creative direction. Additional curator announcements will be shared in the coming weeks.

The 2026 Daytime Programming Includes:

• ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™

• BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition

• AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™

• ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™

• ESSENCE Stage™SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®

• ESSENCE Authors™

• ESSENCE® GU® KickbackGBEF® HQ

Tickets for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® Evening Concert Series are now on sale. Festivalgoers are encouraged to secure accommodations early and plan their experience using the E360 app, where personalized schedules, exclusive offers, and festival updates will be available.