ESSENCE Festival 2026: Cardi B, Brandy & Monica, Patti LaBelle

ESSENCE Festival of Culture has unveiled its first wave of performers taking the stage at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome this July, featuring iconic R&B artists.

The festival is set to take place over Independence Day Weekend, running from July 3 to 5. On Monday, festival organizers revealed a handful of performers, including “I Like It” rapper Cardi B, as well as R&B star Kehlani, pop-rap artist Latto, R&B duo Brandy & Monica, and the “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle.

It marks ESSENCE festival’s debut for Cardi B, Latto, and Brandy & Monica. Additional performers will be announced in the coming months.

Alongside the music, festivalgoers can look forward to daytime activities like the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, ESSENCE Film Festival, ESSENCE Authors, and Beautycon.

Three-day ticket packages are currently available via the festival’s official website