Mayor Helena Moreno announced on March 25 the launch of the Essence Festival Steering Committee as part of the ongoing partnership between the City of New Orleans and the Essence Festival of Culture.
The committee is being formed to help ensure a successful Essence Festival in 2026, which has been an important event in New Orleans for three decades. The new group is intended to coordinate efforts among city officials, civic leaders, and representatives from Essence.
“Essence Fest is an iconic event, and I look forward to help make it the best it’s ever been,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “Bringing together city, civic and Essence leaders will provide enhanced coordination and collaboration to achieve necessary goals and benchmarks. Looking forward to all that this group will accomplish.”
Members of the steering committee include Kevin Ferguson (Deputy Mayor & Chief of Staff), Charline Gibson (City Attorney), Renee Lapeyrolerie (Deputy Mayor of External Affairs), Walt Leger III (New Orleans & Company President and CEO), Marc H. Morial (National Urban League President and Former Mayor of New Orleans), Cedric Richmond (Former U.S. Representative and White House Senior Advisor), Doug Thornton (Legends Global Venue Planning Services President), as well as leadership from Essence Fest.
The upcoming festival is scheduled for July 3-5, 2026 in New Orleans. The Superdome will host many main events while other programs are planned throughout various locations across the city.
