Disney is bringing its content and talent in full force for fans to the Essence Festival of Culture 2022. Festival goers will have a chance to sit in on talent panels, watch exclusive screenings, and meet Disney stars and more, from 30 June to 3 July 2022.
Throughout the weekend, Disney will be taking over new orleans with activations across a variety of venues in the city. At the convention center, fans will get to roam around the fan zone to visit a variety of booths, watch exclusive presentations on center stage, and attend screenings and panels at the Essence Film Festival.
In the Fan Zone, fans will have the opportunity to explore the floor that will be lined with activations including photobooths, giveaways, and Disney stars such as Diamond White and Sasheer Zamata (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur); Tommy Davidson; JoMarie Payton and Paula Jai Parker (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder); the director and cast of Disney’s Rise; Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson (Critter Fixers: Country Vets); Catch Me If You Can author Jessica Nabongo, who has traveled to every country in the world; as well as National Geographic/Rolex Explorer of the Year Tara Roberts. Plus, you won’t want to miss fan-favorite characters Princess Tiana and Drum Major Mickey Mouse.
Center Stage activations include special panels with Keke Palmer from Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, Moses Ingram from Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s Obi Wan-Kenobi as well as a special performance featuring the Dora Milaje spotlighting Marvel Studios’ upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fans can also catch a chat with Disney legend Floyd Norman; a look at the new Princess and the Frog-inspired attraction; an ESPN+ panel with Chris Paul, C.J. Paul and Jalaine Edwards; a conversation with Tamron Hall; and a special presentation from Disney Dreamers Academy and Disney on the Yard.
Festival attendees can also check out the ESSENCE Film Festival to catch panels and screenings with filmmakers and talent from shows, movies, documentaries and podcasts.
Fans are also welcomed to enjoy an immersive skating experience at The Rink @The Hulu Motel at the Civic Theatre; and on Sunday, 3 July, invited influencers will brunch at the Disney Power of Joy Brunch takeover of the ESSENCE House at Virgin Hotel with food, drinks, photo ops and more with Disney brands and talent, including Justin Simien, director of Disney’s upcoming Haunted Mansion.
As previously announced, Hulu will be the official streaming destination of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival, marking the first time ever that ESSENCE has made programming from its iconic Festival available on a streaming platform. Select daytime programming including panel discussions and evening musical performances will be available exclusively to Hulu SVOD subscribers at no additional cost. The Essence Fest Primetime livestream will run on the platform 1-3 July.