Disney is returning to the largest annual gathering of people in the country—ESSENCE Festival of CultureTM—from Thursday, June 29, through Monday, July 3. From can’t-miss presentations to highly anticipated special performances, Disney fans are in store for an abundance of magical moments fueled by “The Power of Joy” and the many ways Black joy reflects itself at Disney and the communities it touches.
Join the celebration on Hulu, the official streaming destination for ESSENCE Fest Primetime. Catch exclusive virtual-only content and highlights from daytime experiences and the epic live performances from the likes of Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, and many more. ESSENCE Fest Primetime will livestream on Hulu Friday, June 30, through Sunday, July 2, from 7–11:59 p.m. CT.
“Disney is proud to return to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a major sponsor and showcase the magic happening across our brands,” said Jill Estorino, president and managing director of Disney Parks International. “Through culture-defining storytelling, unforgettable experiences, and more, we are inviting everyone to experience first-hand ‘The Power of Joy’ and the many ways creativity, innovation, and contributions from Black culture are reflected across Disney.”
Offerings at this year’s festival include:
- Studio Showcase – Haunted Mansion director Justin Simien and cast members LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, and Rosario Dawson will kick off the festival with an influencer brunch, events, and panels with special looks at the new Disney+ series Star Wars: Ahsoka and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming musical feature Wish, starring Ariana DeBose.
- Disney’s “Came to Play” Booth – The world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be brought to life in a booth experience with surprise character appearances, fun photo opportunities, giveaways, and an immersive shopping experience featuring the latest products and books from Black licensees and authors. Follow Disney Ambassadors Raevon Redding and Mark Everett King Jr. in real time on Instagram at @disneylandambassador and @wdw.ambassador.
- ESSENCE Stage – ESSENCE stage activations include a special fashion show celebrating 100 years of Disney and inspired by 50 years of hip-hop on Friday, June 30. Throughout the weekend, Disney will host panels featuring Disney creators and collaborators from across the company.
- ESSENCE Film Festival – Disney leaders, filmmakers, and talent from shows, movies, documentaries, and podcasts across the company will take part in the ESSENCE Film Festival through a plethora of panels and screenings.
- Black Authors Showcase – The Black Storytelling panel and book signing will be moderated by the executive editor of Andscape Books, Aliya King, and feature authors R.K. Russell (The Yards Between Us) and Marisa Moore (The Plant Love Kitchen). It will also include a celebration of Black authors, including ABC News’ Deborah Roberts (Lessons Learned and Cherished) and Tre’vell Anderson (We See Each Other) on a panel hosted by Disney Publishing Worldwide and Andscape Books.
- Executive Panels – Disney will host a series of curated conversations and panels featuring executives sharing their personal and professional insights as leaders and role models at Disney, as well as the power of sisterhood in the workplace, supporting supplier diversity, and investing in Black businesses and communities.
In addition to the Hulu coverage, stay connected with daily updates from ABC News and Owned Television Stations, including:
- Live broadcasts by ABC News’ Janai Norman, co-anchor of Good Morning America
- Live moderated panels and reporting by New York’s WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News anchor Sade Baderinwa andLos Angeles’ ABC7anchor Rachel Brown
- An exclusive preview of the new Our America series “In the Black,” focusing on financial empowerment with actress Phylicia Rashad, hosted by ABC Owned Television Stations, in partnership with Microsoft Philanthropy
Visit partners.disney.com/essence-festival and follow on all social platforms with #DisneyxEssence for the latest updates and happenings.