NOLA Funk Fest
This year's NOLA Funk Fest is filled with acts you know and love. October 17 to 19 marks the annual celebration of funky music in New Orleans.
Each year, NOLA Funk Fest invites the best and funkiest musical talents to perform, guaranteeing you multiple days filled with grooves, tunes, and funk. Check out our top 10 list of special performances that you must see and can only see at this year's festival.
Mississippi River Revival
Friday, October 17, 4 p.m.
The Mississippi River has been vital to New Orleans' history and development, and NOLA Funk Fest will present a special performance that celebrates the might Mississippi. Expect to see Luther Dickinson, Jake Eckert, Big Sam, Kirk Joseph, and more This show will feature funk, blues, and gospel, all while paying tribute one of the most important rivers in the United States.
Dumstaphunk Plays Sly
Friday, October 17, 8 p.m.
Ivan Neville's Dumstaphunk has been a leader in modern New Orleans funk for over two decades. Known for their double-bass grooves and socially conscious lyrics, they're one of the city's hardest-hitting bands. They will be playing a special tribute set to honor legendary funk pioneer Sly Stone, who passed away on June 9, 2025.
Honey Island Swamp Band with Mark Mullins
Saturday, October 18, 3 p.m.
Honey Island Swamp Band was originally formed in San Francisco by a group of displaced New Orleans musicians after Hurricane Katrina. The five-piece band has a unique sound that encompasses roots, blues, soul, and country music. They will be joined by Mark Mullins, a local trombonist who is a founding member of the band Bonerama.
New Orleans Suspects with Jennifer Hartswick
Saturday, October 18, 4 p.m.
The New Orleans Suspects are a local supergroup, with members hailing from bands such as The Radiators, Neville Brothers, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. They bring a jam-band spirit with deep roots in New Orleans funk. They will be collaborating with Jennifer Hartswick, the trumpet and vocal powerhouse best known from Trey Anastasio Band.
Big Sam's Funky Nation with Jelly Joseph
Saturday, October 18, 5 p.m.
Big Sam got his start as a member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He now creates some of the funkiest music yet. He's known for his trombone theatrics, call-and-response hype, and a stage presence that feels like a Carnival parade. With Jelly Joseph—the powerhouse singer from Galactic—adding her voice, expect pure fire during their performance.
Master P Feat. The Soul Rebels
Saturday, October 18, 8 p.m.
Master P put New Orleans hip-hop on the map in the '90s with his No Limit empire, and he is returning for a night of music and bounce. He is a successful rapper, record producer, record executive, actor, entrepreneur, and now the president of Basketball Operations at UNO. This NOLA Funk Fest, he is pairing up with The Soul Rebels—an eight-piece New Orleans-based brass ensemble—to give an unforgettable performance.
Tony Hall & the New Orleans Soul Stars with Fred Wesley: Tribute to James Brown
Sunday, October 19, 3:30 p.m.
Tony Hall has played bass with everyone from Dave Matthews Band to Harry Connick Jr. At NOLA Funk Fest, he will join forces with trombone legend Fred Wesley. Wesley was James Brown's longtime musical director and a cornerstone of Parliament-Funkadelic. This iconic duo will bring some of the funkiest tunes to the fest while also paying tribute to the late James Brown.
Funky Meters 2.0
Sunday, October 19, 4:30 p.m.
The Meters were the architects of New Orleans funk, and Funky Meter 2.0 keeps that legacy alive. With founding members and fresh players in the mix, they carry forward the iconic rhythms that influenced everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Dr. Dre. Hearing "Cissy Strut" live in any form is basically a rite of passage while in New Orleans.
Galactic with Special Guests
Sunday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.
Galactic is a New Orleans jam band that is dedicated towards keeping funk alive in their city. In addition to releasing over 10 studio albums, the band purchased the famed Tipitina's music venue, showcasing their love and respect for New Orleans' unique musical legacy. During NOLA Funk Fest, Galactic will be joined by special guests such as Irma Thomas and Erica Falls.
Cyril Neville Celebrating 50 Years of The Wild Tchoupitoulas
Sunday, October 19, 8 p.m.
Cyril Neville, the youngest of the legendary Neville Brothers, is a part of New Orleans royalty. His set, with George Porter Jr., Neville family members, and more, will mark 50 years of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, the Mardi Gras Indian group whose groundbreaking 1976 album fused Indian chants with funk and changed the city's music forever. If you want history, soul, and a groove that won't quit, this is the grand finale.
Get Funky at NOLA Funk Fest
NOLA Funk Fest is not just a line-up or a concert; it is an incredible showcase of everything that makes New Orleans tick. From the deep-pocket grooves of George Porter Jr. to the genre-bending collabs of Master P and The Soul Rebels, every set tells a piece of the city's story. Whether you're there to dance, to soak up history, or to just let the brass shake your bones, festival weekend guarantees the best funk.
