The third annual 2025 NOLA Funk Fest returns October 17–19, 2025, bringing a musical lineup of funk, soul, and New Orleans musical royalty to Spanish Plaza along the downtown riverfront. The event had taken place for its first two years at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, but has moved to the Riverfront. This year’s lineup features three days of performances — including Master P featuring the Soul Rebels, Dumpstaphunk’s tribute to Sly Stone, Galactic with Irma Thomas, Maggie Koerner, Erica Falls & Jelly Joseph, Funky Meters 2.0, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, The Rumble, Erica Falls & Friends and many more.
NOLA Funk Fest weekend will also feature special tributes, musical revivals, and multi-generational performances that showcase the rich legacy of Louisiana music, including a Masking Indian Village, featuring interactive opportunities to learn more about a cherished and unique fixture of New Orleans culture.
The NOLA Funk Fest is a project of the planned Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the region.
Ticketing options have been designed with flexibility in mind, offering a wide variety of choices. Advance ticket prices apply now:
- 3-Day & Single-Day General Admission
- 3-Day & Single-Day VIP
- 3-Day & Single-Day Super VIP, featuring an ultra-exclusive lineup of exclusive shows, access to VIP bars and special culinary offerings, comfortable viewing areas and more
- Louisiana Locals, Student, and First Responder discounts available with valid ID
The festival’s Super VIP Experience takes things to the next level with a curated set of performances and perks that go beyond the main stage. Super VIPs will enjoy exclusive concerts and cultural programming, elevated restrooms, and more.
Special Super VIP shows include:
- Behind The Mask: Presented with Loyola University, five Big Chiefs tell the story of theMasking Indian culture through live music, dance, and suits.
- Irma Thomas & River Eckert: A rare and intimate pairing of the Soul Queen of New Orleans and the 15-year-old piano phenom.
- Fred Wesley’s Louisiana Roots: An insightful jazz-to-funk journey featuring Fred Wesley and LMHE Curator Bob Santelli. Fred Wesley will be performing selected songs.
- Kermit Does Satchmo: Kermit Ruffins pays tribute to Louis Armstrong, narrated by New Orleans Jazz Museum Curator and LMHE Advisory Board Member David Kunian.
“We’re building a festival for the ages,” said festival organizer Chris Beary. “NOLA Funk Fest is about honoring our musical past while amplifying the artists shaping funk’s future. And with this lineup, we’re delivering on that promise.”
Tickets are on sale now.
