NOLA Funk Fest is Back and Bigger than Ever in 2026
NOLA Funk Fest will be back for its fourth year in 2026, and things are only getting groovier this time around with the announcement of its 2026 lineup.
Be the first in line to secure your VIP tickets so you can get exclusive front stage access, food and drinks, and a complimentary merch bag. However, if you want to get the most out of your weekend, be sure to check out their Funky Uncle ticket offers.
Cajun and Creole Cultural Village
This year, NOLA Funk Fest will be debuting the Cajun and Creole Cultural Village. This immersive village on the Riverfront will be bringing southwestern Louisiana traditions to the forefront. There, attendees can explore special music presentations, instrument making, dance instructions, and culinary traditions.
Featured artists will include CJ Chenier, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Nathan Williams, and many more. Additionally, educational sessions will be led by folklorist Ben Sandmel.
This Year's Lineup
While New Orleans Funk legends such as George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardner's Supa Set and Galactic will be headlining this year's festival, there will be many fresh faces, as well. The Lost Bayou Ramblers are joining this year playing alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. We are also excited to see Cimafunk, The Neville Sons, and Brass-a-holics hit the stage this year. Neal Francis will also be making his debut, bringing groove-driven songwriting and analog-heavy sound to this year's festival.
You can view the full official lineup on NOLA Funk Fest's website.
NOLA Funk Fest has also released last year's live set from Funky Meters 2.0 featuring George Porter Jr. and Ivan Neville, core members from New Orleans' legendary funk group The Meters. This is only a drop in the bucket for what you can expect this year.
Widespread Panic
This NOLA Funk Fest, members of the band Widespread Panic will be dropping in with some incredible sets and collaborations with the fest's headliners.
On Friday, October 16, Jelly Joseph, Jojo Hermann and Domingo 'Sunny' Ortiz will be on stage with Galactic, bringing the bands' long time collaboration to the main stage.
For the Allen Toussaint tribute on Saturday, October 17, Reggie Toussaint, Alison Toussaint, Herman Lebeaux, Chris Severin, Chris Adkins, Kyle Roussel, Brad Walker, Stephen Walker, Tracy Griffin, Brian Cayolle and Roger Lewis will be taking stage. This day will also feature performances from Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, Davell Crawford, Cyril Neville, Deacon John, John Boutte, Neal Francis, Anders Osborne, Erica Falls, River Eckert, John 'Papa' Gros, Elaine Foster, Omari Neville and more.
Don't forget to head out on Sunday, October 18, when headliners George Porter Jr., Chris Adkins, Mike Lemmler and Terrence Houston. Special guests include Cyril Neville, Stanton Moore, Anders Osborne, Jen Hartswick, Eddie Robers, Mark Mullins, Jojo Hermann, Domingo 'Sunny' Ortiz, Chali 2NA, Jackie Greene, Brad Walker, Robert Walter, Craig Klein, Jake Eckert, Raymond Weber, Brian Stoltz, Erica Falls, June Yamagishi, River Eckert, Mia Borders, Susan Cowsill and Omari Neville.
The Future of Our History
NOLA Funk Fest is a three day, nonstop, dance party with a mission. It was developed by those who are passionate for Louisiana's deeply musical heritage. Beyond the groove, the festival is a starting point for what will one day be The Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience. This is a proposed 120,000 square foot museum dedicated to music history right here in New Orleans.
In spirit of this mission, the festival program includes a lineup of symposiums on music history. For those who attended in 2023, you might remember the Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew exhibit. Keep up to date on the festival's website for this year's lineup and to see what exhibits they will have in store.
When you purchase a ticket, you are participating in what will serve as an educational resource for future generations, helping to preserve the outstanding, funky history of our home. The festival is also dedicated to paying local musicians above market wages, keeping New Orleans' reputation as one of the major international music hubs feasible.
Dust off those dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate our city's history and future together this fall.
Rock The Rafters: A Cajun & Creole Celebration
In collaboration with Tipitina's and NOLA Funk Fest, Rock The Rafters: A Cajun & Creole Celebration will be held on Thursday, October 15, the night before NOLA Funk Fest officially begins. This event will feature the Lost Bayou Ramblers, CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis with Special Guest Joel Savoy, and Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas with Special Guest Lil' Nathan.
The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event starts at 7:30 p.m. at 501 Napoleon Ave. Tickets are $29.33 per person for ages 18+. Purchase your tickets here.
Funk Uncle Pass
Delve into the mission of NOLA Funk Fest with the Funky Uncle Pass. Step into the Cajun and Creole Village, where exclusive symposiums curated by musician and folklorist Ben Sandmel will guide you through Cajun and Creole traditions. "Funky uncles" will also get entry to an early bird performance at Tipitina's.
Funky Uncle Passes grants other festival amenities including elevated viewing platforms, gift bags, and private bars. Get your passes here.
Mark Your Calendars
NOLA Funk Fest 2026
When: October 16-18
Where: Audubon Aquarium Riverfront Park
Tickets for the festival are live and can be purchased online! Keep in mind that 3-Day are sold in tiers and there are a limited amount of tickets for each price level.
In addition to general admission and VIP admission, NOLA Funk Fest will be offering Funky Uncle tickets, which will offer premium festival access, elevated viewing experiences with extra comfort, admission to four exclusive shows from October 15 to 18, and more.
