Event Overview
Official Name: Funk Fest Tour 2025
Cities & Venues: Multiple cities including Atlanta, Orlando, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Memphis, and Miami (venue-specific per stop)
Dates: April–September 2025 (varies by city – Atlanta confirmed for May 10, 2025 at Lakewood Amphitheatre)
Theme: Celebrating the Legacy of Funk, R&B, and Soul Through Black Excellence
The Funk Fest Tour is one of the longest-running, most iconic Black music festivals in the United States — a touring celebration of funk, soul, hip hop, R&B, and culture. Since its inception, the tour has spotlighted legends and living icons who shaped Black music across generations, while also featuring emerging voices who carry the legacy forward.
More than a concert, Funk Fest is a cultural movement — a multigenerational gathering of sound, soul, and storytelling where the past meets the present and joy is amplified with every beat.
History and Background
Founded: 1994
Founder: Variety Entertainment (Louis “LJ” Johnson)
Initial Location: Mobile, Alabama
Funk Fest was created in 1994 with the vision of reviving the love and energy of classic funk and soul music while creating a platform for Black music icons. What started as a regional event has evolved into a multi-city tour drawing thousands of fans in each city stop across the Southeast and beyond.
Over the past 30 years, Funk Fest has become a Black cultural institution, known for:
- Honoring the roots of funk and soul
- Curating nostalgic yet fresh lineups
- Creating safe, festive environments for Black families, couples, and fans of all ages
🌟 Past Milestones:
- 2000s: National expansion to over 10 cities
- 2010s: Added hip hop legends like T.I., Jeezy, and Rick Ross
- 2023–2024: Performers included Jodeci, Fantasia, Jeezy, Juvenile, Jill Scott, and Goodie Mob
Today, Funk Fest continues to bridge generations and genres — from the 1970s to now — in one unforgettable experience.
Why You Should Attend
Funk Fest Tour 2025 is for the culture. It’s for lovers of old-school grooves, classic vocals, smooth R&B, Southern hip hop, and the stories behind the music.
🎯 What Makes Funk Fest Unique:
- Tour Format: Unlike most festivals, Funk Fest comes to your city
- Legacy + Fresh Energy: Each show combines soul legends with modern-day chart-toppers
- Cultural Unity: A grown, joyful, stylish crowd that knows how to party with purpose
- Unmatched Vibe: Lawn chairs, fans, sundresses, two-step energy, and call-and-response classics all night
🧩 Key Attractions:
- Live full-set performances from A-list R&B, soul, and hip hop stars
- Vendor villages with Black-owned businesses, apparel, and art
- Food truck courts with Southern and Caribbean cuisine
- VIP lounges and Platinum viewing options
- Day parties, after parties, and hotel activations in select cities
Funk Fest isn’t just a show — it’s a homecoming, a reunion, and a musical family affair.
What to Expect This Year (2025)
🎤 Headliners & Featured Artists (Lineups Vary by City)
Expect combinations of the following stars across the 2025 tour:
- R&B Legends: Fantasia, Monica, Tank, Ginuwine, Jagged Edge, Anthony Hamilton
- Funk & Soul Icons: Morris Day & The Time, Charlie Wilson, The Isley Brothers
- Hip Hop Veterans: Jeezy, T.I., Juvenile, Trick Daddy, Trina
- Neo-Soul Artists: Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild (city-dependent)
- Host/DJs: MC Lightfoot, DJ Traci Steele
City-specific lineups announced at: https://funkfesttour.com
🎪 Stage & Experience Zones
- Main Stage: Continuous performances with no overlap
- VIP Lawn Areas: Shaded tents, catered bars, and private restrooms
- Vendor Marketplace: Black-owned merch, fashion, and more
- Photo Booths & Experience Stations sponsored by festival partners
🗓️ Tour Dates Snapshot (Sample)
- Atlanta, GA – May 10, 2025 (Lakewood Amphitheatre)
- Orlando, FL – May 24, 2025 (Central Florida Fairgrounds)
- Miami, FL – July 12, 2025 (Bayfront Park Amphitheater)
- Birmingham, AL – August 2, 2025 (Venue TBA)
- Memphis, TN – August 30, 2025 (Orpheum Theatre or TBA)
Ticket Types & Pricing
- General Admission: $55–$95
- VIP Admission: $150–$275 (express entry, close-up viewing, bar access)
- Platinum Experience: $350+ (VIP + lounge + free drinks + seating)
- Early Bird Specials: Available for most cities up to 30 days in advance
🎟️ Tickets available at: https://funkfesttour.com
Or via Ticketmaster (search: “Funk Fest + [Your City]”)
Travel & Logistics
✈️ Best Airports by City
- Atlanta (ATL) | Orlando (MCO) | Miami (MIA or FLL)
- Birmingham (BHM) | Memphis (MEM)
🚗 Transportation Tips
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft designated drop zones at most venues
- Parking: Onsite or nearby lots typically $15–$25
- VIP Parking: Included in select ticket tiers
- Shuttles: Partnered hotels may offer event-day shuttles in some cities
Where to Stay
Hotels Near Venues (City-Dependent):
- Atlanta: The Candler Hotel, Omni at CNN Center, Hotel Clermont
- Orlando: AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown, Hyatt Regency
- Miami: Kimpton EPIC, YVE Hotel Miami, citizenM Miami
- Memphis: Central Station Hotel, Hyatt Centric
- Birmingham: Elyton Hotel, The Redmont
Check the event website for discounted room blocks and hotel partners by city.
Where to Eat
Each Funk Fest city has local Black-owned or soul-infused food gems worth trying before or after the show.
🍽️ Food Favorites by City:
- ATL: Old Lady Gang, Slutty Vegan, Busy Bee Café
- Orlando: Nikki’s Place, King Cajun Crawfish
- Miami: World Famous House of Mac, Lil Greenhouse Grill
- Memphis: The Four Way, Chef Tam’s Underground Café
- Birmingham: Yo’ Mama’s, Eugene’s Hot Chicken
Festival food courts also offer:
- Smoked wings
- Jerk chicken
- Cajun seafood platters
- Vegan soul options
- Frozen daiquiris and cocktails
Tips for First-Timers
👗 Dress Code & Style Tips
- It’s all about grown and sexy meets Southern festival flavor
- Sundresses, slides, polos, and fly hats are the norm
- Bring a portable fan, lawn chair (if allowed), and small bag
- Sunscreen and shades highly recommended — most shows are outdoors
☀️ Weather & Safety
- Events go rain or shine – bring a poncho or umbrella
- Security checks at the gate — allow extra time for entry
- Refill water stations and medical tents are available onsite
🤝 Connect & Party
- Join your city’s Funk Fest Facebook group
- Follow local hashtags for pre-party info and carpool tips
- Meet like-minded music lovers and share photos via #FunkFestTour2025
How to Stay Connected
- Website: https://funkfesttour.com
- Instagram: @funkfestconcerts
- Facebook: Funk Fest Concerts
- Twitter/X: @funkfestconcert
- YouTube: Funk Fest
- Hashtags: #FunkFestTour2025 #FunkFestFamily #BlackMusicMatters
Final Notes
🎫 Register & Get Tickets:
Buy early to lock in best pricing and seating. Visit https://funkfesttour.com for all cities, updates, and passes.
📝 Get Involved:
- Vendor and food truck apps accepted via the official site
- Limited sponsorship and volunteer spots available
- Press inquiries can apply under the Media tab
🦠 Safety Guidelines:
Funk Fest follows local and state regulations. Most venues are open-air. Bag policies and health policies will be posted closer to each show.
📅 Mark Your Calendar — Funk Is Coming to Your City
Funk Fest Tour 2025 is your chance to celebrate Black music’s roots, moves, and future — from R&B throwbacks and soul legends to hip hop anthems that raised the culture.
🎤 Bring your people. Pull out your fits. Two-step under the stars.
👉 Grab your city’s tickets now at https://funkfesttour.com
