Funk Parade facts for kids

A fun scene from the 2016 Funk Parade.

The Washington DC Funk Parade is a yearly street festival that celebrates music and art. It takes place on U Street in Washington DC. This free, all-day event brings people together. It highlights funk music, visual arts, and the rich history of the U Street area. The festival includes live music, art shows, workshops, and food stalls. The Funk Parade itself, with dancers, marching bands, and other artists, wraps up the festival in the afternoon.

The Story of Funk Parade

The very first Funk Parade happened on May 3, 2014. Justin Rood and Chris Naoum started the event. They worked with many local businesses, music spots, art groups, and community organizations to make it happen.

In 2014, the parade had to use a smaller route on V Street NW. But by 2015, the parade moved to the main U Street area. The founders, Justin Rood and Chris Naoum, wanted the parade to unite everyone in DC. They aimed to celebrate the city's musical past and the important history of U Street. Famous DC musicians like Marvin Gaye and Duke Ellington helped make U Street a center for live music.

What Happens at the Funk Parade?

The Funk Parade is a very popular event. In 2014, over 25,000 people came to enjoy the festival.

Highlights of Past Parades

The 2015 Funk Parade started near 14th and U Streets. It stretched all the way to the Howard Theatre at 7th Street and Florida Avenue. The day began with a fair from 12 PM to 5 PM. This fair featured more than 50 music groups and food vendors.

The parade itself kicked off at 5 PM outside the Howard Theatre. It showcased local student marching bands. These included the Duke Ellington Radical Elite Show Band and Batala D.C. The parade finished at the Lincoln Theatre around 7 PM. After the parade, more music performances took place at different venues along U Street. An afterparty started at 10 PM. It featured music groups like Trouble Funk, Lee Fields, and DJ Nitekrawler.

The 4th Annual Funk Parade in 2017 was hosted by David "The Oh!" Oliver and Tia Cherie Polite. Tia Cherie Polite also hosted The Costume Lounge with Wendell Smith Sr.

The Funk Parade returned in 2022. This was the first time the festival was held in person since the global health situation.