Celebrating Maplewood & South Orange’s expressive community and wealth of diversity, The 3rd Annual MAPSO Funk Fest returns on Saturday, August 26th, 2023!

MAPSO Funk Fest is a free family friendly event, designed to bring people together through “Good Food, Good Music and Great Vibes”. It was created to celebrate our multicultural community, providing a space to spotlight a range of local brands and creatives while having some fun!

MAPSO Funk Fest is an annual celebration of diversity, wellness, creativity, and local business. It will return this year from 1 pm – 7 pm on Saturday, August 26th at the Springfield Ave Gazebo and Maplecrest Park in Maplewood, NJ.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve all been faced with many challenges from Covid to major shifts in the economy. This day is an opportunity to come together. It provides a chance to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, cultivate community engagement, invigorate small businesses, and celebrate the rich culture that we’re surrounded by.

Funk Fest is a vibrant event where people of all backgrounds & ages are welcome to enjoy funk, house & soul music, local restaurants, fun activities and creative talent, while connecting with family, and friends – both old and new. It will be a free flowing event with picnic blankets and chairs encouraged. MAPSO Funk Fest prioritizes the inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned vendors and talent for optimal representation.

Local restaurant vendors will be present, offering delicious menu options. There will be some DJs and live band performances at the gazebo, The musical talent this year includes:

• 1:00 – 2:00 pm DJ Shelly Spin
• 2:15 – 3:15 pm MPAC Band,
• 3:30 – 4:30 pm Roc Music Group
• 4:45 – 5:45 pm Fanny Pack Music,
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm DJ Karl Brisseaux as our closing DJ. 

There will also be food, wellness & artisan vendor booths throughout the park. And also a kid’s zone, sports games, and other mini workshops taking place throughout the day.

The beer garden will be hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. Please bring ID in order to be wrist banded and purchase beer from the beer garden.

*This event is sponsored by the Botanica Boutique and Gregory Burrus Productions!

#food #music #summer #njevents #goodvibes