Cambridge is about to fully embrace its funky side – and no, it's not a reference to that one dive bar's dubious restroom. "FunkFest: A Celebration of All Thangs Funky" is hitting Central Square on Saturday, August 10, 2024, promising to be an afternoon loaded with the zenith of funk culture, from groovy tunes to popping dance moves, capped off by the kind of live graffiti that turns drab city walls into vibrancy. And the kicker? It's free. That's right: from 1 to 4 p.m., the stretch of Columbia Street between Main Street and Bishop Allen Drive will be transformed into a hub of auditory and artistic delight without costing you a dime.

According to a recent post by Cambridge Arts, DJ EdWord of A Trike Called Funk and DJ Act One will be spinning records, ensuring that no one stays still. The dance performances are set to be electric; The Beantown Lockers from Boston and The Hood Lockers from Philly are ready to showcase why they're among the best in the business. But it's not just for watching—an open dance community cypher invites anyone feeling the beat to jump in and strut their stuff. Imagine spontaneous dance battles breaking out to infectious tracks on a warm summer day—this is the place to be.

Moving to a more tangible form of creativity, live graffiti painting is on the agenda. Visual artist Brian '"Life" from Cambridge will be there to quickly transform a canvas into a burst of color and expression right before your eyes. If you've ever wondered how those mesmerizing pieces of street art come to life, this is your chance to see it unfold and perhaps draw some inspiration for your own creative endeavors.

The festival is the brainchild of local music group A Trike Called Funk and is presented in collaboration with Cambridge Arts and the Central Square Business Improvement District. It's a prime example of community-driven events that aim to not just entertain, but also to enrich and remind us of the power cultural expression holds in bringing people together. To ensure you'll be able to nod to your heart's content, the organizers have promised to deliver an experience that will be as authentic as it is memorable. For more information, do yourself a favor and scoot on over to Cambridge Arts.