Today we’re getting funky with Parry Casto, one of the brilliant minds behind Funktafest, a vibrant and eccentric music and arts festival that has become a staple of the Huntington, West Virginia scene. As Funktafest 9, “The Funk Awakens,” draws near on October 3rd and 4th, we’re here to delve into the origins of this unique event, its evolution over the years, and what attendees can expect from this year’s installment at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. From a stellar lineup of funk, jam, and rock artists to the cryptic and otherworldly elements that make the festival so special, Parry is here to guide us through this truly unforgettable experience.
BB: This year marks the 9th anniversary of Funktafest. How have you seen the festival evolve over the years, and what has been the most rewarding part of building this event in Huntington?
The most rewarding part of building Funktafest in Huntington is how this event connects so many fantastic people across the Greater Huntington community and beyond. When the big day finally arrives, it’s always incredible to watch how everything unfolds. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the amount of love, appreciation, and fellowship that pours out on festival day.
It’s truly magical. It brings together friends, businesses, artists, organizations, vendors, volunteers, and attendees across so many channels that I genuinely feel it’s not only the premier festival in Huntington, but quite possibly in the entire state.
BB: Funktafest has always been a showcase for West Virginia and Appalachian “groove” music and artists. What is it about this specific style and these regional artists that you feel is so important to highlight?
I feel that West Virginia and the greater Tri-State area’s groovier, jammier, funkier bands have been underrated, underrepresented, and undervalued for quite some time. No offense to the festivals and venues that consistently feature more genre-specific acts, but I feel that jam and groove bands are often treated as an afterthought compared to some of the more traditional Appalachian styles that dominate attention. In my opinion, some of the most elite acts coming out of our region fall squarely into that groovier realm.
Over the past five to ten years, it finally feels like many of these artists are getting their due, and that only happens with a supportive community behind them. It takes a web of groove-friendly venues and festivals to nurture this scene. A few local concert series, festivals, venues, and influencers, like Mountain Music Festival and ACE Whitewater, Groovin’ With the Grove and Adventures on the Gorge, LivFree Festival, Live on the Levee, 9th Street Live, The Outpost – NRG, The LOUD, 123 Pleasant Street, Live at “The Shop”, The Purple Fiddle, and several other smaller events and venues, have helped build that momentum. We’re proud to be one of the outposts giving love back to this funktastic community.
BB: Funktafest 9 is a two-day event this year. What can attendees expect from this expanded format, and what went into the decision to grow the festival?
Yes, we’re thrilled to announce that Funktafest has expanded into a two-day festival this year. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly because extending to two days naturally brings higher expenses, more complex scheduling, and a greater degree of risk. But with that comes a bigger opportunity for success and reward. Traditionally, Funktafest has always run on Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm.
This year, we’re kicking things off on Friday, October 3, from 6 pm to 10 pm, for an evening session that leans a bit more adult-oriented. Then on Saturday, October 4, we start at 3:30 pm and go until 10 pm with our full slate of Funktivities like FunkYoga, Silent Disco, and the Funky Kidz Korner. I feel like folks have quietly been clamoring for this expansion for years. Offering single-day and weekend passes for both General Admission and VIP allows greater flexibility and makes it easier than ever for people to plug into the funk.
BB: The festival takes place in Ritter Park, a beautiful and central location in Huntington. How has the venue helped shape the identity and atmosphere of Funktafest?
Funktafest’s identity is completely woven into the Ritter Park Amphitheater and the beautiful, serene landscape of Ritter Park. I feel incredibly lucky to curate this space each year. Of all the venues in Huntington I would call it one of the true crown jewels of the Jewel City. Ritter’s natural setting creates one of the most intimate and uplifting environments for a festival anywhere. A grove of giant oak trees hugs the amphitheater, offering shade and a sense of calm that feels downright enchanting on a sunny day. When the breeze moves through the leaves, it transforms Funktafest into something magical. It’s a setting unlike any other and truly feels made for the kind of positive, soulful connection our festival represents.
BB: Beyond the music, Funktafest has always embraced a unique, artistic, and community-driven vibe. Can you tell us about some of the non-musical elements or special activities that people can look forward to at this year’s event?
Funktafest has grown into a true community-driven experience where artists, businesses, and organizations put their creative stamp on the festival. Our non-musical “Funktivities” include FunkYoga, Visual Arts Alley, Fire & Flow performers, Silent Disco, Funky Disc Golf, artisan and retail vendors, a craft beer tent, and our most expansive Funky Kidz Korner ever. We also feature regional food trucks, and, yes, we’re proudly dog-friendly. From free yoga sessions at the DAR cabin to interactive art stations and late-night grooves in the tree-covered grove, there’s something for every age and vibe. We’re also partnering with Marshall University’s Sustainability Department again to keep Funktafest as waste-free, green, and mindful as possible.
BB: For someone who has never been to Funktafest, what is the one thing you would want them to know about the festival to convince them to come out and experience it?
I’d want people to know there is truly something for everyone at Funktafest. It’s an affordable, community-rooted, and family-friendly music and arts festival held in a beautiful historic amphitheater that feels like a big production wrapped in an intimate setting. You don’t even need to be a hardcore “funk” fan to have a good time at Funktafest. Every band grooves and creates a perfect soundtrack for an autumn weekend spent with friends, family, good food, and creative energy in Huntington, WV. It’s a place where you’ll feel welcomed, inspired, and part of something unforgettable.
Get tickets at funktafest.com
