The programme will feature at least organic hip-hop, rhythm jazz, soul, disco funk and cumbia.
Last year, the legendary rhythm music festival Funky Elephant returned to the spotlight after a hiatus. The festival will be held on November 6–7, 2026. Following excellent experiences and audience feedback, the venue for the second consecutive year will be Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo in Töölö, Helsinki, which is a natural fit for the festival known for its immersive atmosphere. Tickets are sold by Lippu.fi.
Funky Elephant’s live programme features a host of top names in Finnish rhythm music, as well as renowned DJs from the field. Among the first programme announcements are the Paleface & Räjähtävä Nyrkki ensemble, known for its energetic performances; the international heavyweight of eclectic rhythm jazz, Jimi Tenor Band; Punomo, the Turku pride of Finnish retro soul; Misha, who has gained international recognition for combining R&B with disco and nu-funk; and the country’s longest-running still-active cumbia band, Uña de Gato, whose diverse backgrounds and music also delighted audiences at the Elephantasy – Funky Family Picnic event in Alppipuisto this summer.
The festival offers a diverse selection of organic rhythm music from several different subgenres. The line-up will be expanded during the autumn. Compared with last year, even more spaces at Korjaamo will be put into use, allowing for a broader programme than before. Performances will take place on four different stages over the weekend, with their character varying slightly depending on the evening. The main stage will once again be in Vaunusali. Visuals and spectacular decorations by the Kangastus collective will complete the unique atmosphere in Korjaamo’s festival spaces.
Funky Amigos ry produces diverse cultural events, such as Elephantasy – Funky Family Picnic, and promotes various subcultures connected to rhythm music genres. The association has also produced a wide range of content, from radio programmes to DJ workshops and professional events in the field, as well as promoting the internationalisation of Finnish artists.
Funky Elephant Festival
► Friday–Saturday, November 6–7, 2026 (Fri 7 p.m.–1 a.m., Sat 6 p.m.–2 a.m.), age limit 18
► Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo, Töölönkatu 51 A-B, Helsinki, www.korjaamo.fi
► Tickets: Fri €29 / Sat €39 / Fri–Sat €55, www.lippu.fi
► Additional information: Venue service fee €3.90. Assistants admitted free of charge; accessible event. Earplugs €2.
Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/6wKS0rqbq
Photo: Sami Mannerheimo