National Get Funky Day

It’s National Get Funky Day—observed every October 5—a day to loosen up, step out of routines, and let your inner groove shine.

History of National Get Funky Day

National Get Funky Day was launched by Funkytown Fitness, a health club in St. Augustine, Florida, with the goal of encouraging people to break free from their comfort zones and embrace joy, movement, and spontaneity. Its roots trace back to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, when the founders wanted to rally community spirit and lightness amidst hardship. Over time, October 5 became the annual “get funky” call to action—dance, laugh, experiment, and spread positive energy.

Though the word “funk” has deeper musical and cultural lineage—originating in jazz and later evolving through R&B, soul, and the full-fledged funk genre—the modern holiday isn’t about strict definitions. It’s about harnessing the spirit of rhythm, authenticity, and joyful expression in whichever way feels right.

Why is National Get Funky Day important?

In our daily lives, routines, responsibilities, and social norms often nudge us into safe, predictable patterns. National Get Funky Day acts as a gentle rebellion—a reminder that life is richer when we allow room for surprise, motion, and whimsy. It encourages experimentation with “funky” in small but meaningful ways: a color-splashed outfit, an impromptu dance break, or reaching out to someone you wouldn’t normally call.

Also, the holiday honors the cultural legacy of funk—music, dance, and creative freedom—as expressions of resilience and identity. Funk historically emerged as a way to resist monotony and assert one’s voice, particularly in marginalized communities. Celebrating “funkiness” today can feel like a homage to that spirit: reclaiming joy, movement, and the power to shape one’s own beat.

Here are five modest but meaningful threads of what makes this day matter

• It nudges us to break monotony and surprise ourselves
• It reminds us that joy and expression are valid and healing
• It invites connection, fun is more fun when shared
• It honors cultural roots of rhythm, improvisation, and creative voice
• It legitimizes being “different,” unusual, or vibrant in small ways

How to Celebrate National Get Funky Day

Celebration doesn’t have to be grand. Kick off your day with music—queue up a funk playlist with classics (think Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone) or newer artists with a groove—and let that soundtrack guide your flow. Maybe sing along in the shower, tap your feet at your desk, or dance in your living room. Let the music move you.

Also, let your exterior reflect your interior playfulness. Swap one outfit—or one accessory—for something bold: a bright hat, mismatched socks, funky jewelry, or a splash of color in your hair (temporary dye is perfect). Invite someone else to get a little funky with you: share a dance clip, make a goofy duet video, send a spontaneous “funky challenge” to a friend. The point is to let the funk ripple outward.

Here are five simple ideas

• Blast a funky song and dance for one minute wherever you are
• Wear something bright, quirky or unexpected
• Share a funky move, playlist, or video with a friend
• Try a small creative risk (new color, pattern, hairstyle)
• Let go of “looking silly”—laugh at your own spontaneous moves

National Get Funky Day Dates Table