The fall LEAF Festival is right around the corner, from Oct. 17-20. It’s one of our favorite events of fall, and we’re so excited to get out to Lake Eden and catch this year’s lineup, plus allll the food, crafts, late-night dance parties + more.
This is the 49th LEAF Festival. In case you didn’t already know, LEAF hosts a fest out at the lake each fall and spring, and they also do an urban festival, LEAF Downtown, in the summer. The theme this time around? Reach for the Stars. Tickets (for the full weekend, single day, and more) are on sale now and day passes start at $60.
Here’s what else to know about this fall’s LEAF Festival –
The lineup is lit.
Headliners at the fall festival include Angelique Kidjo, The Wood Brothers, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, and La Santa Cecelia. DYK: West African-born Angélique Kidjo is a three-time Grammy winner whose latest work, a remake of The Talking Heads’ Remain in Light (1980) was released in June. See the full schedule here.
Asheville stars are shining bright.
Local music is a focus of every fest, and this year includes acts from jazzy Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, singer-songwriter Heather Taylor, and the psychedelic sounds of the Screaming J’s. Plus, this year there will be a LEAF Festival version of the Tuesday Night Funk Jam, a long-running tradition that brings in local + national talent every week at the Asheville Music Hall.
Plus, you’ll find Asheville performers – like Unifire Theater, Lisa Zahiya + others – helping create that unique LEAF vibe for adults + kids alike. And be sure to check out the Southern Fried Poetry Slam, one of the most popular and fun fest traditions.
The art is on point.
Get a headstart on your holiday shopping with everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to instruments, soaps, and more. I (that’s Editor Ali) always leave LEAF with a little something special. Last year I grabbed yoga pants and a piece of art from Girl & Goblin.
And we’re talking about culinary arts, too. Eating (and drinking) is one of my fave things to do at LEAF. My go-to? A Veggie Thing from the Sugar Shack, followed by some hot chocolate from French Broad Chocolate Lounge later on when the temps start dropping.
And LEAF is all about being holistic.
The Healing Arts have their own schedule at the LEAF Festival. This year, you can take yoga, movement + music classes and workshops with local and national teachers. Or, take a break and get a chair massage or just have a cup of tea and a conversation (perfect for chilly nights + mornings). Other events include a cacao ceremony and a medicinal mushroom walk.
