Menu
LEAF Downtown connects our local communities and cultures while celebrating creativity and diversity in the heart of downtown Asheville! This special event works to further the city’s goals of equity, partnerships, and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area. The priority audience is local families & friends of all ages and all neighborhoods coming together in a way that builds positive connections and allows locals to feel that downtown is theirs. By creating platforms for voices often unheard, we connect people to the world, each other, and themselves. LEAF’s vision to create a thriving global community starts right here in our own backyard.
SAVE THESE DATES:
August 27-28, 2021
In case you missed it…
Reimagine 2020 stepped in for LEAF Downtown: LEAF was grateful to be partner with the YMI to collaborate together for a virtual/small format project October 2-4th! As we learned in 2020, everything changes quickly. LEAF actively worked weekly with the City and YMI for 4 months to explore a new creative format. We envisioned and created a collective event of our community coming together both in person and virtually that honored NC Laws and safety recommendations in regard to COVID-19. Hope to see you all at smaller events and LEAF Global in the coming months, and we look forward to dancing, singing, creating, running and celebrating together in the future. Keep your spirits bright! LEAF Love!
LEAF brings downtown to life for families and our local communities. Stages are created for a variety of engagement experiences from Main Stage, ULEAF Community Stage, Voices of Asheville, Cafe Stage, Busker Corner., and Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab. The park is artfully curated with local artists, vendors, family adventure, and opportunities for kids to elders to share their stories and arts.
Note from festival guide page
Safe, happy travels to LEAF. Take your time, and know that we are here to help & welcome you.
Event Hours
Friday 3pm-10pm
Saturday 9am-10pm
LEAF Downtown will have the absolute minimum of road closures. Be advised, North and South Pack Square, Market Street & Spruce Street within Pack Square Park, and N. Spruce St. will be closed to vehicle traffic Friday (time tbd) through Sunday am. Surrounding streets, Biltmore Avenue and College Street will be open to vehicle traffic.
Due to special events in and around Pack Square Park, some routes and stops will be impacted. Please check the Service Alerts page on RideTheART.com to stay informed on any changes:
Kick It Ticket Holders enjoy complimentary parking at 35 Woodfin Street (Buncombe County Health Department Lot) during LEAF Downtown! Parking is limited and available with your paid Kick It Ticket until gone.
Asheville provides on-street parking as well as four parking garages and several permit lots downtown. There are more than 700 on-street metered spaces in downtown Asheville. All meters are for short term parking (two hours or less, as marked). Metered spaces are enforced Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm. (Metered) Parking is FREE each Sunday. Parking Garages are available throughout the city.
Check for current rates: Civic Center Garage, Rankin Avenue Garage, Wall Street Garage, & Biltmore Avenue Garage.
View Map Here
Info Here
YOU are RESPONSIBLE. There are inherent risks associated with being at LEAF Downtown or a LEAF event. By participating in LEAF (LEAF Global Arts) in any way (ticket purchaser, volunteer, staff, performer, vendor, etc) YOU are fully responsible for your physical and mental self, your belongings, your vehicle, your actions, injuries, accidents, illness, property damage, or other occurrence arising in any manner whatsoever out of your participation in activities sponsored by LEAF. In addition, all persons attending this event, by their presence, may be photographed, videotaped, or broadcasted and, waive any claim related to the use of their image for promotional purposes for LEAF. BE RESPECTFUL, KIND & RESPONSIBLE.
Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.
