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Celebrating “Legends of the Americas” leads LEAF’s 2023 Vision!
Come enjoy the Fall Festival, October 19-22, at the heart of Lake Eden!
Everywhere across this great land, we see, hear and feel impressions of the peoples that once cultivated it. This year, we will uplift and honor First Nations, Indigenous & LatinX peoples as we explore “Legends of The Americas”! It is a time of rejoicing and celebrating those that came before us. A rekindling of the wisdom passed down through generations; a time of honoring beautiful legacies, stories and traditions. Please join as we enter a world of learning and celebrating!
“My people will sleep for a one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” – Louis Riel
Retreat’s hand-drawn poster art comes all the way from Chiapas, Mexico! The featured artist is known as Alen Stone, a Chiapas native with strong Mayan roots. His passion for creating art began 20 years ago, as a practitioner of graffiti & Hip Hop culture. Alen said that, from the beginning, he wanted to represent his culture and heritage, so he began fusing Mayan influences with his graffiti. Alen chose the jaguar as the centerpiece because, not only is it the state symbol of Chiapas, but the majestic creature inhabits their mountainous region in great numbers. The jaguar was a symbol of Mayan warriors and revered by many indigenous cultures throughout Mexico. The fans on either side of the jaguar are folkloric symbols of Chiapas and are connected to the traditions of his people. The piece is a lovely dedication to Mayan culture and the wonderful people and traditions of Chiapas. Grateful to Artist Alen Stone!
Dancing returns to Brookside Gym with this fiery swing band known for keeping the dancefloors hot!
Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!
Outstanding festival and club DJ/Producer from Miami will bring his signature blend of Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk & Electronic music to LEAF.
LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist & Ivory Coast Culture Keeper graces the Golden 50th with his rhythm & immaculate sound!
Legendary contender B-boy from Charleston returns with his amazing crew. Time to learn!
This amazing producer and wordsmith returns to be the Master of Ceremonies on the Main Stage!
Led by Curandero Jeff Firewalker, this group blends music with indigenous poetry. A must-see!
This esteemed community leader brings back his "Story Time" & is one of our amazing Master of Ceremonies!
Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to LEAF!
Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!
LatinX comedy for all ages, presented by one hilarious talent!
Randall Thompson leads a troupe of Circus performers to inspire cheer and awe.
Stilt Walker and NOLA artist Niya Zulu is walking her father's footsteps (Chief Shaka Zulu) & will be gracing us with her talents and legacy!
Master multi instrumentalist John Toineeta brings his Cherokee culture with music, dance, songs and stories.
Relax and rejuvenate with Healing Artists Booths to get treatments you don't have time for and over 30 Workshops to explore Feelin good!
Kickin' It is the collaborative effort of Greg Ignasiak and Rae Liebtag creating interactive installment art, captivating environments, and experiential events. They seek to provide outlets for community creativity by encouraging self expression. Fun, playful, "under the sea" adventures!
Lake Eden Trails cover hundreds of acres up to Eden Rock if you make it to the top. Find your pace hiking or running with family or solo and the trails welcome you.This is a vintage pic & the tradition continues.
Explore the #1 Kids Festival in Western North Carolina, and one of the best FAMILY festivals in the world. All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. Watch performances, create, play, and discover whimsical Puppetry shows. Support children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse into cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community. Jump, roll, pet, climb, and retreat: life-sized hamster ball, climbing wall, launch rockets! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
Do you have a young artists in your family?
Sprouts Corner Youth Vendors is ORIGINAL kid-made art sold by kid artists! Here kids can offer their handmade art, special skills & services, like fortune telling or manicures… just has to be $10 or less
Enhance your Retreat experience with a massage or a chiropractic consult! We will have multiple healing artist booths and LMTs providing a variety of modalities including: Ashiastu, Thai, deep tissue, myofascial release, cupping, and more.
Prepare for a weekend of complimentary Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops with the intention of helping you flow with what the Waters of Life drift your way. So many opportunities to enhance your Retreat experience! Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more. Express your true self without judgement!
We are so grateful for our wonderful Presenters and Vendors!!
LEAF Love to amazing Artists who artfully inspire the LEAF experience! LEAF Festival’s Juried Handcraft Art Fair exhibits 50+ national & local artisans. More artists coming soon….
Browse and shop the colorful booths, meet the artists, and visit the Global Interactive Outpost to win artful donations from fabulous artisans at LEAF Art Raffle benefiting LEAF Schools & Streets. Check out & shop these amazing LEAF Festival Handcraft Artists! You can support artists online now and buy gifts at LEAF Retreat & Festival.
LEAF Cafe in Eden Hall and various Culinary Booths throughout the festival grounds provide gourmet, international fare from local chefs. All the food is freshly prepared on site, and there is something for almost anyone from vegetarians to BBQ fans. We have a good diversity and long hours to keep everyone happily fed. { Gluten Free & Vegetarian Options Available }
Culinary Food Booths
LEAF Festival hosts various local culinary artists that represent many cultures and cuisine options to make your LEAF life delicious. A few change from time to time; however, many culinary booths are longtime LEAF Traditions. Click on images below to see the various culinary booths throughout the festival.
Need to revive your festival spirit? Visit their eateries in Asheville area.
WNC’s favorite LEAF Festival was back and celebrated Global Citizenship!
“As peoples from different geographical locations, we so often have been separated by borders and countries, that we forget that we are part of a much larger family…humanity!! LEAF is your passport to experience rich cultural music and traditions, to remind us of our glorious diversity, but with the purpose of bringing us closer together. From stellar acts like Tito Puente Jr. and Las Cafeteras, to the world orchestra of Ethno Camp with young artists from 10 countries and Afghani Musician Quraishi Roya. Time to pack your bags & get ready for a World tour. Time to be a “Global Citizen!!”
– Otto Vazquez, Artistic Director
Celebrating 51 Festivals & Counting!
Connecting Cultures & Creating Community Through World Music & Arts
Use your Culinary Passport Vouchers at Eden Hall run by Baba Nahm, Middle Eastern Restaurant, dedicated to creating exceptional food with a festival flair.
The Culinary Passport vouchers are easy to share with your kids and friends – so you can buy several passports to share.
Make festival eating easier, save $ and time. Click here to purchase your Culinary Passport
