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2022 Tickets Go On Sale January. Lodging Reservations Open in December for Members.
Below is Poster & Schedule from LEAF 49.5th Festival October 2021 so you get a feel for LEAF.
2022 details are already in design, and will be updated in early 2022.
We are beyond GRATEFUL for creating LEAF in 2021 at smaller capacities yet bigger LEAF Love!!!
LEAF’s 49.5th Festival theme is GLOBAL CITIZEN. 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!! Willful to this notion, we bring to you our theme for our Fall festival: “The Global Citizen!!” 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, we will bring you beautiful music, dance and culture in typical LEAF fashion. Time to pack your bags & get ready for a World tour. Time to be a “Global Citizen!!”
Explore the Artists Creating October Festival!
Son of the man known as "The King of Latin Music", Tito Puente Jr. is continuing the incredible musical legacy left by his father, keeping the spirit of Latin music alive, and bringing Tito's joyous sounds to audiences across the globe.
A native of Kabul, Quraishi is a renowned musician dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting Afghan music in American culture. His mastery of the Afghan Rabob has become legendary both here and in his native hometown. The Rabob is a short-necked lute with roots that have been traced back to at least the 8th century B.C.
Beloved LEAF community member Billy Jack Sinkovic of the Campfire Reverends is joined by dear LEAF friends and fellow musicians.
Haviken Hayes is a DJ/Producer who makes music that is expansive, intricate, and varied. His relationship with music is something that he is both obsessed with and motivated by. He plays & produces a hybrid of anything along the music spectrum of Hip-Hop, House, and Jazz to, Downtempo, Rare Grooves, Latin and Bass.
LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist - Ivory Coast Culture & Traditions
Soul, Roots, Afro-Caribbean. Jordan Scheffer is an accomplished vocalist, percussionist, pianist and writer. She was born blind and developed a deep love for music at an early age, combining American Roots, West African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms and instruments into an unique vocal and musical style. Her singular singing style has led her to work and record with some of the most renowned names in the African music scene.
LEAF Schools & Streets Teaching Artist - World Percussion
LEAF Schools & Streets Teaching Artist - Make a Difference...Inspire Others
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. The Family Adventure Village holds the heart of the activities and is designed to amaze and inspire, and is filled with interactive activities. 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! Carl & Jamie’s Toy Trains on the hill, Tom Heck’s paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses! And if you have little ones, Enjoy safe and creative childcare in Elfhaven Village that is open til 2am Friday and Saturday!
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!
Healing Arts workshops which include movement, dance, yoga, music, sound healing, lectures, writing, meditation, improv, music, and more. Also included are Earth Skills with sustainability, permaculture, building, nature walks, and outdoor education.
We are so grateful for our wonderful Healing Arts Vendors that are offering special discounts and virtual sessions as we continue to move through this time together.
LEAF Love to amazing Artists who artfully inspire the LEAF experience! LEAF Festival’s Juried Handcraft Art Fair exhibits 50+ national & local artisans.
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. The LEAF Festival map helps to find locations.
Need to revive your festival spirit? Visit their eateries in Asheville area.
LEAF Cultural Arts Education Programs often culminate with the youth transforming into YOUNG ARTISTS alongside their Teaching Aritst. Traditionally about 300 LEAF Schools & Streets youth perform at each festival along with LEAF International youth that have travelled far and usually for their first trip out of their country. As part of the LEAF Method this leap from the classroom or cultural exchange to an international stage is life changing and elevates the confidence and team work in a way that is nurtured and is extraordinary.
Celebrating 25 years! 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
