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LEAF is a WONDERFUL way to experience the BEST of LIFE & CULTURES. Travel the world through MUSIC. This unique form of “gathering” transcends elements that DIVIDES. FESTIVALS, BRIDGE cultures & BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER in a relatively LOW-COST HIGH-IMPACT manner. COLLABORATION is the key. Together we are all stronger. LEAF is set apart by just the right size and place. LEAF was imagined for people to be able to travel across the world through music and arts and explore arts while having great times with family and friends in the extraordinary Lake Eden setting. LEAF Festival size is limited – this is part of the magic.
Thank you for your support and encouragement, especially LEAF Members, as we reimagine and pivot to what is best for now.
LEAF is curated to present a wide range of cultures, genres, and voices often referred to as World & Roots Music. LEAF introduces people to cultures & places you may not be able to travel to Haiti, Rwanda, Columbia, Malawi & beyond – we go there through music. We create platforms for artists to share their traditions that are often under presented – yet they are artists of excellence. Discover a truly eclectic and meaningful lineup that creates the soundtrack to your LEAF experience.
Note: The below artists were originally booked for LEAF’s 50th Festival May 2020. As we reimagine into the future, we invite you to explore these artists and get a sense of LEAF’s curation. We hope to present these artists at future events. Thank you for supporting artists during this time where music has continued to renew our spirits.
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!
We have several areas around the festival presenting 50+ 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 2020 LEAF Festival Handcraft Artists! You can support artists online now and buy gifts at LEAF next 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.
