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Celebrating 27 years!
Connecting Cultures & Creating Community Through World Music & Arts
Spring LEAF Retreat: May 9-12, 2024
Fall LEAF Festival: October 17-20, 2024
The Retreat is a ready-made experience for any group. Imagine your staff, board, members or friends and family having your retreat within the Retreat. Come for the weekend or a day, and set up times and places for your group to gather. You’ll have a world class experience available at one of the most significant gathering places in the world — trailblazers have gathered, learned, and created here at Lake Eden for 100+ years. You don’t have to rent a place, arrange artists, plan for food … the list goes on. Low cost, big wins!
For planning support, contact Jennifer at members@theLEAF.org or 828-713-6504; or Florencia at info@theLEAF.org or 828-686-8742.
Since 1995, LEAF is one of the best festival traditions of coming together to celebrate world music, art, creativity, and culture. Family and friends alike take time to relax, discover and reconnect. Resting within hundreds of acres of beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain country, LEAF Festival features a variety of performance stages, family adventure village, handcraft and folk art vendors, culinary artists, performing artists from a vast array of genres and cultures, and a magical outdoor camp and retreat setting awaiting your exploration!
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 key. LEAF was imagined for families & friends to be able to travel across the world through music and arts and explore arts while having great times at the beautiful Lake Eden setting. LEAF events size is limited – this is part of the magic.
Each May & October an intergenerational family and friend gathering upon the beautiful Lake Eden grounds to experience the power music, art and culture has to transform lives, strengthen community, and foster unity. LEAF Festival takes place on the site of the old Historic Black Mountain College with a stunning array of rolling hills, lakes, streams, and mountain beauty on hundreds of acres of comfortable camping grounds. LEAF scours the globe for artists, musicians, performers and facilitators that are not only masters of their craft, but who also care deeply for the power of arts education and family engagement.
LEAF started as Lake Eden Arts Festival and has evolved into LEAF Global Arts is a non-profit organization in which all memberships and donations support cultural arts education programming locally and globally! Since 2004, LEAF Schools & Streets has served over 85,000 local youth. LEAF International features cultural preservation programs in 10 countries worldwide. Your attendance at LEAF not only provides you with an amazing weekend experience with friends and family, but provides a platform for fostering the growth of our youth into great global citizens and creative leaders in their communities worldwide.
The 1st LEAF Festival premiered Fall 1996, and has become a tradition twice a year, May and October. The original (no longer used since 2013) name Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) was chosen to honor the lake and the former Lake Eden Inn & Resort. “Arts” embraces a broad creative palate and of course it was to be a “festival”. In envisioning LEAF, we sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. The location and size, attendance is limited to max. 6,000 people on site per day, makes LEAF Festival one of the best small festivals in the world. The right place, the right size.
The place, now Camp Rockmont & Lake Eden Retreat, was the site of the historic Black Mountain College in the 1940’s-50’s, one of the main arts & education happenings of the 1900’s. Many of the century’s most celebrated artists and thinkers attended the college as teachers or students: Albert Einstein, Rauschenberg, Joseph & Annie Albers, Merce Cunningham, Rothko, and Buckminster Fuller (who designed the 1st geodesic dome here). The Barns were built by BMC students. Prior to BMC, E.W. Grove (of Grove Park Inn & Grove Arcade) developed the land and constructed some wonderful buildings with his trademark native stone fireplaces. For a short time during the BMC era, The Lake Eden Inn & Resort offered a getaway for people seeking its healing waters and refreshing air.
In the 80’s & 90’s, Black Mountain Folk Festival took place on these grounds. In 1995 through a series of unusual life events, Jennifer Pickering, LEAF’s Founder, was encouraged to start a new event. “Having grown up on this amazing land, it was a gift to come back and create a way for others to enjoy this special place while bringing the world to our community”. To dispel a few myths…LEAF does not own Camp Rockmont- we are grateful to be able to rent the facilities twice a year from Rockmont. A portion of the festival grounds are Lake Eden Events where many LEAFers have had their weddings & Barn parties. Lets all take care of this beautiful place together.
LEAF ReTreats are “Pure Magic and feel like Old-School LEAF happiness”. Retreat was created during Covid, and we loved them so much we are going to keep this format for May. Retreats are for renewal, reconnectioning, learning and being happy with LOTS of SPACE at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Tickets are limited to 1500 people to make it super special, and you must be a LEAF Member to buy tickets. Members believe in LEAF’s mission and year around Cultural Arts Education. SO the Retreat is for You! You may buy tickets for non-members.
ReTreat focuses on being in a beautiful secluded place in which you can relax, rejuvenate, and get away from it all. It’s less than 1/5 the attendee size of Festival while maintaining the same footprint size which gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself, creating more small groups and connecting you with nature and the outdoors as an essential part of the experience. Stages are open air, smaller, more intimate with meet and greets and a focus on local and regional artists several of whom are helping to design the weekend. Retreats focus on LEAF’s community, specifically honoring Members and fulfilling our mission of building more connections.
LEAF Festival is a spirited celebration our local and global community. Stages are more elaborate with headline performers and global artists. This is the fun filled weekend with activities bursting at the seams that our community has come to know and love. In October 2021, we plan to return to a smaller 49.5th festival scaled right for the time. October 2022 will be our grand 50th Festival.
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Virtual-LEAFs (V-LEAF) created new opportunities, access, and engagement, and continue to be a part of LEAF in the future. Each experience is exciting and unique, offering you an escape to focus on reconnecting, building new connections, learning about the world and being the best of yourself. LEAF Love! Great Shows, Music & Resources.
Safe, happy travels to LEAF. Take your time, and know that we are here to help & welcome you. A few quick notes
*Do NOT arrive EARLY or LATE. Give plenty of drive time. We cannot accommodate late arrivals. BRING your BARCODE.
*ALL YOUTH UNDER AGE 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT AT MAIN GATE CHECK-IN & DURING FESTIVAL.
*ALL LEAFers MUST depart by Sunday 7pm.
Be LEAFy and kind! Follow the rules or you got to go.
In alignment with the current CDC policy, LEAF Board of Directors recommends everyone is vaccinated or tested; however, it is not mandated at this time. We will continue to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations. We reserve the right to change to adapt to the current guidelines and realities for best health and safety.
CREDIT POLICY: Limited #’s of tickets are released at each price tier. Purchase early to ensure the best rate! If you’re unable to use your ticket(s), credit for future LEAF Festivals can be applied less $18 fee per item. To receive credit, notify LEAF in writing by EMAIL (info@theLEAF.org) or LETTER (LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St., Ste 120, Asheville, NC 28801) at least 7 days prior to the festival you’ll miss (Thursday the week prior to Festival). No phone credit request or post-deadline requests accepted. Credit is valid for 3 years and may be transferred to another person. The credit is a dollar amount that can be applied towards tickets (while tickets last) and is not an actual ticket. CALL the LEAF office to redeem your credit. No refunds. Lineup subject to change. No credit on lodging reservations (Lodge Rooms/Cabins/Bunks/ETC) unless lodging can be re-booked.
The festival site has a variety of landscapes and terrains. Please let us know if you special needs to help you have a good safe LEAF experience, and we will do our best to help you determine the best parking option, golf cart shuttles, and help remove other barriers. Please email in advance info@theLEAF.org and if you are a member please also copy members@theLEAF.org. If you need an ambassador for your first time on site, we will do our best to find a match and provide a contact. During the event, staff in the Roundhouse or anyone with a walkie talkie can call for assistance.
Service Animals are allowed and welcomed at all LEAF Events, pets are not. Persons with disabilities and their service animal—a dog or horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for those persons with disabilities—are welcome. For the safety of all, other types of animals and pets are not allowed. Please note that in North Carolina the following are NOT considered service animals: By law, if an animal’s purpose or task is to provide protection, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship it is not considered a service animal and is not allowed. In the State of North Carolina, service animals are limited to dogs or miniature horses as defined by Federal regulations. Service animals are trained to perform a specific function that aids and assists a disabled owner. Service animals are different from comfort animals. While some states do have additional provisions for pets that provide ‘comfort’, the State of North Carolina does not.
YOU are RESPONSIBLE. There are inherent risks associated with being at LEAF 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.
NO OPEN FIRES! Small grills & fire pits allowed as long as they are 18″ off the ground. Coals must be dumped in marked barells by the dumpster.
Security roams 24 hours & is always available at Gate 3
For off-hour emergencies go to Security at Gate 3
For immediate assistance, a F.A.S.T. member can be reached by any staff member with a walkie-talkie.
First Aid is located across from the tennis courts by the main road.
First Aid Hours
Thurs 3-12 / Fri 8-12 / Sat 8-12 / Sun 8-7
For Emergencies during off-hours: Knock on Security door or go to Security at Gate 3 OR call LEAF Director at 828-713-6504
Low Impact Festival Camping Guidelines from your friendly LEAF Green Team
What’s Recyclable?
Metal, glass, clean paper, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum pie pans and food trays. NEW- ALL plastics #1-7 are recyclable at LEAF.
What’s Compostable?
Food scraps (including meat), paper plates, paper cups and the green corn cups, dirty paper and cardboard, and pizza boxes. We are composting at a closer facility now and rather than being preserved in an ugly, toxic, and unnatural landfill, this material is being recycled into nutritious mulch for landscaping and gardening. Help us expand our composting by spreading the word. Together we can significantly reduce the load going to the landfill!
LEAF Festival is a family friendly event for all ages and SMOKE -FREE at all stages and public areas. Smoke includes vaping. Smoking is allowed ONLY at your own campsite or in designated die-hard smoking areas behind Eden Hall & by Kayak Hut. Please see map. NEVER put any CIGARETTE BUTTS on the ground.
Waterfront & Zipline have specific open hours with lifegaurds weather permitting. No boats out after 6pm. No swimming after dark. Swimming is allowed ONLY at the waterfront when life guards are on duty. Boaters must wear life jackets.
You know how it feels to be up close in a magical concert with artists, not in a big crowd, and beautiful mountain and lake views surrounding. That is LEAF. Each stage allows you to fully experience the performance and often times to engage in ways that builds new bridges between the audience and the artists. We also recognize people vary in height, access and other engagement tools; therefore, we seek to make all stages accessible and offer assistance when needed. There are a variety of stages, tents and settings.
"I tell anyone moving to WNC that LEAF is a MUST and the quickest way to experience the vibrance of our community and an abundance of great people."
Private Camp Cabins:
Set amongst the woods, 30 very rustic campy cabins w/ bunkbeds, screen windows, outlets & nearby shower houses.
Cabin Rental: Small Private Cabins sleeps 9 (19 – 42), Large Private Cabins sleeps 12 (13 – 18)
Lodge Room
Two big camp lodges with lodge rooms for families or large groups. The lodge rooms downstairs are semi-private sharing a dressing area, sink and private toilet with adjacent room. Upstairs big rooms have a private toilet/sink. Nice bathhouse is between the lodges.
Lodge Rentals: Small Lodge Rooms sleep 5 (denoted w/ A&B), Large Lodge Rooms sleeps 16
Notes:
•All Cabin/Lodge/Ship room rentals are available Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights with Sunday Checkout 7pm. You MUST have a Weekend/Weekend Plus ticket to stay overnight in lodging or tent camping.
•Bring warm bedding, towel & combo lock. Pack to unload at nearby parking area, not at cabin.
•LODGING CREDIT POLICY: If you’re unable to use your lodging, credit for future LEAF events can be applied IF we re-book your lodging ($18 service fee per item). To receive credit, notify LEAF in writing by EMAIL (info@theLEAF.org) at least 7 days prior to event. Credit is valid for 3 years and may be transferred to another person. The credit is a dollar amount that can be applied towards any LEAF event purchase in advance. CALL LEAF office to redeem your credit in advance. No refunds. Note- NO credit on lodging reservations (Lodge Rooms/Cabins/Bunks/ETC) unless lodging can be re-booked.
Limited vehicle camping spaces in designated areas are available for pre-festival purchase. Plan to arrive & STAY until final departure.
YOU MUST HAVE A WEEKEND OR WEEKEND PLUS PASS TO STAY OVERNIGHT WITH VEHICLE CAMPING – DAY PASSES DO NOT ALLOW FOR OVERNIGHT STAY OF ANY KIND.
Vehicle Permits: $105 Each
Limited vehicle camping spaces in designated areas are available for pre-festival purchase. Plan to arrive & STAY until final departure.
Eden Field Vehicle Camping:
Eden Field RV Camping:
YOU MUST HAVE A WEEKEND OR WEEKEND PLUS PASS TO STAY OVERNIGHT WITH VEHICLE CAMPING – DAY PASSES DO NOT ALLOW FOR OVERNIGHT STAY OF ANY KIND.
Eden Field Vehicle Permits: $100 Each SOLD OUT!
Eden Field RV Permits: $194 Each
Limited vehicle camping spaces in designated areas are available for pre-festival purchase. Plan to arrive & STAY until final departure.
YOU MUST HAVE A WEEKEND OR WEEKEND PLUS PASS TO STAY OVERNIGHT WITH VEHICLE CAMPING – DAY PASSES DO NOT ALLOW FOR OVERNIGHT STAY OF ANY KIND.
Vehicle Permits: $100 Each SOLD OUT!
Limited vehicle camping spaces in designated areas are available for pre-festival purchase. Plan to arrive & STAY until final departure.
YOU MUST HAVE A WEEKEND OR WEEKEND PLUS PASS TO STAY OVERNIGHT WITH VEHICLE CAMPING – DAY PASSES DO NOT ALLOW FOR OVERNIGHT STAY OF ANY KIND.
Vehicle Permits: $95 Each
Taking it to Higher Ground!
Beautiful 360 Mountain View in large open field above the lakes w/ Red Sky & Festy Tents. The best of Open Air and coverage.
Circles for pods will be marked so we all take great care of each other.
For May Retreat the ULEAF will be moving down by Eden Hall lawn and waterfront. This is one of the most stunning views in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the lake & surrounding mountains. LOTS of room for your pods, and boaters can enjoy the music from the lake.
One of the best secrets at Lake Eden is the Lounging Barn. The Lounging Barn is open air, and has the right flow for great conversations and music experiences. The Big Barn is VIP hospitality & Upstairs is for small events, films and meet & greets. The Barns were built by the Black Mountain College Students in the 1950s. It is historic and a great gathering place.
This place was once the historic Black Mountain College which was a famous internationally known art school in the mid 1900’s. It is a perfect place to delve into your creativity on your own painting by the lake or writing in the woods. There are arts experiences throughout the weekend with Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab, All Arts Jam, and workshops – even one for lantern making with Street Creature Puppets. This is your experience- make it as artful as you desire.
LEAF is the place where you can relax, rejuvenate and explore healing arts you may not have time or access to in your daily life. Healing Arts are in an open area looking down on the lakes and around to the mountains. A healing tent tent and platform help create the space and place for your reviving workshops and retreat.
Camp Rockmont & Lake Eden Events are 700 acres of pristine stunning nature with Lake Eden as the center piece of activity and connection. Whether you want to zipline, stand up paddleboard, canoe, swim or just sit by the lake – it is there for YOU.
Taking it to Higher Ground!
Beautiful 360 Mountain View in large open field above the lakes w/ Red Sky & Festy Tents. The best of Open Air and coverage.
Circles for pods will be marked so we all take great care of each other.
Eden Hall is one of 6 Stages and home to the Southern Fried Poetry Slam! On Camp Rockmont Grounds Eden Hall this stage has hosted so many LEAF pinnacle moments since 1995. During Black Mountain College, Eden Hall became famous for it’s “Happenings” launched by John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Phillip Glass and notable Bauhaus artists.
The Barn is the historic Black Mountain College quintessential red barn built by the BMC Students in the1950’s. It was home to many horses over the years, and LEAF brought it to life in 2005 as a concert venue. The first performers to play in the barn included Sara Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Billy Jonas, Yungchen Llamo of Tibet, and Michael Franti’s special set for kids.
On Camp Rockmont Grounds Brookside Gym has hosted so many LEAF pinnacle moments since 1995. Brookside is a Dance Hall that has traditionally been filled with happy contra dancers. LEAF will be discovering new ways to present dance which is so vital in our lives, and new ways to bring this hall to life.
The Jam Tavern is a smaller stage where community gathers and plays. Aptly named the Jam Tavern hosts many old timey “jam sessions” over the course of the Festival.
The Sunshine Stage focuses on our littlest LEAFers hosting an array of children’s shows and the youth poetry slam.
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.
