Each year, we program signature events based on specific themes. Our theme for 2025 is “Each One Teach One,” a powerful mantra that illuminates and inspires the path toward a brighter future. In this interconnected journey, we are both teacher and student, realizing that our shared wisdom can ignite positivity throughout generations by collectively carrying and passing the torch to future generations.
This theme is a testament to the enduring ripple effect of education and mentorship, as we inspire and guide others to discover their unique capabilities. Through this theme, LEAF Global Arts illustrates the transformative journey of passing the torch and fostering an empathetic community across cultures and generations where each individual’s light contributes to the brilliance of the whole. In doing so, we collectively illuminate the world with knowledge, compassion, and shared wisdom.
We look forward to a year of mentorship, learning, and healing through the arts. LEAF Love and Gratitude!
Ugandan music, dance, and culture
Music & rhythms from Costa Rica
Collective formed from LEAF teaching artists
Feel-good folk-rock
Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!
DJ and Black Light Dance Party host
A true powerhouse vocalist and bassist, a LEAF resident teaching artist and daughter to the magnificent Melissa McKinney.
Winners of the 2024 Charlotte Blues Society Blues Challenge.
Soulful R&B songwriter, vocalist, and musician
Flamenco dance
Virtuoso jazz vocalist
Dance and LEAF teaching artist
Vocalist and LEAF teaching artist
Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!
healing through drums and music
Dance and LEAF teaching artist
Hula dance and LEAF teaching artist
Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to Retreat!
All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Watch performances, create, play, discover whimsical puppetry shows, sing, dance, and LEARN! Enjoy children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse in cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community.
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
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.
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.
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.