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Thank you for an extraordinary LEAF Retreat! We danced, we sang, we came together in community to learn and grow and have FUN! We celebrated global arts and cultures, we celebrated family and friends, we celebrated each other. Thank YOU for bringing your best LEAF self and for being part of a magical weekend!
“Thanks for so much goodness. It was a beautiful time.” ~David L.
“My girls are having a blast growing at LEAF.” ~Chinobay
“LEAF is all the reasons we moved here. We have gained a community.” ~Sergio
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating this magical space that continues to overflow the leaf love into unexpected yet serendipitous places.” ~Jean A.
“When you walk in your dream, you let other people find their dreams.” ~Amy C.
Artist Sir Tom Foolery (Tommy Lee) created the artwork to guide the spirit of Retreat and inspire us. “This piece is called ‘Dear Momma,’ inspired by 2Pac’s song,” he explains. “To me, she is the embodiment of renaissance. There are so many women who are not only world changers, but give birth to world changers every day. I created this image while driving through the mountains going into the city. One Love Spirit!”
West African folk fusion
Son Jarocho - Mexican regional folk music
An 18 member Jazz orchestra will take you on a sound excursion through time!
Indigenous roots music
Powerhouse vocalist Melissa McKinney brings her Bluesy Soulful band to insipre us!
All fabulous female trio of soulful Blues and Americana artists that are true LEAF favs!
Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!
Ugandan music, dance, and culture
LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist & Ivory Coast Culture Keeper graces LEAF with his immaculate rhythm!
West African drumming and dance
world-changing folk music
soul and funk
jookin' dance
Appalachian and international folkfusion
sacred healing and earth-centered spirituality
downtempo yoga
peace forging and blacksmithing for nonviolence
Live recording of Speaking of Travel podcast
community healing through artistic expression
Gullah Geechee culture and art
This esteemed community leader is one of our amazing Master of Ceremonies!
visual art and mural painting
heart-driven rock/Americana and Blacksmithing
Contra Dance Band
A true powerhouse vocalist and bassist, a LEAF resident teaching artist and daughter to the magnificent Melissa McKinney.
Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!
West African stilt dancing
family-oriented songs and storytelling
author of 'Chasing Light: Michelle Obama through the Lens of a White House Photographer'
healing through drums and music
padded swordplay
minister ofmovement
innovative community solutions
Flamenco dance
Legendary festival and club DJ/Producer from Miami brings his signature blend of Funk music to LEAF.
multicultural roots music
Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to Retreat!
traditional highland music
environmental conservation education
Meet our media partner,
Asheville Multicultural!
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.
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.
Celebrating 51 Festivals & Counting!
Connecting Cultures & Creating Community Through World Music & Arts
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.
