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In 2024, we celebrate the extraordinary global citizens who not only create art but also champion causes that resonate with the heartbeat of humanity. These are the voices that echo in the halls of change, the hands that paint the canvas of a better tomorrow. Our chosen artists are not just masters of their craft; they are beacons of hope, tirelessly advocating for a world where justice, peace, and creativity flourish.
Our journey with World Changers is more than just an exhibition of talent; it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the role we can play in shaping our world. As we delve into the lives and works of these remarkable individuals, let us be inspired to become active participants in the story of our global community.
Join us at LEAF Global Arts as we celebrate these trailblazers who dare to dream and act for a world that uplifts every voice, honors every story, and cherishes every life. Together, let’s continue this season of learning, growing, and transforming the world, one song, one story, one step at a time.”
— Otto Vazquez, LEAF Performing Arts Coordinator
Powerhouse vocalist Melissa McKinney brings her Bluesy Soulful band to insipre us!
French-Canadian folk music
Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!
Legendary festival and club DJ/Producer from Miami brings his signature blend of Funk music to LEAF.
LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist & Ivory Coast Culture Keeper graces LEAF with his immaculate rhythm!
Folk-rock favorites
Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to Retreat!
This esteemed community leader is one of our amazing Master of Ceremonies!
Frog Lake First Nation bgirl and dancer
Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!
Meet our media partner,
Asheville Multicultural!
Relax and rejuvenate with Healing Artists Booths to get treatments you don't have time for and over 30 Workshops to explore Feelin good!
Kickin' It is the collaborative effort of Greg Ignasiak and Rae Liebtag creating interactive installment art, captivating environments, and experiential events. They seek to provide outlets for community creativity by encouraging self expression. Fun, playful, "under the sea" adventures!
Lake Eden Trails cover hundreds of acres up to Eden Rock if you make it to the top. Find your pace hiking or running with family or solo and the trails welcome you.This is a vintage pic & the tradition continues.
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. Family Adventure activities are throughout LEAF and designed to engage and inspire. 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! Each festival has different offering and tradition- you. may find Toy Trains on the hill, paper rockets, and Giant slides & bounce houses!
If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play.
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
Enhance your Retreat experience with a massage or a chiropractic consult. We will have multiple healing artist booths and LMTs providing a variety of modalities including: Ashiastu, Thai, deep tissue, myofascial release, cupping, and more.
Enhance your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way. Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more. Express your true self without judgement.
We are so grateful for our wonderful presenters and vendors! Currently we are curating for 2024. TBA in late March.
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.
WNC’s favorite LEAF Festival was back and celebrated Global Citizenship!
“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!! 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 with young artists from 10 countries and Afghani Musician Quraishi Roya. Time to pack your bags & get ready for a World tour. Time to be a “Global Citizen!!”
– Otto Vazquez, Artistic Director
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.
