Join us at LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through cultural exploration, live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts, workshops, nature, and more. Our year-long theme, World Changers, is a call to art and activism that can be seen, felt, and heard . The intergenerational, family-friendly gathering transforms lives, strengthens community, and fosters unity through the wonder of creativity, inclusivity, and shared joy.
The festival will take place October 17-20, 2024 at historic Lake Eden in Black Mountain, N.C. The inspiring lineup includes world-renowned, iconic “Queen of Percussion” SHEILA E.; the king and queen of the banjo, global-fusion Grammy-winning duo BELA FLECK & ABIGAIL WASHBURN; urban Angeleno cumbia-folk-hip-hop electrifying artivists LAS CAFETERAS; Mother son duo — international jazz vocalist and educator NNENNA FREELON with Grammy-winner hip-hop kids music artist PIERCE FREELON; and TRAP JAZZ, “a revolutionary project … making waves,” according to Essence Magazine.
Tickets and lodging are on sale at theLEAF.org/tickets.
“LEAF is like a trust fall. Lean back. Discover. Enjoy. Shows and experiences you never heard of before will open up your life. ” ~ Noah W.
FULL LINEUP:
Sheila E., Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Las Cafesteras, Nnenna Freelon with Pierce Freelon, Trap Jazz, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Making Movies, Scythian, Crys Matthews, Ustad Shafaat Khan, Admiral Radio, Annie Gaia in Last Gaia Standing, David LaMotte, Josh Phillips & Everything’s Good, Las Guaracheras, Leah Song, Liz Teague Band, The Secret Agency with Agent 23 Skidoo, Chinobay of Uganda and Dance of Hope, Adama Dembele, Agustin Palomo Ramos, Alex Krug Combo, André Lassalle and The Sagittarius Project,, Chief Shaka Zulu and Zulu Connection, Flamenco Appalachia, La Chiny and Bernice, Haviken Hayes, LEAF Southern Fried Poetry SLAM hosted by James Navé, Masankho Banda, McKinney, Melissa McKinney, Monika Guerra, Mountain Circus Arts, Quadre’ Stuckey, RAWtools South and Forging for Peace with Scotty Utz, Street Creature Puppet Collective, Toybox Theatre Puppet Slam, Unifire Theatre, and LEAF International St Vincent & the Grenadines.
With a full dance line up, including contra dance bands Red Dog with Richie Stearns, Spintuition, Flying Howes, George Paul and Friends, and Lagamorph Quartet.
… And more to be announced!
This year, 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 crafts; they are beacons of hope, tirelessly advocating for a world where justice, peace, and creativity flourish.
What makes LEAF Global Arts Festival stand out from other festivals?
1) It’s one of the best small world music festivals for families. This is a safe, community-oriented event for the whole family, with kids adventures and workshops, family-friendly arts and performance, and childcare options
2) It offers a depth of cultural experience. Visit the LEAF Global Arts Festival to connect to the world and each other through live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, mountain drum circle, and so much more!
3) Location, location, location: Historic and inspiring Lake Eden is a stunning natural preserve offering camp and lake outdoor adventures — or just relax and enjoy the mountain views.
DATES: October 17-20, 2024
TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes and youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! Register now for WeX (Work Exchange Options). Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website: theLEAF.org.