LEAF Festival (Spring)

For the 42nd LEAF Festival, prepare to ignite your imagination and immerse your soul into the sites, sounds, sensations, and spice of Cuba! For generations, the artistry and culture of Cuba has fueled the spirit of Latin music, dance, and performance throughout the globe. Now for the first time in over 50 years, Cuba spreads its wings and prepares to descend upon the United States and into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. From salsa, to timba, to Afro-Cuban jazz, percussion, and brass – we welcome one and all to be inspired by a world of passionate rhythm and infectious groove. And in true LEAF fashion, over 20 additional fusions of world & roots music along with dozens of family adventures, workshops, and activities will be offered for all walks of life to enjoy!

For over 20 years, each May & October an intergenerational family of 12000 people join together upon the beautiful Lake Eden land 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 mix 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.

LEAF Community Arts is a non-profit organization in which all donations and festival profit goes towards music and arts education programming locally and globally! Since 2004 LEAF Schools & Streets has served over 45,000 youth with programs in over 20 Western North Carolina locations while 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 supports youth with an opportunity to live out their dreams through music and arts.