Asheville Ideas Fest is NOT a for-profit event. It is our intention to break-even, even in our inaugural year, so we can continue to build Asheville Ideas Fest for the future. We’ve set the general pass at $1500 this year. While we understand that this will place attendance out of reach for some, if you to investigate the costs to attend other national-level multi-day festivals you will know that we are presenting a tremendous value for the Asheville Ideas Fest experience. We are offering a limited number of passes to individuals and organizations on a sliding scale. If you would like to help make this possible for more interested parties, we encourage you to make a gift to Asheville Ideas Fest on the registration page, high can be found here here.

Currently, we are not offering day passes or for individual events. While we’re not ready to announce anything yet, one or more of our speakers may be available to a public audience (stay tuned for announcements). Most of our spaces are limited to 500 participants, and as we work to build a community of engaged, curious and open-minded Asheville Ideas Fest participants, we are prioritizing those who can commit to join us for the full experience.

The Guest Pass includes access to the opening event at Highland Brewing and then three full days of lectures, events, selected meals, and more!

In addition to the benefits of a General Pass, the Founder Pass provides:

As a founder pass holder, you will have the pride of knowing you are supporting a vibrant annual intellectual gathering that will continue for decades!

This year your registration will give you access to everything the general pass has to offer plus daily curated VIP experiences that include small events with access to speakers and specialized food and beverages in inspiring spaces.

You will also have access to a deeply discounted rate for AIF lodging at the famous Omni Grove Park Hotel and access to early registration for Asheville Ideas Fest 2023.

Click here for the current schedule of events.

Events will take place on UNC Asheville’s campus located in North Asheville, in downtown Asheville, at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Estate, and in other select locations throughout the city.

General registration passes can be picked up at the opening event at Highland Brewing on Tuesday, June 14th from 6:30 - 8 pm. Founders passes can be picked up at the Founders event that evening beginning at 5:30pm. Registration will also be open all day on Wednesday, June 15th on UNC Asheville’s campus.

We have partnered with several local hotels, you can find discount codes and booking links here.

We recommend renting a car or utilizing rideshare services. Shuttle services will be available for select events, we will share details as we get closer to the event.

All dress is acceptable and neat casual attire is recommended. There will also be wellness programming offered in the mornings, please bring athletic wear if you’d like to participate.

Weather in June is typically between 60-80 degrees with occasional rain showers.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are under isolation or quarantine orders, please do not attend the event. We will be following all current local health guidelines and protocols. Please check this site for current updates. Please come prepared to wear a face covering or mask, some of our venues require face coverings to be worn indoors while not actively eating or drinking.

Name and contact info changes can be made by clicking the link within your confirmation email.

A full refund is available until Monday, May 16, 2022. No refunds will be available after that date.

Event registration will be open until Wednesday, June 1, 2022 or until the event sells out. Once the event registration is closed, we will take a waitlist and contact you if space becomes available.