The 2026 Annual Goombay Festival

September 11–13, 2026 | Downtown Asheville

Experience the heart, history, and vibrant culture of Black Asheville at the Asheville Goombay Festival, a celebration of African and Caribbean heritage rooted in Asheville's historic Black community and the legacy of The Block.

Presented by the YMI Cultural Center, the oldest Black cultural center in America, Goombay brings together music, dance, food, art, entrepreneurship, and community for a weekend-long celebration of culture and connection.

From live performances and DJs to delicious food, local vendors, artists, makers, family activities, and cultural experiences, Goombay invites visitors and residents alike to eat, dance, shop, learn, and celebrate.

The festival's name, Goombay, connects Asheville to the rich cultural traditions of the African diaspora and the Caribbean. The celebration honors the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black people in Asheville and throughout the Southern Appalachian region while creating space for contemporary artists, entrepreneurs, chefs, performers, and community leaders to tell their stories.

This year's festival is rooted in legacy—celebrating where we come from while imagining where we are going.

Explore Asheville's historic Black cultural district, discover locally owned businesses and restaurants, enjoy live music, experience Affrilachian culture, and connect with a community whose story is an essential part of Asheville's story.

The Asheville Goombay Festival is more than a festival. It's a celebration of a people, a culture, a neighborhood, and a legacy.

Come experience Goombay. Come experience The Block. Come experience Asheville.