Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL

Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL proudly announces its return for a third year, set for September 4 – 6, 2026, at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville. The free, all-ages festival celebrates Western North Carolina’s local music, regional culture, and architectural history with multi-genre main stage performances, interactive family programming, and heritage trail tours.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE – ALL FREE WITH RSVP

• Friday, September 4: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, September 5: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, September 6: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

We’re bringing back some of your favorites along with some fresh talent. The newly released 2026 lineup is colorful and eclectic, leaning into funk, jam, and global rhythms. Pack Square Park’s stages host Lettuce for two sets, plus Cimafunk, Groundation, Toubab Krewe & Friends, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Empire Strikes Brass, Jon Stickley Trio, StephanieSID, Electro Lust, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Atash, Wolph, New Dawn Starkestra, The Jlloyd Mashup, Auspicious Golden Fish, Suns of Stars, Las Montañitas, Black Sea Beat Society, Adama Dembele & Les Amis, Coconut Cake, and Dancing Drum. For lineup updates, RSVP information, and festival news, visit www.boomtownfestavl.com.

Asheville emerged as a boomtown in the 1920s as the city rebuilt following “The Great Flood” of 1916 – an era that produced some of the most monumental pioneers, visionaries, poets, and architecture of its time. When the stock market crashed in 1929, the city’s commitment to repaying its debt preserved that historic architecture, leaving Asheville a remarkable snapshot of a turn-of-the-century boomtown. One century later, Boomtown Festival honors that legacy while helping rebuild a thriving community in the wake of Hurricane Helene – driving festival revenues directly back into key organizations fostering measurable progress in the communities hindered most by the boom-year debts, and highlighting their stories of resilience.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Main Stage Performances: Three stages featuring 30+ global, regional and local artists across a dynamic mix of genres.
• Asheville Symphony in the Park: The beloved tradition of accessible classical music returns Sunday, September 6.
• “The Big Secret” Family Stage: Sunday, September 6 – a day of family programming with collaborative sets from local acts, plus surprises for kids and families.
• Heritage Tours & Exhibits: Explore Asheville’s architectural legacy and historic boomtown origins through curated trail tours and displays.
• Wellness Pavilion: Free yoga, mindfulness sessions, and holistic wellness demonstrations.
• Local Artisan Market: Handmade goods, culinary offerings, and crafts from regional vendors.
• Local Food Vendors: Global flavors made locally 
• Children’s Zone: Arts and crafts, storytelling, and interactive play activities for the whole family.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration that bridges the past and present, fostering a deeper connection to Asheville’s vibrant legacy.