Bringing the world together: LEAF Global Arts Festival

Since 1995, LEAF Global Arts has been on a mission: to connect cultures, create community, cultivate curiosity, and promote global understanding. One powerful and important way this non-profit organization achieves its mission is through its annual LEAF Global Arts Festival, which is held on the historic site of Black Mountain College (now Camp Rockmont and Lake Eden Retreat) in Swannanoa and Black Mountain, North Carolina. This year’s festival is set for October 16-19, 2025.

LEAF scours the globe for artists, musicians, performers, and facilitators to anchor the Festival. This year’s artisans are masters of their craft and care deeply for the power of arts education and family engagement.

Amid the rolling hills, mountain views, lakes, and streams of the Lake Eden area, the Festival offers a wide variety of performing artists from a vast array of genres and cultures, handcraft vendors, culinary artists, a family adventure village, workshops, and a magical outdoor camp and retreat setting.

Tickets are available now at https://theleaf.org/event-tickets, including a limited number of 30% off LEAF LOVE tickets.

History of the LEAF Festival and its renowned location

The beautiful location of the LEAF Festival, which is owned by Camp Rockmont and Lake Eden Retreat, was originally the site of historic Black Mountain College. From 1933-1957, the College came to be known as one of the most influential liberal arts institutions of its time. Many of the century’s most celebrated artists and creatives were at one time affiliated with the college as teachers or students, including Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Josef and Anni Albers, Jacob Lawrence, Merce Cunningham, John Cage, and Buckminster Fuller.

The college closed its doors in 1957, but its legacy continues to be explored and celebrated through the Black Mountain Museum and Arts Center.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the Black Mountain Folk Festival was held on the grounds of the former college. Then, according to LEAF’s website, “In 1995 and through a series of unusual life events, Jennifer Pickering, LEAF’s Founder, was encouraged to start a new event. ‘Having grown up on this amazing land,’ she said, ‘it was a gift to come back and create a way for others to enjoy this special place while bringing the world to our community.’”

The inaugural Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) took place in Fall 1996. Organizers sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. Since then, the LEAF Global Arts Festival has evolved into a unique and immersive arts event for all ages.

2025: A make-or-break year for the festival

According to a recent statement issued by LEAF’s Board of Directors through the Festival website, the organization is facing a financial crossroads. Between the loss of much of their 2025 arts education grant funding, the cancelation of the 2024 festival due to Hurricane Helene, and lingering financial impacts from COVID, the Board has shared concerns that the 2025 LEAF Global Arts Festival could be their last.

In an effort to attract and serve more visitors, festival organizers are offering a limited number of LEAF LOVE Tickets at 30% off. This is LEAF’s way of “ensuring everyone has a place in this story. Full-priced tickets also remain available for those with the means to give a little more to help support LEAF’s vital work.”

“Your presence, your voice, and your support matter more than ever right now,” said the Board in their statement. “Join us in making this LEAF Festival one that the world will never forget, and ensuring the music continues for generations to come.”