2024 Dates TBA
The 41st Anniversary Goombay Festival is set to take place on the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park this September. An eclectic event that celebrates African and Caribbean heritage in Western North Carolina through expressions of dance, food, and live gospel, reggae, funk, and soul music, it's a free event that's open to anyone who wants to attend!
Goombay, meaning "Rhythm or Drum" in its West African origins, has a variety of activities including the following:
- Downtown Parade
- Zulu Connection Stilt Walkers
- Art and Craft Vendors
- Food Vendors
- Free Throw Competition
- Spoken Word Artists
- Much more!
Past dance performances have included Mosso-Kan: West African Ivory Coast Drum and Dance Group, Studio Zahiya, Urban Arts Institute, and Project Negus. The event, which draws over 10,000 people throughout the weekend, is organized by the YMI Cultural Center, one of the nation's oldest African American organizations, and sponsored by many local Asheville businesses and restaurants.
Dates + Times:
Friday, September 2: 5 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, September 3: 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday, September 4:10 am – 7 pm