Pack Square Park will soon pulse with the undeniable energy of Asheville Goombay Festival 2025, a celebration of Black and Afro‑Diasporic culture. September 4th through 7th, 2025 in downtown Asheville, NC.
Asheville’s annual Goombay Festival began in 1982 as a way to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Asheville’s African American population. An event honoring art, storytelling, food, dance, and music as expressions of resilience and connection.Decades later, the free, family‑oriented gathering has become a beloved Asheville tradition.
The free, annual event includes lots of African-Caribbean music, dancing, food, and drink. 16 musical artists are on this year’s schedule, including Cherrelle, The Levert Experience, and Bungalow Collect. The festival also sees workshops, health and wellness classes, art exhibitions, fashion shows, geneology lectures, gospel, and more.
This year’s ticketed events include a Goombay Jazz Cabaret, an R&B Mixer, The Ultimate Juke Joint, and a Goombay Gospel Brunch.
Best of all, Bent Creek Lodge is just 20 minutes from all the excitement in Pack Square Park. Enjoy the fun of the festival, then it’s just an easy drive back to the comforts of your room at the lodge, nestled in the woods, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2025 Asheville Goombay Festival Schedule
September 4th-7th at Pack Square Park and the YMI Building at 29 Eagle St
Thursday, Sept 4
7pm – The Goombay Jazz Cabaret feat Kelle Jolly & Will Boyd
Friday, Sept 5
6am – Ujima Health & Wellness Class
12pm – Dasan Ahanu: Artist Luncheon and Workshop
4:50pm – Junkanoo to Goombay
5pm – Opening Ceremony
5:15pm – The Eloquent Soul Band
6pm – DJ Atreau
7:30pm – Cherrelle
8:15pm – The Levert Experience
10pm – The R&B Mixer
Saturday, Sept 6
9:50am – Youth Junkanoo
10am – Rise & Shine: Black Youth & Arts
10am-12pm – Ujima Health & Wellness Classes
12pm – African American Genealogy Lecture
2-6pm – Goombay Film Festival
2pm – Back On The Yard Mini Step Show
3pm – In The Clouds Mini Fashion Show
3pm – Geraldine Settles Art Exhibitions Reception
3:30pm – Hennessy
4pm – Big Bo
5pm – Tha Big Dude
5:30pm – Battle of the DJ’s: R&B vs Hip Hop
8pm – Bungalow Collect
10pm – Goombay Juke Joint feat DJ Doula
Sunday, Sept 7
10am – Gospel Brunch
10am – Closing Ceremony
10:15am – Faith on the Floor with DJ Mark
12pm – Tha Big Dude does Gospel
12:30pm – Penny Meacham
1pm – Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar
2pm – Virtuous
2:30pm – Youth & Young Adult Talk Back w/ Bungalow Collect
3pm – Reggae Infinity
4pm – Song Band Upstate
Visit the event website for tickets and more information. You can also follow the festival on Facebook.
Come on out and have a great time dancing, laughing, and learning at Asheville Goombay Festival 2025. Your accommodations at Bent Creek Lodge are waiting for you, so book your stay today!