A New Cultural Experience: Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL

A New Cultural Experience: Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL

Prepare for an explosion of culture, Asheville! This weekend, the vibrant city will witness the debut of the first-ever Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL. This unique blend of history, arts, and culture festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7, downtown.

Developed by Andrew Ellington, a descendant of renowned architect Douglas Ellington, the festival is designed to showcase Asheville’s transformation from a booming town into a vibrant hub of arts and culture. Here’s how the event will highlight that journey, with a special focus on celebrating historic buildings and the welcoming of local vendors and artisans.

Harmonizing with History

The festival will get your feet tapping and head nodding with more than a dozen musical performances. From local favorites such as Toubab Krewe and Nex Millen to big names like Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, the event will have a variety of tunes. In fact, Denson is a renowned saxophone player for The Rolling Stones! And as every great event needs an after-party, Eulogy will host post-festival celebrations to keep the spirit alive. Plus, this year’s Symphony in the Park, where the Asheville Symphony will perform a captivating ensemble ranging from classical works to movie scores to pop hits, will be part of the festival.

Celebrating Past Builders of Asheville

Feel history come alive through immersive tours that promise to deliver fascinating insights into Asheville’s rich past. The Buildings and Pioneers: Asheville by Foot Walking Tours will talk you through a two-hour journey along the Asheville Architecture Trail. Meanwhile, the Asheville Music History Walking Tour, led by an award-winning author and music historian, Alli Marshall, will outline how Asheville’s cherished music scene evolved. Additionally, a Historical James Vester Miller Trail hosted by Andrea Clark, the renowned photographer and granddaughter of James Vester Miller, will shed light on the Black brick mason and contractor who erected some of Asheville’s most notable buildings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also included in the festivities is a guided walking tour.

Community Involvement

The festival will also encompass several regular local events, such as the First Friday on The Block and Yoga in the Park. You get to join the community and participate in fun activities while gaining knowledge about the city you love. The entire schedule is packed with a variety of events across two days. Tickets to the festival are available for free to those who RSVP in advance.

This inaugural festival promises a meaningful exploration and celebration of Asheville’s history and cultural heritage, sure to resonate with both locals and visitors. So, mark your calendars for a feast of art, music, history, and culture that the Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL promises to deliver!

Asheville never ceases to provide enriching experiences to its residents and visitors, and the Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL is the latest testament to the city’s continuing commitment towards fostering a deep appreciation for its rich heritage and vibrant arts scene.