Goombay! Bigger, Better, and More Fun Than Ever!

Staff reports

Goombay! marks its 30th year of festivities by introducing an additional venue on the Roger McGuire Green at Asheville’s City-County Plaza. This area will be designated as “Stage 1,” and will host the opening ceremony Friday, August 26, at 10 a.m. At 12:20 p.m., a variety of non-stop entertainment ranging from African dancers to stilt-walkers (Shaka-Zulu) to R &B will kick off at Stage 1, lasting well into the late evening.

On Saturday at Stage 2 on South Market St., there will be music and performances to entertain the whole family.

This is also the first green Goombay. The Asheville Downtown Association, in collaboration with Asheville Greenworks, will introduce recycling education. All vendor waste will be recycled into biofuel by Blue Ridge Biofuels.

Also back are the craft and food vendors—some old, some new—with wares and goodies that will entice the most discriminating and delight even seasoned festival-goers. From unusual crafts to Afro-Caribbean foods, you’re bound to find that particular something that you’re looking for.

Saturday, August 28 is also Retro Goombay T-Shirt Day. Find your favorite Goombay T-shirt from a past Goombay and wear it with pride! Bragging rights last all year long for those with the oldest shirts! What to do if you don’t have one? Start your collection this year!

The sights and sounds of one of Asheville’s oldest cultural festivals returns August 26-28.

For the full schedule click here.

Children’s Events

The children and youth events will be held from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday only. Activities will include: arts and crafts, storytelling, games, and dancing. These events will take place in the Ray Auditorium inside of the YMI Cultural Center. All events are free.

Yes, You Can Buy Beer at Goombay!

Beer will be among the beverages you can purchase at Goombay. However, you must purchase a wristband to carry alcohol on the streets during the festival. Be prepared to show your picture ID when purchasing alcohol, as the wristband itself is not proof of age. Wristbands can be purchased at booths located adjacent to beverage stations. Wristband colors will change every day.

A wristband is not required to drink in Asheville’s downtown pubs, only while drinking on the streets. And of course, a valid picture ID is required. Coolers are not allowed inside the festival area. And remember, consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited after 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday and all day Sunday.

No-Pet Policy

Pets are strictly prohibited inside the festival boundaries! Please be kind to your animal and considerate of the visiting crowds. August temperatures and hundreds of people can be overwhelming for pets!

Goombay! is possible thanks to support from the following: the City of Asheville, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Asheville Parks and Recreations, North Carolina Arts Council, Community Arts Council of WNC, Friends of the YMI Cultural Center, Mountain Drinking Water, Mission Hospitals, AT&T, Progress Energy, Pepsi-Cola, Budweiser, Wachovia/Wells Fargo Bank, Simma Down Caribbean Restaurant, Tingles Café, and Sazerac.