Goombay Festival 2025
A celebration of Caribbean, African, and African American culture through music, food, art, and community.
Asheville’s Goombay Festival returns September 4-7, 2025.
Join us in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, and at the YMI Cultural Center, for this beloved Afro-Diasporic celebration—a powerful, joyful tribute to the rhythms, resilience, and richness of Black culture.
Highlights
– Friday Evening Kickoff features live music, food vendors, and cultural performances.
– Saturday Morning Parade & Junkanu Procession from the YMI to Pack Square.
– Youth Activities & Cultural Workshops throughout the day.
– Main Stage Performances featuring local and national artists.
– Sunday Gospel Brunch and closing celebrations.
The Goombay Festival was created in 1982 to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora and Asheville’s African American community. The YMI Cultural Center is proud to be the host of this weekend festival attracting thousands to downtown Asheville each year.
This free, family event connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment. Now over 40 years strong, Goombay is one of Asheville’s longest-running Black cultural festivals, gathering generations of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and community members.
Goombay Ticketed Events
The Goombay Jazz Cabaret – Thursday, September 4
Put on your cocktail attire, and join us from 7-9 p.m. for a memorable kick-off to Goombay as we host a Jazz Cabaret like none other, replete with libations and snacks. Kelle Jolly & Will Boyd are the artists for the evening. Tickets: $75.
The R&B Mixer – Friday, September 5
Are you ready to go back where folks slow danced on the dance floor? Join us from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for something a little sexy as we reminisce, take it back, and show you how we do it!
The Ultimate Juke Joint – Saturday, September 6
It’s time to put your boots on the ground and get all those line dances together. Come shuffle through the night from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. as Southern Soul takes center stage. DJ Doula on the 1s & 2s, & Turk the Jerk on the food. Tickets: $40.
The Goombay Gospel Brunch – Sunday, September 7
Join us from 10 a.m. until noon for a sumptuous breakfast and gospel brunch, replete with mimosas to get your day started. Tickets: $65.
The Goombay Film Festival
Come watch films created by Black filmmakers who are telling our stories.
For details, go to ymiculturalcenter.org or email [email protected].
