November 1, 2018
Have you taken your kids to an American music festival? We attend outdoor family-friendly festivals with our girls in Nashville during the summer months but I’m looking forward to someday getting them to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, Milwaukee for Summerfest or the bi-annual LEAF Festival outside of Asheville, North Carolina. My friend Ali has taken her kids to this family-friendly festival in Asheville several times where she, her husband and their kids camp for the weekend, hear amazing music and always come home with wonderful & magical stories.
LEAF Community Arts has an incredible mission too! LEAF is a non-profit organization which focuses on building community, connecting cultures, and enriching lives through the arts – locally and globally – with festivals, community events, and arts education programs in and around Asheville and North Carolina. Their festival takes place twice a year in a stunning location nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I recently interviewed my friend Ali and her husband Earle about this family-friendly weekend festival and today I’m sharing the WANDER highlights!
Wonder: Activity 1 – Lakeside Village & Jelly Dome
This area is incredible. There’s a giant climbing jelly dome, face painting, a swing, and tons of interactive kids activities.
Adventure: Activity 2 – Elf Haven Village
Elf Haven is a magical place – and not just because they provide childcare so that parents can have some time to hear music without the kids too! There is an elaborate dress-up tent, a climbing wall, a life-sized hamster ball, and the most magical fairy parade.
Navigate: Activity 3 – Sprouts Village & Eden Waterfront
Here you can take kayaks and canoes out on the lake. There are also puppeteers, musicians, hoop dancers, slack lines, and boffing (medieval sword fighting). During the day, kids can swim and there are youth vendors selling crafts in this area.
Discover: Activity 4 – Contra Dancing, Music & More
There is a nightly Contra dance, stages all over the grounds, bonfires, fantastical parades with fairies and mythical creatures, Appalachian music, and crafts. Also, there is a fire show at night on the lakefront. The Festival grounds are divided into 8 villages that are family friendly and full of arts and crafts, activities, music, vendors, food and more.
Eat: The LEAF Cafe in Eden Hall
The LEAF Cafe in Eden Hall and various Culinary Booths throughout the festival grounds provide gourmet, international fare from local chefs. All the food is freshly prepared on site, and there is something for almost anyone from vegetarians to BBQ fans. They have a good diversity and long hours to keep everyone happily fed. You can also bring in food and coolers for the weekend.
Rest: Camping & Cabins
Tent camping is included with a Weekend or Weekend Plus ticket. Camping spots are in designated tent camping areas and are 1st come 1st served. There are also cabins that can be rented or a camping service where tents are set up for you before arrival. Showers and bathrooms are available too.
LEAF Festival takes place in October and May each year. Who’s ready to head to LEAF next spring? Read about other great things to do in the surrounding areas like Asheville and Knoxville or check out some great kid-friendly music venues in Music City – Nashville, TN!
