Support the Goombay Festival
& Black Arts in Asheville
The Goombay Festival is back! From September 5–7, 2025, join us in the heart of Asheville for the return of this beloved Afro-Diasporic celebration—a powerful, joyful tribute to the rhythms, resilience, and richness of Black culture.
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. This year, as we restore this legacy event, we invite you to be part of something meaningful.
Your donation directly supports:
Live musical performances and artist fees
Production needs like stages, sound, and lighting
Cultural and arts programming beyond the festival, hosted year-round by the YMI Cultural Center
With your support, we not only honor the legacy of Goombay—we build the future of Black arts and cultural expression in Western North Carolina.
Giving Levels & Benefits:
Contribution, Recognition & Benefits
$1,000 Name listed on website + social media shoutout + access
to the hospitality suite
$2,500 Above + 2 VIP tickets to all ticketed offerings (a package
worth $400 dollars)
$5,000 Above + logo on select printed materials + 2 more VIP
tickets (total of 4)
$10,000+ All above + premier sponsor banner placement + 2 more
VIP tickets (total of 6)
Let’s bring the beat back to The Block.
Let’s celebrate the past, present, and future—together.
Donate today and help us make Goombay 2025 a triumphant return!
Goombay Festival 2025
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.
Goombay Festival 2025
September 5-7, 2025
Event Location: Pack Square Park & YMI Cultural Center
Schedule: Check back for details.
Are You Ready to Become A
Vendor for Goombay
Join us for the return of one of Asheville’s most cherished cultural traditions! The Goombay Festival, taking place September 5–7, 2025, is a multi-day celebration of Afro-diasporic music, food, art, and culture hosted by the historic YMI Cultural Center. With thousands of visitors and 40+ years of legacy, Goombay offers an exciting opportunity for vendors to engage with the community, showcase their work, and be part of a vibrant cultural experience in downtown Asheville.
🚨 Early Bird Special!
Register by Saturday, July 6, 2025, to receive 20% off your vendor fee using the code EARLYBIRD2025
📝 Important Details
Vendor registration closes: Saturday, August 15, 2025
Registration is NOT complete until required forms are submitted and you attend a mandatory vendor meeting on or before August 22, 2025
A $100 power access fee applies if you require electricity
💼 Vendor Categories & Pricing (Three-Day Access):
$250 – Nonprofits/Community Organizations not selling items
$750 – Merchandise Vendors
$900 – Food Tents (No cooking on-site) (includes $150 cleaning fee)
$1,050 – Food Tents (Cooking on-site) (includes $150 cleaning fee)
$1,200 – Food Trucks (includes $150 cleaning fee)
+ $100 – Power Access Fee (if applicable)
Don't miss your chance to vend at one of the Southeast’s most dynamic cultural events! Space is limited, and vendor spots will fill quickly.
👉 Register today and take advantage of Early Bird pricing!
For questions, email us at ninar@ymiculturalcenter.org. We can’t wait to see you at Goombay!
FAQ
FAQ
What is Goombay?
Goombay, literally means “drum” in the Bahamian patois.
Goombay is also a Bahamian Festival found in places like Miami, Florida in the United States, with short parades called “junkanoos." It is akin to other Afro-Caribbean festivals like J’Ouvert, Carnival, Junkanoo, and Mardi Gras, some of which are also celebrated in North Carolina.
How did Goombay come to Asheville?
Over 40 years ago, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated went to their regional conference and saw Goombay while in Florida. They brought the idea of Goombay back to Asheville as a fundraiser for the YMI. The earliest Goombay’s were held on the Block, right outside of the steps of the YMI. However, the festival has migrated to both Pack Square and inside of the YMI itself.
How much money does it take to throw Goombay?
Goombay takes over 100K to make possible to our community, because of state regulation and law, alongside the costs of entertainment. In many recent iterations, Goombay has gone into deficit, unfortunately making it difficult to continue its legacy and tradition. Nevertheless, we have found renewed energy and partnerships in keeping Goombay alive.
How does Goombay work in Asheville?
Each fall, near Labor Day weekend, Goombay in Asheville seeks to bring somewhere between 5K-10K people together to celebrate Pan-African culture over the course of a weekend! Goombay is a mostly free festival, open to the public, that seeks to maintain its original intent of fundraising to support the YMI’s operations and programming, while providing an unparalleled cultural experience.
The festival includes local, regional, and national recording artists. It also features a rich tradition of Pan-African arts and artists, lectures and conversations about Black history and heritage, and regional and local vendors.
How does Goombay raise money?
Goombay raises resources to support the annual experience through grants, vendors fees, ticketed events, donations, and sponsorships. Please consider supporting Goombay in one of these ways.
What is Goombay’s Footprint?
Goombay has both a local and regional expectation that expands across 100 mile radius. Goombay often has people driving into the region to experience the festival. At the same time, Goombay is a beloved tradition in the Asheville community, expected to bring families and friends together as people share in food, fellowship, fun, and culture!
What’s the investment as a vendor?
Because of the laws regarding the use of our state and local venues, and the fact that the festival is indeed three days, prices have been set to reflect those costs. We recognize that some vendors may find these fees to be a hurdle. We understand this challenge! However we have sought to ensure that there is an early bird discount, user friendly service and all inclusive pricing as ways to ensure a positive experience. In fact, the prices presented are the same as last year’s prices, with a new discount option! And we hope that our vendors will see YMI and the festival as worthy of the investment.
How can I get involved?
There’s always quite a bit to do with Goombay! We will be looking for performance artists, vendors, volunteers, and event organizers in the coming weeks. Feel free to email staff directly at info@ymiculturalcenter.org for further questions and greater interest.
Goombay Ticketed Events:
Come Hangout After Hours or Before The Day Gets Started with These New Features To Goombay
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The Goombay Jazz Cabaret
09.04 7:00-11:00PM
Put on your cocktail attire, and join us for a memorable kick-off to Goombay as we host a Jazz Cabaret like none other, replete with libations and snacks
Artists To Be Announced Soon
-
The R&B Mixer
09.05 10:00PM-1:00AM
Are you ready to go back where folks slow danced on the dance floor. Join us for something a lil sexy as we reminisce, take it back, and show you this is how we do it!
DJ To Be Announced Soon
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The Ultimate Juke Joint
09.06 10:00PM-1:00AM
It’s time to put your boots on the ground and get all those line dances together. Come shuffle through the night as Southern Soul takes center stage!
DJ & Special Guest Artists To Be Announced Soon
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The Goombay Gospel Brunch
09.07 10:00AM-Noon
Join us for a sumptuous breakfast and gospel brunch, replete with mimosas to get your day started. What else do you need but inspiration on this final day!
Artists To Be Announced
