Goombay Festival

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. 

2024 Dates:
YMI Grand Re-Opening Event
September 26, 2024

Goombay Festival 2024
”Back to Our Roots”
September 27 - 29, 2024

Event Location: Pack Square | Reuter Terrace | Roger McGuire Green


Are you interested in being a vendor?

This is an application for participation, not a guarantee of participation. Our goal is to increase visibility for all participating vendors by reducing excessive duplication of goods and services. 

** 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 for this application 𝐢𝐬 August 23rd. **

If you have challenges meeting the deadline(s), please email Goombay@ymiculturalcenter.org.

In the case that we receive applications that exceed our allowable space, preferences will be given to local vendors and also for those who have had previous and successful vending experience at past Goombay Festivals without incident, and those new to Goombay that have vending experiences in large festivals. 

Are you interested in being a Sponsor?