October 16-19 » Black Mountain
Each year, thousands of festival-goers attend LEAF Festival, an eclectic event hosted by LEAF Community Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the arts. A vibrant array of activities including dance workshops spanning belly dance to Irish step dancing, set to the backdrop of live music on the festival’s four large stages are on the itinerary this year. There will also be a jam tent, a Healing Arts area, and a variety of kids’ adventures. Attendees can also participate in a mountain drum circle, and witness the world’s longest-running poetry slam. This lively weekend unfolds at the historic Black Mountain College campus, welcoming a crowd of over 12,000. Come dressed in your most funky costumes and festive attitudes for a memorable celebration of music, arts, and culture. » Lake Eden, Black Mountain College, 377 Lake Eden Rd.; Thursday-Sunday, times vary; $54-$256; (828) 686-8742; theleaf.org