UPDATE 9/12 at 4:20 p.m. – Festival of Neighborhoods canceled
The City of Asheville has made the difficult decision to cancel the Festival of Neighborhoods, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 14.
Due to the forecast of significant rain throughout the weekend and into next week, City staff believe that the event would not provide the optimal experience for attendees or vendors. The rainy conditions could also cause damage to the MLK Park ballfield, which is a key location for the festival.
“While we were excited to host the Festival of Neighborhoods, the safety and enjoyment of our attendees and vendors are our top priorities,” said Kristina Israel with the Communication and Public Engagement Department. “We look forward to working with neighborhoods, vendors and community organizations to offer this event again in the future.”
Saturday, September 14, stop by the Festival of Neighborhoods for fun, food, and community connection. The festival will run, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
The event spotlights Asheville’s unique neighborhoods and gives a fun and interactive look into their history and culture. Local organizations will also be at the festival to support these communities with an array of services. These are just a few of the organizations that will be in attendance:
- My Daddy Taught Me That
- Buncombe County Tax Assessor’s Office
- A-B Tech Community College
- Verner Center for Early Learning
- Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Admission to the event is free, and everyone is welcome.
“The Festival of Neighborhoods is more than just an event—it’s a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity that defines our city and a key opportunity for building meaningful connections within our community. It brings together neighborhoods, local non-profits, and city services, creating a space where everyone can engage and collaborate. Now in its second year post-pandemic, the Festival continues to expand, offering even more fun and excitement with each passing year.” Jaik Smith- Neighborhood Advisory Committee Member
Event Highlights
Meet Asheville’s Neighborhood Organizers: Representatives from different neighborhood organizations will be set up at the festival. Discover the exciting work being done by these groups that contributes to resilience in Asheville, and learn about projects, initiatives and volunteering opportunities.
Festival Fun: Race your friends in the inflatable obstacle course. Ride your bike through a pop-up bike park. Climb on a fire truck! Fill up on hot food from a variety of vendors. Dance to the DJ music, play yard games with Rec & Roll and take part in interactive entertainment throughout the day.
How may we help you? Local Government and other Services: Meet City employees from departments including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and the City Clerk’s office, plus the County Tax Assessor and more! Connect with mental health and healthcare providers and local literacy programs.
Neighborhood Resilience Building: In honor of Emergency Preparedness Month (September), Asheville Fire Department will provide important information for neighbors on how to get ready for emergency events.
Event Donors
Special thanks to the event donors who helped to keep the Festival of Neighborhoods free, fun, and accessible to all:
- A New Hope Home Care
- Self-Help Credit Union
- General Insurance Services of Asheville
- Embark Dental
About the Neighborhood Advisory Committee
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee was established to advise City Council on neighborhood needs within the City of Asheville’s zoning and planning jurisdiction. The committee works to strengthen neighborhood identity and resilience by facilitating communication and cooperation between Asheville’s neighborhoods and City offices. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with City of Asheville Boards and Commissions and get involved!