To all who know, Asheville is a gem amongst cities worldwide, surrounded by the magnificence of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and home to some of the most monumental pioneers, visionaries, poets, and architecture of its time, but when the stock market crashed in 1929, Asheville was hit hard. While growth slowed in Asheville, the difficult times actually helped preserve the city's historic architecture, and the magnificent arts of the boom years were spared as a result of the city's commitment to repay its debt, which is why Asheville remains a snapshot of what a boomtown looked like in the turn of the century.

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Asheville emerged as a Boomtown in the 1920s in efforts to rebuild the city post “The Great
Flood” in 1916, and this year Boomtown FestAVL seeks to help rebuild a thriving community post Hurricane Helene destructions, in line with our core mission to revive sustainable ecosystems throughout the region by promoting, preserving, perpetuating, and encouraging the arts, culture and heritage of WNC through programs, and other cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities that connect people throughout the region. This festival will be a vibrant tribute to Asheville's rich history, arts, and culture, showcasing an eclectic mix of musical performances, trail tours, and community-driven activities. From the city's storied past as a turn of the century boomtown to its current status as a hub of creativity and innovation, the festival aims to celebrate and preserve the unique heritage that makes Asheville a beloved destination. Boomtown will bring together an array of artists, musicians, and storytellers, creating an immersive experience that highlights the city's diverse cultural tapestry. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of main stage performances, interactive workshops, heritage exhibits, and trail tours that highlight Asheville's architectural marvels, pioneering figures, and stories of resilience.

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One century later, Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL seeks to celebrate the history & heritage of AVL via pioneer leaders, innovators, architects, and engineers that paved the way throughout the boom years, while rectifying the communities that were hindered most as a result of the boom year debts by driving revenues from the festival directly back into key organizations fostering measurable progress in present day communities and highlighting their stories of resilience to empower & connect the community through it’s unique history, arts & heritage.