For one wacky, wonderful day, three blocks of N. Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville were filled with street performers, local art, food, beer, music, and things you were not likely to see elsewhere on any other day. The ninth annual Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF) took place 11–9 p.m. on Sunday, September 5.

If you’ve ever been to LAAFF, you know it is uniquely Asheville. It is the largest independent street festival in the area, regularly drawing more than 15,000 people.

There were multiple stages with entertainment including Sirius B, Lisa Zahiya Hip Hop & Bhangra, blues vocalist Peggy Ratusz, Asheville Vaudeville, Belle Afrique, Asheville Dance Revolution, the Flaming Azaleas, The Feral Chihuahuas, Asheville Playback Theatre and dozens more.

Jenny Juice’s Songwriter Lounge took place in the Brownstone Courtyard, and there were the always popular “Bike Jousting/Big Wheels for Big Kids.” Miss Kitty’s Interactive Arts Area returned, as did EarthFare’s Kid’s Universe.

Visit lexfestasheville.com.