What began in 2004 as a small grassroots event in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, with only a few performers and a dozen booths selling artwork, has grown into the largest one-day music and arts festival in Western North Carolina. Stretching along tree-lined Montford Avenue from Chestnut Street to Waneta Street, the Montford Music & Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine.
Children can participate in crafts, games, face painting, and balloon art. New this year is an interactive art area where children and adults will join in an art project.
Music throughout the day will take place across two stages. A new “Montford Square” performance place will feature performances by the Mountain Lion Chinese Dragon Dancers, Asheville Morris Men Dancers, Ashgrove Garland Dancers, and Asheville Ninja Kids Club. Be sure to check out the traditional maypole dance as well.
Enjoy offerings from food trucks and snack vendors. Local restaurants Nine Mile and Chiesa will also be open.
“We want everyone to come join us for the biggest block party in Asheville!” says co-organizer Jerry Conner.
Visit with the vendors who will bring their goods. Winner of last year’s juried art contest, Mike Merritt creates functional birdhouse art. Says Mike, “The Montford Festival is as much fun for the artist as the patrons.”
“There is a real sense of community at the Montford Festival,” says Kelcey Loomer, of Seed & Sky, who creates wearable art from her original paintings. “It’s a fun place to connect with all our local customers.” Parking is available in the neighborhood and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church parking lot.
For more information, visit montfordfestival.org.
