Food festivals in Asheville

Goombay Festival

  • ★ 4.4
  • 10 to 12 September 2027Expected
  • Asheville, United States
  • Free entry

Expected dates, not yet confirmed by the organiser. The dates below follow a previous edition and are our best estimate; check the official site before booking around them.

Goombay Festival, hosted by the YMI Cultural Center, takes place each September in Asheville's historic East End, with live performances, DJs, local vendors and food; the 2026 edition ran 11 to 13 September.

Hotels for these dates from USD 151/nightFood tours in Asheville from $106Official siteAdd to calendar

Food tours in Asheville: Asheville: Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings · ★ 5.0 (2)

Dates and details checked October 11, 2026 by against the organiser's site.

Know before you go

  • 2026 theme was 'Legacy'; the programme added a play, film festival, art walk and a junkanoo line
  • The Welcome Station is at the corner of Market Street and Court Plaza; pre-ordered T-shirts ($20) are collected there
  • The Goombay 5K runs through Asheville's historic East End ($25, in person or virtual)
  • Free pre-parties on Thursday and Friday nights; the Saturday Carnival after party is $5 at the door, 22:00-02:00

Where to eat in Downtown

Asheville guide

Our picks in Downtown, where the festival is.

Cúrate Spanish Tapas · Downtown★ 4.9 The Market Place American · Downtown★ 4.8 Luminosa Italian, Wood-fired · Downtown★ 4.8 Rowan Coffee Café · Downtown★ 4.8 Sovereign Remedies Cocktail bar · Downtown★ 4.8 Asheville City Market Market · Downtown★ 4.7

Eat your way around Asheville while you are in town

Goombay Festival is expected 10-12 Sep 2027, dates not yet confirmed by the organiser. These are the food tours and tastings in Asheville to book for the days around it; most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.

See all 200 food experiences in Asheville

Stay for the festival

Hotels in Asheville around 10 to 12 September 2027, dates pre-filled. Prices and availability open on the partner site.

Holiduhotels for these dates from USD 151/night Expediahotels for these dates LateRoomshotels in Asheville VIP Carscar hire in Asheville from USD 47.18/day

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More food festivals in Asheville

See all
Asheville VeganFest (Spring) 6 Jun 2027 · Vegan food, plant-based vendors Asheville Greek Festival 24-25 Sep 2027 · Greek food prepared by the church's Yia-yias Asheville Spring Herb Festival 30 Apr to 2 May 2027 · Herbs, garden plants, food trucks Asheville Oktoberfest Expected 2 Oct 2027 · German-inspired food trucks, local fall beers, ciders and spirits NC Mountain State Fair 10-19 Sep 2027 · Regional food, fair food, livestock, NC agricultural AVL Beer Week Expected 15-29 May 2027 · Craft beer, brewery collaborations

Also on in September, elsewhere

All of September
fEast Cork 1-6 Sep 2027 · Cork Boston Seafood Festival Expected 12 Sep 2027 · Boston Buenos Aires Food Week Expected 12-22 Sep 2027 · Buenos Aires Burcak season in Prague Expected 1 Sep to 15 Oct 2027 · Prague Carro Matto, the Chianti Rufina wine cart Expected 26 Sep 2027 · Florence Culinary Zinema at the San Sebastian Film Festival Expected 28 Sep to 1 Oct 2027 · San Sebastián

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