JUNE 13, 2026 · THE GREATEST FESTIVAL ON EARTH! · GET FREE TICKETS OR BECOME A SPONSOR
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GRINDfest 2026
The Greatest Festival on Earth!
A powerful one-day celebration of Black entrepreneurship, culture, music, and community. Join founders, creatives, families, and leaders for a full day of connection, culture, and celebration.
GRINDfest 2026
The Greatest Festival on Earth!
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A one-day celebration of Black entrepreneurship, culture, music, and community.
WHERE BLACK CULTURE, MUSIC, AND BUSINESS TAKE CENTER STAGE
From business and culture to music and community, GRINDfest delivers a full day of unforgettable experiences.
The GRIND Business Summit
Powerful conversations, workshops, and insights for entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging founders.
The Black Business Market
Shop and support Black-owned brands, creatives, and vendors bringing products, services, and culture to life.
The GRIND Pitch Competition
Watch entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas for visibility, support, and opportunity in front of a live audience.
Live Music & Culture
Experience music, performances, energy, and celebration woven throughout the day.
WHERE BLACK CULTURE, MUSIC, AND BUSINESS TAKE CENTER STAGE
From business and culture to music and community, GRINDfest delivers a full day of unforgettable experiences.
The GRIND Business Summit
Powerful conversations, workshops, and insights for entrepreneurs, professionals, and emerging founders.
The Black Business Market
Shop and support Black-owned brands, creatives, and vendors bringing products, services, and culture to life.
The GRIND Pitch Competition
Watch entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas for visibility, support, and opportunity in front of a live audience.
Live Music & Culture
Experience music, performances, energy, and celebration woven throughout the day.
RELIVE THE ENERGY OF GRINDFEST
From unforgettable performances to community moments and powerful connections, GRINDfest brings the culture to life.
BE PART OF THE GRINDFEST EXPERIENCE
Whether you are showing your brand, serving the crowd, or helping create the atmosphere, GRINDfest offers meaningful ways to be part of the experience.
Become a Vendor
Put your brand in front of the GRINDfest crowd and connect with attendees looking to shop, discover, and support Black-owned businesses and standout local brands.
Vendor Registration
Become a Volunteer
Help create an unforgettable festival experience by supporting setup, guest flow, hospitality, and community engagement throughout the day.
Volunteer RegistrationBE PART OF THE GRINDFEST EXPERIENCE
Whether you are showing your brand, serving the crowd, or helping create the atmosphere, GRINDfest offers meaningful ways to be part of the experience.
Become a Vendor
Put your brand in front of the GRINDfest crowd and connect with attendees looking to shop, discover, and support standout businesses.
Vendor Registration
Become a Volunteer
Help create an unforgettable festival experience by supporting logistics, hospitality, and community engagement throughout the day.
Volunteer RegistrationANALYTICS FROM GRINDFEST
2021-2025
BLACK WALL STREET AVL
Step into the World of Black Wall Street and experience the remarkable history of Asheville's resilient and innovative community, where black entrepreneurs and leaders thrived together!
OUR SPONORS
What is GRINDfest?
GRINDfest is Asheville’s culture-first festival celebrating rebuilding, entrepreneurship, and community.
When is GRINDfest 2026?
GRINDfest takes place on:
Saturday, June 13, 2026
from:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Where will GRINDfest be held?
GRINDfest takes place at:
Pack Square Park
Downtown Asheville, NC
Is GRINDfest free?
Yes. GRINDfest is completely free and open to the public. REGISTER HERE
What is the official hashtag?
#GRINDFESTAVL
Follow and tag:
@GrindFestAVL
Is GRINDfest family friendly?
Yes. GRINDfest is designed for families, entrepreneurs, creatives, students, community leaders, and visitors of all ages.
Where should I park?
Public parking is available in the parking deck on College Street in Downtown Asheville.
Additional downtown parking may also be available nearby.
What happens if it rains?
GRINDfest will still happen.
If rain occurs, festival activities may temporarily pause and resume once weather conditions improve.
Any important updates will be announced from the main stage speaker system.
Are chairs allowed?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring chairs for seating during the festival.
Is alcohol sold onsite?
No. Alcohol is not provided onsite during GRINDfest.
Is there security?
Yes. GRINDfest security is handled by:
* a licensed security agency
* and off-duty police officers
Safety personnel will be present throughout the event.
Is there a place for elders and guests with special needs?
Yes. A dedicated VIP hospitality tent adjacent to the stage is reserved for:
* elders
* and guests with special needs
What are the “must-see” moments of GRINDfest?
Featured festival highlights include:
* Christine Avery performance
* John R. Hayes marching band
* Truist Rebuilding Pitch Competition
* Em Vogue Stomp Down
* Graduate Recognition Moment
* Evening concert featuring Ty & the Crew and Free Flow
Will there be merchandise?
Yes. Official GRINDfest merchandise will be available for purchase during the festival.
What is the goal of GRINDfest?
GRINDfest was created to bring people together through culture, entrepreneurship, and shared community experience.
The biggest outcome we want attendees to feel is:
connection.
What are the weekend activations?
GRINDfest weekend includes community partner events happening throughout Asheville.
These activations are independently organized by participating partners and are not produced by Black Wall Street AVL.
Please contact the individual event organizers directly for event-specific details beyond listed times and locations.
Who produces the partner events?
Examples include:
* Movies in the Park — produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation
* The Trials of Job stage play — produced by Zina Featherstone
What should vendors know?
Vendor load-in begins at:
8:00 AM
All vendor setup must be completed by:
10:00 AM
Where can I get help during the festival?
A volunteer and hospitality tent located behind the stage will assist with:
* questions
* minor emergencies
* lost items
* guest support
How will emergency announcements be shared?
Festival-wide announcements will be made from the main stage speaker system.
Are churches and community groups involved?
Yes.
Churches and community organizations support GRINDfest through:
* volunteer service
* hospitality support
* graduate recognition support
* community donations and engagement
How many people attend GRINDfest?
GRINDfest expects approximately:
5,000 attendees throughout the day.
Where can I learn more?
Visit:
grindfestavl.com
Or follow:
@GrindFestAVL
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you arrive at GRINDfest.
Copyright 2026 | GRINDfest AVL | Email us at [email protected]