EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

This is the kick-off conversation with Brian Hamilton, who sold his startup for $200 million and dedicates his life to helping entrepreneurs—especially those who were previously inmates.

This is a GRINDfest tradition where local people come and share their spoken word as art. If you haven't already, sign up now to be able to share your poetry with the hundreds of people who show up yearly to be impacted by words.

Food from around the world: Vegan Food, Soul Food, Southern Food, Mexican/Soul Food Fusion, Jamaican Food, Caribbean Food, Street Food, Junk Food. Whatever food you can think of, it's going to be FUN food.

Organizations and agencies have stuff for you. Don't miss it. Come get what you need and let's take your business to a whole new level at the Opportunity Tent.

This is not Wal-Mart! These are local BIPOC businesses presenting their unique products and services. Hand-made items, custom pieces, art, furniture, products, books, toys, games, etc. Come out and shop the day away. 

. Local seniors from Asheville will be telling stories all day inside the building. Come learn and honor the local history of Asheville.

Roots Reveal is where we do our DNA history as a community. Order your test today, but DON'T open the results until we get together at GRINDfest. We'll all be surprised together. Then we'll have a few group activities and see that we have more in common than you think!

Are you the best at your house? Whether it's UNO, Dominos, Spades, or Checkers, we want to see who the best in Asheville really is.

Y'all know her for working with the City Government. What you didn't know was that she's the line dancing Queen. Learn the moves right alongside your community neighbors and enjoy line dancing as you've never seen it before. 

Slutty Vegan is coming here at Asheville, North Carolina!, Healthy option is always around the corner.

Urban Renewal decimated the Black Business District in Southside Asheville. Come learn from the local historian, Ms. Priscilla, what happened and what we can do to make sure it doesn't happen again.  

Come and learn from Mrs. Barbara Pagan what the Southside used to be and how it used to feel in Asheville. 

The Castle on the Hill was the only black high school in Western North Carolina. People from all over the region came to learn from high school teachers who were trained to be college professors. Come hear the stories about how it was to learn with and from black people.

It's not a party without a good cold brew. Highland Brewery is hosting the Beer Garden. Take your ticket over to the beer garden and enjoy a 12 oz pour. Don't worry if you are alcohol-free; we have Buchi Kombucha on tap just for you

Let's get this party started! Flaunt those moves and sharpen those dancing skills with RICO SUAVE.

Our partners at Blue Ridge Pride have put together a Drag Show of EPIC proportions! The greenway has never ever been what it's going to be on Saturday night. Come out and enjoy the best drag show in Asheville.

We might not know each other's names, but we are family. We share this mountain together. Be there at 7 pm for our family photo. Thousands of people outside—captured in the annual GINDfest FAMILY PHOTO…

These young people have energy for days! Come enjoy the performance of Asheville's Best Dancers. You'll be blown away and definitely want to book them for your next event.

After the day's festivities and activities, we want to celebrate all the winners and announce who gets the new iPhone!!!

 Yoga led by Jasmin Rogers will help you get centered and balanced for the day. Relax and rejuvenate for the day.

Food from around the world: Vegan Food, Soul Food, Southern Food, Mexican/Soul Food Fusion, Jamaican Food, Caribbean Food, Street Food, Junk Food. Whatever food you can think of, it's going to be FUN food.

Asheville on Bikes is bringing a whole mobile bike park for folks to enjoy together. Kids and grown-ups alike can come and have fun biking on the obstacle course.

It sounds like inspiration and joy for everybody. Led by Sound Church and Ministries, you can hear the amazing sounds of multiple groups, choirs, and singers who have come to lift your soul in celebration and hope. 

Our neighbor Patty Turno told us about the Skate Jam, and we decided to link up together. Bring your roller skates and let the wind blow through your hair-whatever you have left.

This GrindFest activity aims to represent unity in diversity. This group between women in Asheville and Charlotte women in beer fosters cooperation, encourages participation, and can help sharpen communication and social skills. This is going to be a fun activity!

It's tailgate time! Bring your grills and lawn chairs, stake your claim, and relax. Cook it low and slow. Let the smoke fill the River Arts District with your special recipe. Feel free to share this with your friends and family. You never know who you're going to meet at the Tailgate.

A Moment of Silence as we Pause for the Cause. This is where we take a moment to celebrate veterans-especially Black Veterans who have served and given their full measure of devotion.

These are the games that must be played outside or the games that require a large play area.

These are the games that must be played outside or the games that require a large play area.

The Greater Asheville Cook-Off. Do you have the best wings, BBQ and chili in Asheville? Come see who is the best in the mountains. Come help us judge who has the best BBQ and chili in the mountains.

Leave with a big prize and bragging rights. Sign up today if you want to be in the tournament or if you want to just sit and watch the players play.