One Day. Four Experiences.
Saturday, June 13, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Official GRINDfest 2026 Schedule
Plan your day at GRINDfest. Review the official schedule for festival highlights, performances, community moments, and key activities happening throughout the day.
The GRINDfest Business Summit
Conversations, panels, and workshops with founders and leaders shaping the next economy.
The Black Business Market
A curated marketplace of Black-owned businesses, makers, and creatives.
The GRINDfest Pitch Competition
Founders pitch live for capital, visibility, and community backing.
Live Music & Culture
All-day performances, DJs, and cultural moments on the main stage.
Moments you won't want to miss.
- Christine Avery performance
- John R. Hayes High-Steppin' marching band
- Truist Rebuilding Pitch Competition
- Em Vogue Stomp Down
- Graduate Recognition Moment
- Evening concert featuring Ty & the Crew and Free Flow
Parking & Arrival
- Public parking is available in the College Street parking deck in Downtown Asheville.
- Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because downtown parking fills quickly during large events.
- Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
Vendor load-in begins at 8:00 AM. All vendor setup and unloading should be completed by 10:00 AM. (Vendor load-in is separate from public festival hours.)
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
- GRINDfest will still happen if it rains.
- Festival activities may temporarily pause during rain and resume once conditions improve.
- Important announcements are shared from the main stage speaker system.
- Security is handled by a licensed security agency and off-duty police officers.
- Minor emergencies, guest assistance, and lost-and-found support are handled at the volunteer and hospitality tent behind the main stage.
- The VIP tent is dedicated to elders and guests with special needs and is located adjacent to the main stage.
Local Entrepreneurs. Live Pitches. Real Opportunity.
The GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase highlights local entrepreneurs building innovative businesses, products, and services in Western North Carolina. Five finalists will pitch and demonstrate live during GrindFest for judges, audience engagement, recognition, and a $500 cash prize.
GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase
Five local entrepreneurs will be selected to pitch their business, demonstrate their product or service, receive feedback from judges, and compete for a $500 cash prize.
Full schedule coming soon.
The hour-by-hour lineup — including the GRIND Business Summit agenda, the GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase, and main stage performances — will be announced closer to Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Programming and lineup subject to change.