BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
APPROVES $75,000 FOR 21 LOCAL FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS AIMED AT REVITALIZINGTHE
AREA’S ECONOMY AND CREATIVE SPIRIT

Local Culture and Heritage Lifted Up through Inspiring Events Happening Across the County This Year

ASHEVILLE, NC (Feb. 26, 2025) — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) approved a total investment of $75,000 for local cultural events and festivals at a time central to the region’s recovery. The authority’s financial support aims to bolster community recovery and revitalization by reviving legacy events and launching new experiences that inspire visitation and spark local pride in 2025.

Twenty-one community festivals and cultural events will receive investment through the annual Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund this cycle, spotlighting, celebrating, and honoring the culture and heritage of our mountain region throughout the year and in different communities across the county. Thirty-three percent of the recipients are hosting inaugural events.

Launched in 2016, the support fund contributes to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of festivals and cultural events. It aims to stimulate new events and expand legacy events that residents and visitors enjoy.

A committee whose members include representatives from the City of Asheville and Buncombe County reviewed 34 support fund requests submitted by local nonprofits and government partners. Events that met eligibility requirements —such as aligning with Explore Asheville’s Strategic Imperatives—were recommended for the authority’s approval. In addition to financial support, recipients receive marketing assistance from Explore Asheville to boost attendance. 

Grant Recipients and Events Approved for 2025 BCTDA Investments

  • Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program | ASAP Farm Tour | $5,000
  • Asheville Bread Festival | 17th Biannual Asheville Bread Festival | $1,500
  • Asheville Brewers Alliance | AVL Beer Week | $2,500
  • Asheville Fringe Society | The Big Crafty | $2,500 
  • Asheville Makers Inc. | Maker Faire Asheville | $1,500
  • Black Mountain Center for the Arts | Art in Bloom | $3,000
  • Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center | {Re}HAPPENING 13 | $4,000
  • Blue Ridge Pride | Blue Ridge Pride Festival | $5,000
  • Burial Beer Co. | Burnpile Harvest Festival | $5,000
  • Chai Pani | Diwali Mela | $1,500
  • Connect Beyond Festival | Connect Beyond Festival | $5,000
  • Folk Heritage Committee – Community Betterment Foundation of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce | Mountain Dance and Folk Festival / Shindig on the Green | $5,000
  • LEAF Global Arts | LEAF Retreat “Each One Teach One: Shine Your Light and Share the Love” | $5,000
  • Montreat College | Coda Music Festival | $1,000
  • Punch Bucket Lit | Punch Bucket Literary Festival Asheville | $2,500
  • RADA Foundation | RADFest | $5,000
  • Southern Highland Craft Guild | Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands | $2,500
  • The Cathedral of All Souls | A Dickens Christmas | $2,500
  • The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County | “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience and Persistence” | $5,000
  • Weaverville Business Association | Weaverville’s Music on Main | $5,000
  • YMI Cultural Center | Goombay | $5,000

Additional Funding Opportunities

In addition to the Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund, Explore Asheville and the BCTDA offer sponsorships for events and special projects that demonstrate an ability to enhance Buncombe County’s sense of place and cultural heritage. Sponsorship requests are reviewed on a rolling basis. Find the Sponsorship Application Form here.

 

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Media Contact:

Ashley Greenstein
agreenstein@exploreasheville.com
828.318.8960