Experience LAAFF: Asheville's Favorite Arts and Music Festival

The Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival, otherwise known as LAAFF, offers a full-day of enjoyment for the whole family as Asheville musicians and craft vendors fill a quarter-mile stretch of downtown. Enjoying a reputation as Asheville's favorite local festival, LAAFF has been going strong for eight years. This year's event takes place on Sunday, September 2nd. Here's eight reasons you'll love LAAFF.

1. Free local music! Over thirty musical acts will perform for free on four stages from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Stomp you feet to the Zabumba Drum & Dance Ensemble, get your groove on with the Stereofidelics, cut loose with Papdosio, and shake it up with the legendary reggae band Chalwa. There's truly a pleasing sound for everyone!

2. Arts and crafts galore! Shop at a leisurely pace as you stroll through the local vendors stretched along Lexington Avenue. You'll find the perfect gift for that special someone amongst the eclectic and unique offerings.

3. Tasty local microbrews! With the affordable purchase of a wristband, festival-goers can visit the beer tent and try an assortment of locally brewed beers while enjoying the music and crafts. The French Broad Brewing Company even brews their own LAAFF Ale, an American-style pale ale that celebrates this local tradition.

4. Wildly entertaining street performers! You'll witness everything from fire eaters to living statue performers to crazy clowns riding unicycles. LAAFF performers are famous for making people laugh!

5. Yummy festival food! Food vendors will keep you coming back for more delicious local offerings. Don't miss out on The Hop's outrageously good ice cream flavors!

6. A new original poster by a local artist for every year of LAAFF. See this year's winning design during the festival.

7. The Pre-Laugh Pub Crawl on Saturday, September 1st. Experience the best of Asheville's bars and music venues during this warm-up event that takes you to see even more local music in eight different places around town. From the Bobo Gallery to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, entrance to all Pre-LAAFF Pub Crawl events are covered by one low-priced ticket.

8. Support a good cause! LAAFF is organized by Asheville's non-profit Arts 2 People organization, supporting educational and outreach programs as well as the Asheville Mural Project.

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