This weekend Asheville Urban Tee shirts will be at The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival Celebrates Black History and Culture in Asheville.
This Saturday and Sunday, August 26, the East End/Valley Street neighborhood in Asheville will come alive with the sounds of music, smells of delicious food, and sights of local artisans as the community hosts its annual Heritage Festival. Held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, this free event celebrates the rich history and culture of Asheville’s historic Black neighborhood.
The East End/Valley Street community dates back to the late 1800s when it became one of the few areas in Asheville where African Americans could own businesses and property. It thrived as a hub for the city’s Black residents for generations. The neighborhood has always played a vital role in Asheville’s growth and character.
The Heritage Festival aims to honor this legacy. The event will feature live music from local Black artists, including blues, jazz, gospel choirs, and dance performances. Attendees can browse vendor booths to shop for art, crafts, clothing, and more from Black-owned businesses. Food trucks will offer Southern favorites like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and good old sweet potato pie.
The festival will also host educational activities, such as historical tours of historic East End/Valley Street sites, genealogy workshops to trace family trees and oral history recordings. These programs aim to preserve memories and highlight the neighborhood’s cultural impact.
For Asheville residents and visitors alike, the East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival offers a vibrant immersion into local Black history. The festival upholds traditions and celebrates achievements through food, music, and community gatherings. This weekend provides a chance to recognize the neighborhood’s deep roots while appreciating its continued contributions to the city’s spirit.
The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Entry is free and open to the public. More information can be found at https://www.eastendvalleystreet.org/community-heritage-festival