Connect Beyond Festival 2025

returns to downtown Asheville, N.C. on April 4-6, 2025 for a weekend of performances, panels, film screenings and workshops exploring how the intersection of music, art, film and storytelling can inspire positive change. This year’s festival, dubbed by Ashvegas as “Asheville’s version of SXSW,” is themed around The Unexpected.

We are also partnering with Slay The Mic Media to co-curate free programs centered around youth empowerment during the weekend.

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More than just an event, Connect Beyond Festival is a movement to develop community and create positive change, inspired by creative mediums and united in the pursuit of equality and social justice.

FEATURED EVENTS

• A King Like Me - award-winning documentary film screening with producer Fisher Stevens & director Matthew O. Henderson Q+A to follow
• The Bibi Files - documentary film screeening with director Alexis Bloom Q+A to follow
• They Will Call You Back, with Tim Z. Hernandez - author fireside chat and book signing
• Tonky, with Lonnie Holley - musical performance
• Paddling the Same Canoe - interactive multi-artist installation
• ...and very special headliner guests TO BE ANNOUNCED!

FEATURED PANELISTS & PERFORMERS

• Fisher Stevens, Alexis Bloom, Tim Z. Hernandez, Matthew O. Henderson, Lonnie Holley, and more!
• 2025 Participating Lineup

PARTICIPATING ASHEVILLE, NC LOCATIONS

• Friday, April 4: THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM
• Saturday, April 5: THE ORANGE PEEL
• Sunday, April 6: THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

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• Friday - Opening Day 4-10pm at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Saturday - Main Festival 10am-10pm at The Orange Peel
• Sunday - Main Festival 10am-10pm at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

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Select the following options when adding tickets to your cart.

FRIDAY OPENING DAY
1-DAY PASS | $50
FULL WEEKEND PASS | $200

• Friday Day Pass and Weekend Passes include access to all Friday programming.
• Location - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Friday's programming is open to ages 16+

SATURDAY MAIN FESTIVAL
1-DAY PASS | $75
WEEKEND PASS | $200

Saturday Day Pass and Weekend Passes Include: Entry to the full day of programming, see schedule for details. Come and go as you please! Festival takes place at The Orange Peel, with breaks for lunch and dinner.

• Location - The Orange Peel
• Saturday's programming is open to ages 16+

SUNDAY MAIN FESTIVAL
1-DAY PASS | $75
WEEKEND PASS | $200

Sunday Day Pass and Weekend Passes Include: Entry to the full day of programming, see schedule for details. Come and go as you please! Festival takes place at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, with breaks for lunch and dinner.

• Location - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Sunday's programming is open to ages 16+

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Multiple Downtown Asheville Locations, Asheville, United States