Jugglers from all around will come together and attempt to defy gravity at the 7th annual Asheville Juggling Festival.
The festival is free and open to the public, with a large indoor juggling space, variety shows, workshops, and a “Construction Zone” where the non-juggler can receive instruction from a seasoned practitioner on the basics of 3 ball juggling.
The festival kicks off on Friday September 22 from 6-9pm at the Stephens-Lee Community Center, located at 30 George Washington Carver in Asheville. It continues from 10am-6pm on Saturday September 23 at the same location, and will include numerous workshops ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels, covering a variety of props.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Saturday Evening Variety Extravaganza, which will be taking place at the Toy Boat Community Art Space located at 101 Fairview Road in Asheville. This all ages, family friendly show will feature numerous juggling and variety acts, from both local and national talents. This year, it will feature Bekah Smith from Boulder, CO. Not only is she an amazing entertainer and juggler, but also the winner of the 2014 International Juggler’s Association Busker’s Competition. The show begins at 7:30pm and the cost is a $10 suggested donation. There will also be a free 80’s dance/juggling party after the show.
On Friday evening, Toy Boat will host a free “Renegade” show at 10:30pm, which is a type of “open stage” for performers to try new material and expand the boundaries of their craft. This show is recommended for audiences 18+. The festival will conclude on Sunday September 24 at the Toy Boat Community Art Space with more open juggling starting at 10am.
The Asheville Juggling Festival is a not-for-profit event put on by the Asheville based juggling troupe, Forty Fingers & A Missing Tooth. Their mission with this festival is to share their passion of juggling and object manipulation, providing a fun environment that people can share and learn new skills. Learn more at www.ashevillejugglingfestival.com.