PLANT A SEED.
GROW A GARDEN.

Fund The Festival

Two women sitting on chairs on a stage in front of a large colorful screen at the Connect Beyond Festival, promoting a fireside chat with Megan Twohey about her work as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative reporter, with logos of sponsors at the bottom.

Since 2018, Connect Beyond Festival has been a movement & experience unlike any other in WNC.

Every year, we move forward with one goal:

Let’s inspire meaningful social change.

DONATE NOW

Audience seated and waiting at an event in a dimly lit venue with colorful signs and lights.
3% Cover the Fee

Connect Beyond is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your donation is tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt by email after your donation for your tax records. For donations larger than $1,000, please contact partnerships@connectbeyondfestival.com.

OUR MISSION

  • Created By Artists

    We realize our vision through thoughtfully curated panels, readings, performances, and screenings featuring filmmakers, musicians, authors, academics, journalists, and activists.


  • Community-Fostered Connection

    Connected By Community

    Together, we explore our shared experiences and differences, addressing today’s most pressing challenges and fostering connection—all in service to the human condition.

  • Inclusivity and Interactivity

    Youthful Ideas, Seasoned Perspectives

    Our events are designed to be inclusive and interactive, blending fresh, youthful ideas with seasoned perspectives.

  • Accessible to All

    Accessible To All

    We welcome a diverse community of pioneers across disciplines, ensuring our programming is accessible, relevant, and impactful for all.

In 2026, attendees will experience our boldest vision to date…

A black and white drawing of a surreal scene with interconnected elements including trees with human faces, birds emerging from televisions in trees, and a person playing piano. In the background, there is a house, clouds, a landscape, and people walking with a child.

Join us at The Orange Peel May 29-31, 2026 and experience “The Community Garden,” an interactive art experience taking over the entire venue. During the weekend, attendees will fully immerse in a multi-sensory, multimedia “garden.”

You can help bring this to life through your tax-deductible donation!

Our festival is made possible by sponsors, organizations and individual donors.

Curiosity

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Creativity

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Collaboration

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Curiosity · Creativity · Collaboration ·