August 17-22, 2026
Honoring the colorful spirit of Henderson's past while planting seeds for its future.
Way to GROW! is back for its 4th annual celebration, and this year's theme is ColorFestival Homecoming.
This weeklong experience invites residents, families, entrepreneurs, former residents, and friends of the community to come home to the people, places, memories, and possibilities that make Henderson and Vance County special.
Inspired by the nostalgic spirit of Henderson's former ColorFest, this year's celebration will weave together color, creativity, small business, art, music, and community pride in a way that honors the past while building toward the future.
RSVP for the Way to GRow! Festival
Guests who RSVP in advance will receive a free Way to GROW!
tote bag the day of the festival while supplies last.
At the heart of this year's celebration is one question:
What seed are you planting, and what harvest do you hope to grow?
Interested in being a sponsor? Call us at 252.492.6298
Way to GROW!
Week Overview
Monday | August 17th
Each Ward. Every District. One Community.
Join us for a countywide day of block parties filled with food, music, fun, and fellowship as we celebrate the neighborhoods, families, and communities that make our county strong.
From local parks to community gathering spaces, we'll come together to connect, celebrate, and showcase the spirit of our county.
Tuesday | August 18th
Local businesses. Local dollars. Local impact.
Spend the day supporting the small businesses, restaurants, and entrepreneurs that help our communities thrive. Across Vance, Franklin, Granville, and Warren counties, discover local favorites, meet business owners, and invest in the people and places that keep our local economy growing.
Wednesday | August 19th
What Could We GROW!? Downtown Vision Walk
See the possibilities. Share your vision. Shape what's next.
Take a walk through downtown Henderson and imagine what could be.
Together, we'll explore vacant buildings and underutilized spaces while envisioning new opportunities for business, housing, entertainment, and community life.
The evening concludes with a conversation featuring local economic development and downtown leaders.
Thursday | August 20th
The Home Table
Good food. Great people. One community.
Gather with friends, neighbors, and community members for a special ticketed community dinner in downtown Henderson. Enjoy great food, live music, and meaningful conversation as we come together around tables throughout the venue to celebrate the people, relationships, and community spirit that make Henderson home. This is a paid event. Tickets will soon be available for purchase.
Friday | August 21st
Roots and Routes
Explore your future. Discover your path.
For high schoolers or recent graduates. Connect with colleges, employers, skilled trades professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders while exploring the many pathways available after high school.
Whether you're planning your next step or discovering new possibilities, this event is designed to inspire the next generation and connect them to opportunities for success.
Saturday
August 22nd
The 4th Annual
Way to GROW! Festival
in Beautiful Downtown Henderson
Festival Day downtown featuring vendors, music, art, family activities, and colorful experiences inspired by the spirit of ColorFest.
We are very excited about our lineup.
Musical Acts will be announced soon!
Interested in becoming a vendor for the Way to GROW! ColorFestival?
Apply to Be a Vendor
We welcome vendors that reflect the creativity, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our community and region, including small businesses, artists, makers, food vendors, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Artist Call
Artists are invited to submit existing or new work for the
Way to GROW! ColorFestival Homecoming Art Gallery.
We welcome all visual art mediums and artistic interpretations
that reflect this year’s theme of homecoming, color, community, memory, growth, and possibility.
Selected works will be displayed during the festival and may be offered for sale.
Artists are also encouraged to sign up as vendors to sell additional work on festival day.
Attend
RSVP here for updates and special announcements.
Free Way to GROW! tote bags will be given to registered attendees on a first come first served basis at the festival.
Please visit the registration table to sign-in and receive your tote while supplies last.
Show your support and become a friend of the festival by pre-purchasing a Way to GROW! T-shirt or hat through the RSVP link. Or call The Gateway Center at 252.492.6298 to pre-order.
Click on "Get Tickets" to register, donate or pre-purchase Way to GROW! Merch.
All proceeds support the success of Way to GROW!
Pre-orders may be picked up during festival week or on festival day at Gateway CDC, 314 S. Garnett St., Henderson, NC 27536.
T-shirts may not be available for purchase on festival day, so pre-purchase is encouraged.
Share Your Seed Campaign
This year, we are asking the community:
What seed are you planting, and what will your harvest be?
Whether your seed is hope, art, business, kindness, investment, mentorship, youth opportunity, or community pride, we want to hear from you.
Community responses may be featured in festival marketing, public displays, Wednesday's downtown visioning experience, and Way to GROW! ColorFestival day installations.
FAQ
What is Way to GROW!?
Way to GROW! is an annual community festival and weeklong celebration in Henderson centered on entrepreneurship, community pride, culture, creativity, and local engagement.
What is this year's theme?
The 2026 theme is Homecoming, focused on returning to community, honoring local memories, and imagining the future we want to build together.
Is this year connected to ColorFest?
Yes. This year's celebration is inspired by the spirit and nostalgia of Henderson's former ColorFest and will incorporate colorful, creative, and family-friendly elements into the week and festival day experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the Way to GROW! ColorFestival
How can I participate?
You can attend events, shop locally and with our regional partners, become a vendor, volunteer, join the interest list, and participate in the community seed campaign.
Where will the festival take place?
Events will take place across Vance County during the week, with major downtown Henderson activities including the community visioning experience, community dinner, and festival day.
All Rights Reserved | Way to GROW! Week and Festival. Presented The Gateway CDC, Helping All People Excel, The Love Dawning, Bright Ideas Media Solutions and Events and The Creative Development Foundation.
