Move over, Rubik’s cubes and bouncy balls.
*Assembly Required is rallying a fleet of innovative, off-the-wall, indie toys from all over the continent at this year’s Asheville Designer Toy Expo. The event, organized by local toy maker collective Unboxing Asheville , will take place at The Grey Eagle from Saturday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 5.
This annual expo made its Asheville debut in 2019, with the goal of exclusively highlighting avant-garde toys made by local and independent artists. The difference between these toys, as opposed to more mainstream ones, is that they’re intended for display rather than play.
Often, designer toy artists draw inspiration from “underground and subcultural elements. ” Think: bubblegum horror, Black Sabbath action figures , and steampunk superheroes.
This year, 32 artists hailing from Asheville, Canada, and everywhere in between will have work for sale and on display.
Intrigued? Here’s what to know before you go:
- The event runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5.
- Location: The Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave.).
- Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids and include entry for both days.