Nearly one year after Helene swept through WNC, communities are gathering to reflect on its impact, celebrate the region’s strength and resiliency, and continue along the road to recovery. From art shows to panels and fundraisers, here are 10+ opportunities to commemorate one year since Tropical Storm Helene.
Healing HeArts Festival | Tuesday, Sept. 23-Thursday, Sept. 25 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | White Horse Black Mountain | Free | The healing arts festival is promoting community wellbeing and personal recovery.
UNC Asheville Post-Helene Symposium | Wednesday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | UNC Asheville | Free, RSVP | The three-day event will assess the impacts of Helene through the themes “Remembering, Rebuilding, and Reimagining,” facilitating panels and lectures, art exhibits, film screenings, and more interactive events.
The Heart of the Mountains | Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 5:30-8 p.m. | UNC Asheville, Highsmith Student Union | Free, RSVP | Meet local journalists who have been covering Helene and watch them interview unsung heroes who have made a difference in our communities.
Heroes of Helene: Honoring Recovery & Resilience Together | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 4-7 p.m. | Highland Brewing Co. | Free, RSVP | Hosted by the Asheville Chamber, Explore Asheville, and Highland Brewing in partnership with City of Asheville and Buncombe County, this event highlights the bravery of first responders, healthcare workers, linemen, and more local heroes.
From Helene to Here with Root Cause Farm | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 5-8 p.m. | Cultivated Cocktails Distillery and Tavern | Free+ | Honor Root Cause Farm’s generosity in nearly doubling its food distribution after the storm — proceeds from the event benefit the farm’s mission to feed neighbors in need for free.
Listen & Reconnect: Helene Anniversary | Friday, Sept. 26 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Zoom | Free | Resources for Resilience is hosting the special interactive workshop, helping people continue to navigate grief and foster hope and understanding.
“Photos Found in Helene” Opening Reception | Friday, Sept. 26 | 5-8 p.m. | Little Animals | Free | The Photos from Helene Project rescued more than 600 photos from the storm — a selection will be on display alongside stories.
Swannanoa Community Art Show | Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28 | Times vary | 216 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa | Free | Local artists will showcase their powerful work created in response to the disaster at the former church turned community center.
Rise & Brunch - It’s a New Day for WNC | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7-11 a.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ | Free+ | World Central Kitchen served more than one million meals from Bear’s during the storm — the restaurant is keeping the service going with a special breakfast honoring the spirit of WNC.
Helene One Year Later: Community Remembrance & Resilience Day | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | East Asheville Library | Free | The library will host a storytime and two therapy dog sessions for folks of all ages, plus a workshop for adults about grounding your nervous system after a natural disaster.
Swannanoa River Blessing and Beacon Village Gatherings | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Swannanoa Fire Department | Free | Join the community for a walk to the Whitson Avenue Bridge for a river blessing and song (the bridge will be closed to vehicles) — then, join Blunt Pretzels for a free meal and music and Short Sleeves Coffee for kid-friendly activities.
Creative Resilience: Honoring Helene Through The Healing Arts | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 1-6 p.m. | Open Hearts Art Center | Free+ | Participate in donation-based workshops that encourage creative reflection, artmaking, and shared connection.
Stronger than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering | Thursday, Oct. 2 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Asheville Yards | $0+ | MountainTrue is holding its Annual Member Gathering, volunteer appreciation, and community celebration all in one, recognizing this milestone in recovery with live music, local food, and community resources.
There are many more Helene anniversary events happening throughout the region — for more, see articles from Buncombe County and the Citizen Times, plus, explore our events calendar (we recommend expanding the search radius to find more regional events).