• Passenger numbers in 2022 were the highest ever, with more than 1.8 million folks using our airport. That’s a 29% increase from 2021.
• The Asheville airport is now the third busiest airport in the state, bringing in $9.4 million worth of net revenue this past year.
• In 2023, the airport is on track to break last year’s record-setting passenger count by a significant margin, with monthly counts already 37% higher than last year.
• Wondering how all those numbers impact us? A recent study from NCDOT reports that it adds up to $2.26 billion in annual economic impact and supports 10,655 jobs.

More on that expansion plan...

• 5 Beer Draft and Can Release | Friday, Apr. 28 | 12-9 p.m. | 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden | Free | Raise a glass to 12 Bones Brewing’s four-year anniversary and try five new beer releases.
• The Music Man the Musical | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Asheville Christian Academy, 74 Riverwood Rd., Swannanoa | $10-$15 | Come see students from all over the Asheville area star in this production of The Music Man.

• World Tai Chi and Qigong Day | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carrier Park Pavilion, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Learn about the practices of qigong and tai chi as you follow along in this group class.
• The Block Party | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 2-7 p.m. | South Liberty Street, 237 S. Liberty St., Asheville | Free | Have some family-friendly fun and support The Pisgah Conservancy with live music, local vendors, food trucks, and craft beverages.
• Mutual Aid Market | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 12-4 p.m. | The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Bring nonperishable food, gently used clothing, and kitchenware and take what you need at this market featuring local vendors and artisans.

• Headshot Photoshoot Event | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 2-5 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge- South Slope Lounge, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $35-$65 | Update your headshot with two packages to choose from — and reward yourself with a beer after.
• House of Yoga Experience | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Venue, 21 N. Market S., Asheville | $90-$170 | This yoga experience will be led by Joe Rocco Falco, director of teacher training at Hot Yoga Asheville.
• AVL Film Mixer | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 3-5 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Ste 200, Asheville | Free | Connect with local filmmakers to build your network.

• Asheville City Council approved a new 60-unit “100% affordable” development in East Asheville. Mountain Housing Opportunities, an Asheville-based nonprofit, is the owner and developer of the project. The units will target residents who make 30-60% of the area’s median income. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• A new conscious lifestyle boutique is now open in the River Arts District. There There, located at 20 Artful Way, sells thoughtfully curated, eco-conscious goods including clothing, accessories, and home goods. Stop by, shop the online store, or plan ahead for its grand opening party on Saturday, May 6.

• Historic logs need moving, and the The Appalachian Barn Alliance is asking you. Volunteer to help reconstruct a historic barn for public viewing by moving logs onto a new site. Volunteers must be able to work together to lift heavy logs for a four-hour shift on Friday, May 5 or Saturday, May 6.

• Wicked Weed Brewing earned the No. 1 ranking as the “most searched-for” craft brewery in North Carolina, according to a report from The Loupe and data sourced from BeerAdvocate. This ranking was determined using local keyword search data over the last five years. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Any herb fans in the house? The 33rd annual Asheville Spring Herb Festival will take place Friday, May 5-Sunday, May 7 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fairview. Free workshops will be offered on everything from container gardening to cultivating lavender to herbal first aid, plus herbs for purchase. See thymes.

• Asheville musician Andrew Scotchie’s new music video “Note to Self” is out. Filmed along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the song, in Scotchie’s words, is for “anyone struggling with OCD, PTSD, or severe anxiety.” Stay tuned for the release of his fifth album “Love is Enough” on June 9 + the June 10 album release party.

• Curious about CrossFit? Check out Westridge CrossFit at the Ferguson Family Y location. Participants can enjoy a variety of workouts and equipment to achieve their goals. Bonus: Members of Westridge CrossFit also receive all the benefits of a Y membership, including childcare.*

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• Ditch the hangover without having to ditch your favorite cocktail with Ritual Zero Proof Spirits. The award-winning brand makes non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey so you can enjoy the ritual of having a drink without feeling icky the following day. Psst — check out Ritual’s collection of cocktail recipes.

• Our online store (Six & Main) is now featuring LuLu & Oliver, a soy-based candle line, based right here in Asheville. This brand prides itself on having a thoughtful approach to the small batch process as well as offering eco-friendly products. Shop unique items such as farmhouse dough bowls and more.

• Green roof (aka a roof covered with soil and vegetation) designed by Living Roofs, Inc.
• Mural by local artist Gus Cutty
• A free screening of the documentary “Julian Price: Envisioning Community, Investing in People” by local documentarian Erin Derham