Eastern Phoebe

Black-Throated Green Warbler

Tree Swallows

• Adlib Clothing’s Anniversoiree | Wednesday, April 24 | 5-7 p.m. | Adlib Clothing, 23 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Celebrate 35 years of business with live music from Mr. Jimmy and Paul McIntire, small bites, drinks, and door prizes.
• AVL Writers Weekly Critique | Wednesday, April 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Odd’s Cafe, 800 Haywood Rd., Ste. A-110, Asheville | Free | Bring a project to share with the group, or just join to discuss + get inspired — RSVP before attending.

• Thomas Wolfe Literary Award Ceremony | Thursday, April 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Ferguson Building Auditorium at A-B Tech, 19 Tech Dr., Asheville | $0-$10 | Help honor the 2024 recipient of the award, which is presented annually for printed works that focus on WNC.
• Craft Beer Dinner | Thursday, April 25 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Twisted Laurel Weaverville, 10A S. Main St., Weaverville | $60 | Indulge in a specially curated menu paired with craft beers from Salt Face Mule Brewing Co.

• Asheville Spring Herb Festival | Friday, April 26-Sunday, April 28 | Times vary | Davis Center at WNC Agricultural Center, 765 Boyleston Hwy., Fletcher | Free | Spring into the season by exploring 70+ vendors of herbs and herb-based products, enjoying food, and attending workshops.
• Blind Date Live! | Friday, April 26 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $22-$25 | Watch as real Asheville singles look for love, sight unseen — the special show for Mother’s Day will feature local moms + dads.
• Thurgood | Friday, April 26-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln., Asheville | $10-$48 | Follow the life and work of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court.

• Spring Out ‘24 | Saturday, April 27 | 1-7 p.m. | Wedge Brewery at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Gear up for the community ride with three routes, a pop-up bike park, and an ongoing bicycle frolic.

• Strap on your helmet and hit the Three Rivers Greenway for a biking adventure.
• Explore picturesque Boyd Island — think: stunning views + wildlife sightings galore.
• Don’t miss the chance to catch a rare glimpse of synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park.

• We’re bringing to light a big announcement. Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s annual synchronous firefly viewing will take place Monday, June 3 through Monday, June 10 — and the vehicle reservation lottery is about to open. Apply for viewing access from Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. to Monday, April 29 at 11:59 p.m.

• Buncombe County is seeking community input on its Early Voting Plan for the 2024 Presidential Election with a brief survey on the proposed locations + times for early voting. The Board of Elections will also hear in-person feedback at its Tuesday, April 30 meeting and will vote on the plan on Tuesday, May 7.

• For the first time since 2019, the full scope of the Mountain Science Expo and Native Azalea Day are returning to The North Carolina Arboretum. This Saturday, April 27, stop by for a day of plein air artists, STEM learning, nature walks, wildlife talks, and a presentation from the UNC Asheville STEAM artists + engineers.

• During the Monday, April 22 public hearing, the Buncombe County Planning Board deferred the vote for proposed short-term rental amendments — the deferment initially lasts 100 days but could be extended. Citing community discussion based on “misinformation,” the board postponed the vote to further explore public input. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• You’ve got mail. This week, a random sampling of Buncombe County residents will receive a survey to give feedback on the Systemwide Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The survey will arrive by mail and will take around 15-20 minutes to complete. If you don’t get a survey, you can still share input online.

• $444.9 million. That’s the expenditure total for Buncombe County’s proposed FY25 budget — along with $416.5 million in revenues. This second-pass budget decreased expenditures by $18.5 million and added $4.2 million in revenue updates. The County will seek community input throughout May and hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4.

• Riverbend Malt House, the local malt production facility and first craft malt house in the South, became the first Certified Regenified malt house in the world earlier this year. This certification recognizes the processing of certified regenified grains and regenerative agricultural practices, which focus on soil health for ecosystem support.

• Got a budding artist on your hands? MountainTrue is hosting its first-ever Kid’s Merchandise Design Contest, where participants ages 10-14 can illustrate their love of the beauty + biodiversity of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out the guidelines and submit designs by Friday, May 24.

• Get summer-ready while improving leg health by addressing varicose and spider veins with skilled specialists. The Vein Specialist in Arden utilizes cutting-edge technology for both medically necessary and cosmetic treatments. See options + schedule an appointment.*

• $9,000. That’s how much you may be eligible to receive in solar + battery system rebates with Duke PowerPair. Combined with the existing Federal Tax Credit, homeowners can save 50% or more of the total system cost. Find out if you’re eligible before the deadline.*