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• City of Asheville Spring Free Store | Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Donate items through Thursday then browse upcycled offerings Friday and Saturday.
• The Art of Beer | Thursday, May 16 | 5:30 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Launch the AVL Beer Week celebration with a panel discussion, interactive board games, music from DJ Nex Millen, and food + drinks.
• Third Thursday: DJ Phantompantone | Thursday, May 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free with admission | Socialize with a lively soundtrack and beautiful views on the rooftop sculpture terrace.

• Black Mountain Beautification Committee Garden Sale | Friday, May 17-Saturday, May 18 | Times vary | Black Mountain Town Square, 100 State St., Black Mountain | Free | Explore the botanical offerings from vendors to support the Seed Money and Community Improvement Awards.
• Shiloh Fish Fry | Friday, May 17 | 4-7 p.m. | Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd., Asheville | $5 | Dine on Chef Shateisha’s fried fish sandwiches and enjoy a little community.
• Haunted History Tour | Friday, May 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W. State St., Black Mountain | $25-$30 | Travel the historic district’s most storied (and spirited) streets to learn the haunting and harrowing history of the valley.

• Black History Bicycle Ride and Lunch | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | SAHC Community Farm, 24 Mag Sluder Rd., Alexander | Free | Set out on a 16-mile cycle exploring farmland conservation and rural Black history in the area — registration is required.
• Wing Wonderland | Saturday, May 18 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Ste. 10, Asheville | $25-$45 | Let your palate soar to new heights while 10 local chefs celebrate the culinary potential of the chicken wing.
• Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 7: Titan | Saturday, May 18 | 2 p.m. | Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln., Brevard | $17-$75 | This two-part Masterworks Series finale features world-renowned pianist Olga Kern + Mahler’s legendary Symphony No. 1, “Titan."*

• Kim Waters Smooth Jazz Supper Club | Sunday, May 19 | 6 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $100 | Join an enchanting experience of soulful tunes and a Southern-style buffet.

• The Asheville City Council approved a downtown Business Improvement District (BID) in a 5-1 vote on Tuesday, May 14. The BID, which levies a tax property owners pay for additional services, requires two votes to be officially established — the second vote will take place Tuesday, June 11. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Luminosa officially opened its doors yesterday. Executive Chef Graham House, Chef de Cuisine Sean McMullen + their team are serving Italian fare made with local ingredients on the ground floor of the Flat Iron Hotel (which also opened yesterday). Grab a table for dinner every day starting at 5 p.m.

• In advance of building its proposed hospital outside Weaverville, AdventHealth is hosting several listening sessions to gather public feedback on community health needs. The first Buncombe County session is tonight, May 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Buncombe County Training Center in Woodfin. (WLOS)

• Say goodbye to bad hair days. Pigtails & Crewcuts, which offers haircuts especially for kids, is opening an Asheville location. The salon’s vehicle-shaped chairs, bright colors, and sensory-safe services will find a home at 11 Crispin Ct., Ste. E-104. Keep an eye out for an opening date, expected around mid-June.

• Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is sowing the seeds of local food with the release of its 2024-2025 Local Food Guide. The guide includes lists of family farms by region, schedules for farmers tailgate markets, and partner businesses, as well as recipes and feature stories. Check out the online resource or find a physical copy.

• Will you answer the call? The Buncombe County Consolidated 911 Center is looking to add a community member at large to its Communications Steering Committee, which provides feedback for the Public Safety Communications Department and evaluates performance + procedures. Apply by Saturday, June 15.

• The Junior League of Asheville announced the recipients of its 4th Annual Be the Change Grant Program funds, which support organizations serving vulnerable individuals and children. The 10 WNC nonprofits, including Literacy Together and Mercy Mountain Foundation, each received $1,000 grants.

• The National Endowment for the Arts presented ArtsAVL with a $75,000 Grants for Arts Projects award. The funds will aid in supporting local arts organizations in the coming year and help replace expiring American Rescue Plan dollars from the North Carolina Arts Council.

• There aren’t many jobs that let you earn while you learn to help quickly advance your career. But this award-winning company here in Asheville has an accredited Apprenticeship Program dedicated to just that.*

• Dive into a world of worlds at Well Played Board Game Cafe, home of 700+ unique games ranging from timeless classics to the latest releases. Weekly events include Dungeons + Dragons, Sunday Trivia, monthly tournaments, and more. See the menu + snag a free game pass.*

• There’s something you don’t see every day. This 5 bed, 6 bath Montreat gem features a stunning two-story stone fireplace, expansive hosting spaces + oversized living area windows for that perfect morning glow. Take a look inside.*