05.22.2024

Today’s Forecast

83º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. | Sunset 8:34 p.m.

It’s all about the grind

Doing the work at GRINDfest

A large crowd of people all look at the camera at Grindfest

The three-day event will be filled with fun and fellowship. | Photo by Tony Shivers

When GRINDfest launched in 2021, it was supposed to be a block party. J. Hackett and Bruce Waller, founders of Black Wall Street AVL, got together and jotted down their ideas on sticky notes. More than anything, it was meant to celebrate Black business and entrepreneurship.

It turns out that when AVLtoday heard about it, we called it a “festival” and Hackett got a call from the City of Asheville about permits. Even after resolving all the details though, word about a “festival” had already gotten out — and the first event had ~4,000 people turn up.

A group of dancers are led by an instructor in a dance class — Don’t forget your dancing shoes.
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Photo by Tony Shivers

Join the community

Even so, the block party atmosphere has persisted. This Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, the event will take over the A-B Tech Conference Center with food trucks, carnival rides, ax throwing, a bike park, and performances. There’s also a kick-off party on Thursday, Harlem Nights Casino on Friday, and a Slick Rick + Doug E Fresh concert on Saturday.

Amid the revelry, local vendors will showcase their work + wares and there will be educational, employment, and networking opportunities.

The event is free and open to the public, but make sure to register.

A group of people in chairs pose for a selfie — Education and networking are on the agenda, too.
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Photo by Tony Shivers

Make a connection

GRINDfest has made some changes since its first year, finding what works best and expanding its reach, but its heart of community connection has carried through. “There are so many forces that try to keep people apart,” says Hackett. “We want to be one of those forces that brings people together.”

Simultaneously, though, its purpose is to elevate Black businesses and highlight their work to the public in a tangible, actionable way. “Asheville has a really big heart, and we talk a lot, but this is the time for us actually come out and play together and grow together,” says Hackett. “And if you’re gonna spend money on items and if you’re going to have deep-fried foolishness, let’s do it together with people of color.”

Events

Wednesday, May 22

EcoExplore: Herpetology Encounters | Wednesday, May 22 | 2-3 p.m. | Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Rd., Leicester | Free | Little ones can learn about the lives and ecosystems of reptiles + amphibians from NC Arboretum experts.
Citizen Swing | Wednesday, May 22 | 6 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Help say a harmonious farewell to Citizen Swing curator Connor Law before he moves to California.

Thursday, May 23

The Misfit Improv Jam Jam | Thursday, May 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Put your name in a bucket to test out your improv skills, or just watch the community come together for comedy.
AVL Burlesque & Sideshow Festival Opening Party | Thursday, May 23 | 8 p.m. | Crow & Quill, 106 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | $15 | Kick off the festival with cocktails, live music, juggling, belly dancing, and sideshow entertainment.

Friday, May 24

“Edward III” | Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville | Free | Catch the last weekend of the Montford Park Players’ first show of the Wars of the Roses season.
SART Spectrum | Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26 | Times vary | Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, 44 College St., Mars Hill | $10-$25 | Enjoy a musical comedy revue of the theater’s greatest hits to celebrate its 50th season.

Saturday, May 25

Spritz Soiree | Saturday, May 25 | 2-6 p.m. | District 42, 7 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free entry | Sip signature spritzes and savor delicious specials to help launch patio season.

100+ events in AVL

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Travel

Why Columbia, SC should be your next stop for creative inspiration

A GIF showcasing arts and culture to experience in Columbia, SC.

Just a short drive away, Columbia boasts a thriving arts + culture scene with everything from museums and murals to live shows and more. | Photos by Forrest Clonts + Marquita Wright

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a significant other, or planning a family adventure this summer, there’s a nearby option brimming with arts and culture — both historical and modern. Enter: Columbia, SC.

With a different live performance or art film just about every single day, you’ll have plenty to see and do at one (or more) of these must-visit spots:

Explore the arts in the heart of SC

News Notes

Traffic

Hiawassee Street between Rankin Avenue and North Lexington is closed until Friday, June 7 for stormwater line replacement. Don’t worry about your social schedule, though — the City of Asheville is working with Harrah’s Cherokee Center to make sure events are impacted as little as possible.

Cause

If you left your spring cleaning a little late, The Whale Outpost is seeking donations for a community yard sale supporting its May nonprofit partner, 12 Baskets Cafe. Drop off items at The Outpost during business hours, then stop by the yard sale this Saturday, May 25.

Eat

Southside Community Farm is hosting its first Fourth Sunday Dinner of the year this Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m. Spend the afternoon exploring the farm, mingling with the community, and eating delicious food at this no-pressure potluck (so bring a dish, if you can, or just bring yourself, if you can’t).

Drink

Highland Brewing Company and Wicked Weed Brewing have teamed up with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for two small-batch brews to support conservation efforts. Wicked Holler is on tap at Highland through Sunday, May 26, and Highland Holler will be at Wicked Weed Thursday, May 23-Saturday, June 1.

Plan Ahead

Due to very popular demand, author and humorist David Sedaris will have a second show at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts this fall. The first show on Sunday, Nov. 3 is already sold out, but you can still grab tickets for Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.

Civic

To accommodate the growth and evolving needs of the area, Buncombe County has added a third assistant county manager to help manage, consult with, and provide guidance to various departments. Long-time county employee Tim Love will fill the role.

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Seasonal

The NC Arboretum’s annual Spring Plant Sale and Market returns to the grounds on Friday, May 31. The two-day event features 30+ local growers and businesses, free workshops, live music, and more. See the vendors + plant ahead.*

Health

Wild Health creates you a personalized 50-page report detailing your ideal nutrition, exercise, and recovery plan — all based off your genetics + biometrics. Get 20% off with code WH20.*

Holiday

Commemorating Memorial Day

Commemorate Memorial Day in Asheville

American flags in front of a memorial day brochure

You can be a part of the ceremonies to remember the day. | Photo via City of Asheville

Each year, on the last Monday in May, the country observes Memorial Day to honor US military personnel who died in the line of duty.

This Monday, May 27, join in the remembrance with these events honoring the day.

Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 27 | 10 a.m. | WNC State Veterans Cemetery, 926 W. Old Hwy. 70, Black Mountain | Lt. Col. (Ret.) Harold Minnick will offer remarks, and veteran writing group Brothers and Sisters Like These will share readings. You can also watch a recording of the ceremony on the city’s YouTube channel.
Memorial Day Observance | Monday, May 27 | 11 a.m. | Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville | Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Kathleen Gainey is the guest speaker, and the program will include live music from Reuter Center Singers and Howard Dusenbury on bagpipes.

The Buy

Group A, The Buy 5.22.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Lululemon’s everywhere belt bag, which you truly can take everywhere, from errands to hikes to shopping. Points for being hands-free.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

Life has been a lot lately (I’m sure many of you can relate) — so when I saw the words “Self Care Sunday” appear on my Instagram feed, Emote immediately had my attention. Stop by the shop this Sunday, May 26 for Cuban coffee and treats from Haywood Famous, a massage chair pop-up from Rosa Ruda Bodywork, and a free mimosa.

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