By the numbers

• This year, the festival expects to host nearly 10,000 people (which includes attendees, artists, staff, and volunteers).
• More than 200 artists performed last year, but this year’s lineup includes 350+ artists.
• Those artists will perform on 22 stages across the city, with venues like Eulogy, Citizen Vinyl, and Jack of the Wood joining the festival calendar.

Take note for this year

• Off-the-Grid Storytelling | Thursday, July 25 | 7-9 p.m. | Leveller Brewing Co., 25 N. Main St., Weaverville | Suggested donation | Gather ‘round for Greg Candle’s interactive history of WNC — from the changing borders of “Bunkombe” to prohibition in Madison County.
• New Moon Mountain Festival | Thursday, July 25 | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $15 | See the rhythmic results of School of Rock’s intensive week-long camp during a final show that brings together super groups from the camp’s house bands.

• Summer Skate Series | Friday, July 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Show off your skating skills and jam to the music — rental skates will be available for $3.
• Cat Trivia | Friday, July 26 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | Test your knowledge of feline-centric facts, win some purrrfect prizes, and support Binx’s Home for Black Cats.
• Air Conditioning | Friday, July 26 | 9 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $15 | Escape the summer heat with craft beer, ice cold AC, and a lineup of local + nationally touring comedians.

• Community Yard Sale | Saturday, July 27 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | Free | Start your shopping trip at the community center, then consult the bargain hunters map to see other yard sales around the neighborhood.
• Burton Street Ice Cream Social | Saturday, July 27 | 1-3 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St., Asheville | Free | Get the scoop on summer fun with friends, games, live music, and (of course) ice cream.
• Paint your Partner | Saturday, July 27 | 6-8 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S. Charlotte St., Asheville | $85 for two attendees | Bring along anyone you love and capture their likeness in a portrait — a portion of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

• Show & Tell Sunday Market | Sunday, July 28 | 12-5 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Enjoy bites + bevs while shopping for housewares, art, apparel, and more from local and indie makers.
• Bandana Klezmer Concert | Sunday, July 28 | 4-6 p.m. | Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville | $25 | Spread a blanket on the lawn to listen to the musical traditions of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe.

• After nine months of discussion with the developer and multiple delayed votes, Asheville City Council approved the Meadows at New Haw Creek in a 5-1 vote. The 84-unit development received some last-minute changes, including tree canopy preservation and affordable housing conditions. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Asheville City Council unanimously voted to place an $80 million General Obligation Bond Referendum on the November ballot. The total GO Bonds fall into four categories, with $20 million allocated each to affordable housing, public safety, parks + rec, and transportation. See how those bonds could be used.

• Following a proposal from UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly Van Noort, the UNC Board of Governors approved eliminating UNC Asheville’s Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Drama, Philosophy, and Religious Studies departments and its French and German language concentrations. The curtailments go into effect immediately. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Play ball. At the Tuesday, July 23 meeting, Asheville City Council approved McCormick Field’s $38.5 million renovation project. With hopes to host more than baseball games, the final plans include a new front entrance, merch store, and clubs, as well as back-of-house changes for players. The project will break ground in August. (WLOS)

• Asheville City Council voted to designate the F.W. Woolworth Building, located at 25 Haywood St., as a local historic landmark. The building, which opened in 1939 and now houses the Woolworth Walk gallery, was famously the site of 1960s sit-ins by the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equity.

• HVAC repairs are no longer up in the air. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium will see repairs to and replacement of its HVAC system, after Asheville City Council approved a general services contract with MB Haynes Corporation in its Tuesday, July 23 meeting.

• LEAF Global Arts has officially set the stage for its October festival with the release of the full performance lineup. From Thursday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 20, Sheila E., Béla Fleck + Abigail Washburn, Nnenna Freelon, and many others will share their art. Explore the schedule, and get your tickets.

• Grabbing a coffee or post-work drink this week? Find a local drink deal and raise a glass to Drink Up Week, our annual celebration of our city’s buzzy beverage industry. Businesses around Asheville are offering fun deals — see what’s poppin’.

• When you donate home goods to the Asheville Habitat ReStore, you contribute to a cause that helps build + repair homes in our community. Plus, your donated items will find new love in a fresh space. Drop off or request a pick-up.*

• Here’s a unique program for those looking to get into the healthcare industry: Mission Health recently announced a new apprenticeship program that gets individuals certified as a Medical Assistant in just 12 weeks. Learn about Accelerate MA — not only offering paid training, but also benefits.*

• You deserve beautiful, energy-efficient windows in your home. Get $400 off per window and $850 off per door with Renewal by Andersen®’s limited time offer.*