Get a bite of the basics

From eats to education

• Open Mic Night | Wednesday, July 31 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Twin Leaf Brewery, 144 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Sign up to put your musical skills in the spotlight or just sit back and enjoy the show.
• Beginner Ballroom Class | Wednesday, July 31 | 6-6:50 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | $12 | Put on your dancing shoes to learn the fundamentals of styles like waltz, tango, and foxtrot — no partner necessary.

• Eric Sommer | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 8-11 p.m. | One World Brewing - Downtown, 10 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | Take in acoustic and new folk tunes featuring harmonicas, slide, and open-tuning compositions.
• Petty Funny | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | LaZoom Room, 76 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $15 | Channel your grudges for a comedy show about pettiness, spite, and everything else that fuels us.

• Southside Block Party | Friday, Aug. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Gather with friends and neighbors for a night of music from DJ Audio, food, and family fun.
• “Henry V” | Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville | Free | Take a seat for thrilling battles, international struggle, and regal transformation in one of Shakespeare’s most beloved histories.

• Pickle Palooza Tournament | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville | $25-$45 | Bring a partner or team up with someone new as you compete to be crowned community pickleball royalty.
• French Broad River Cleanup | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Craven Street Bridge French Broad River Access, 192 Riverside Dr., Asheville | Free | If giving back floats your boat, help keep the river clean by picking up trash — gear will be provided + prizes awarded.

• Although exact timing is uncertain, the National Weather Service has warned of hazardous weather conditions in the region. The forecasted showers and thunderstorms for today may bring damaging wind gusts, lightning, and localized flooding. Check out resources from the county, and sign up for BCAlerts.

• Yesterday, Bryson City native Evy Leibfarth qualified for the semifinals of the women’s canoe single heats at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She’ll compete in the semifinal this morning, July 31 at 9:30 a.m. As the first American woman to qualify for three canoe + kayak events, Leibfarth is used to rocking the boat. (WCNC)

• The Housing Authority of Asheville has shared the expected awardees for four properties, three of which are former Head Start buildings. The anticipated recipients are Community Action Opportunities, which managed the Head Start early childhood education programming, Christine Avery Center, and Asheville PEAK Academy. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• WNC Farmers Market and author + teacher Ashley English are partnering for a new educational series. Market Made will include classes and videos on everything from seasonal produce recipes to strategic shopping at the market (we can help you get started). The first class, Home Canning 101, will take place this Saturday, Aug. 3.

• If your job search needs a breath of fresh air, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation might be able to help. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the organization will host a free webinar on National Park Service job opportunities. Attendees will get insider tips on navigating the federal government’s job website and landing a position.

• Metal filtration technology manufacturer SELEE announced a $7 million expansion of production and facilities in Henderson County. The investment, supported by the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, will include $4.5 million in personal property improvements + retain 110 jobs.

• Meet your new shopping BFF. ShopUp is a free, AI-powered app that shares discounts + deals from your favorite local shops, restaurants, groceries, and more. Bonus: It can even help you earn extra credit card rewards with personalized recs. Download Apple or Android.*

• Built in Brooks Cove in 2024, this 3-bed, 2-bath home features a luxe primary suite with a double vanity + walk-in closet, plus a dazzling modern kitchen perfect for entertaining. See how close you’d be to 8+ local hotspots.*

• Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Public high schools

• Grades 9-12
• Total enrollment: 1,155
• Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
• Tuition-free
• No. 92 in NC High Schools

• Grades 9-12
• Total enrollment: 344
• Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
• Tuition-free
• No. 47 in NC High Schools

Private schools

• Grades PK3-12
• Total enrollment: 595
• Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
• Tuition: $20,400-$49,200