Getting down to business

• Industry: Logistics and Transportation
• Growth: 1,316%

• Industry: Consumer Services
• Growth: 592%

• Industry: Advertising and Marketing
• Growth: 571%

• Industry: Logistics and Transportation
• Growth: 509%

• Industry: IT Services
• Growth: 462%

• Industry: Food and Beverage
• Growth: 135%

• Third Act Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 4-6 p.m. | River Arts District Brewing Company | Free | Join this climate action group formed by folks 60+ years old for food, beers, fun, and info about its mission.
• Historic Asheville Sessions Project Information Session | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 5-7 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | Free | Learn about the project that interprets + celebrates recordings made by OKeh General Phonograph Corporation in WNC’s summer of 1925.

• The Cooking Competition | Friday, Aug. 16 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | A-B Tech | $35 | During this Bite Me AVL event, four local chefs will compete in three rounds to see who wins the $1,000 prize (and the bragging rights, of course).
• Cosmic Charlie | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7 p.m. | Salvage Station | $20-$25 | Catch a show from the band that describes themselves as a Grateful Dead cover band “for folks that are ambivalent about Dead cover bands.”

• Plant Club Pop-Up Market | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Canopy Gallery at Art Garden AVL | Free | Meet local growers + makers while you shop for rare tropical plants, native medicinals, handmade pots, paintings, and more.
• Day of Rock 2 Festival | Saturday, Aug. 17-Sunday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $45-$85 | The inaugural festival will bring 28 local, regional, and national rock bands to the stage over two days.

• Junk-O-Rama Vintage Flea Market | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fleetwood’s | Find vintage clothing, crafts, antiques, and more from an array of vendors.
• Wild Walk: A Behind the Scenes Tour | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 1:30-3 p.m. | WNC Nature Center | $35-$40 | Folks 16+ can get an exclusive look at how the center feeds and cares for animals and be a part of an animal enrichment session.

• Asheville Sandwich Company is slinging sandwiches and ice cream treats at its new location at 330 Rockwood Rd. in Arden. Right now, you can visit Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — but extended shop hours are coming soon.

• Inspired by its Reduce Rain Runoff initiative, RiverLink is unveiling the Reduce Roof Runoff program, offering qualifying residents free and low-cost stormwater solutions, like rain barrel installation. Folks in the Central Asheville, Smith Mill Creek, and Upper Swannanoa watersheds can complete an interest form to see if they’re eligible.

• The NCDOT awarded the contract for the south section of the I-26 Connector to Archer-Wright Joint Venture. The south section, which runs from the Smokey Park Highway interchange on I-40 to the I-26 interchange, could begin construction later this month and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2028.

• We’re in for a treat. From Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 25, Chef Katie Button and Cúrate Pastry Chef Andrew Buie are offering a special four-course prix fixe dessert experience at La Bodega. You can make a reservation for the Summer of Sweets pop-up with the option to add wine pairings.

• $2.97 billion. That’s how much visitors to Asheville and Buncombe County spent in 2023, according to a study from Tourism Economics. Data shows that nearly 14 million people visited Buncombe County in 2023 and their spending makes up 20% of the county’s GDP.

• A Catamount turned Panther. Tyler Smith, former Western Carolina University offensive lineman, has signed with the Carolina Panthers. Smith was originally signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent but was waived in late May. We think big cats are more Smith’s style anyway.

• When you think about Asheville, what local businesses come to mind? We’re positive you just started a mental list and we’d love to compare notes. Share your favorites with us by Friday, August 16. Ready, set, nominate.

• We’re absolutely obsessed with this modern pier/pillar masterpiece in Old Fort. Maybe it’s the double glass doors leading to the upper balcony. Or maybe it’s the fact that two local breweries + a winery are a few steps down the street.*

• Love writing as much as we do? Join the Great Smokies Writers Program to try your hand at multiple forms of creative writing, led by published writers and experienced teachers. Five-,10-, and 15-week courses start as early as late August. See courses + register.*

• So, you’re retired. Now what? Kickstart your new adventure. Here’s a way to stay sharp, active, and impactful in Asheville.*