Tracking the storm

Staying safe

• Make a plan and create an emergency kit with items like nonperishable food, water, and a battery-operated flashlight.
• Secure any outdoor items that could be hazardous in high winds.
• Know the contacts to reach out to in the case of an emergency or to report fallen trees or power outages.
• Travel only when necessary, and use caution on the roads.
• Stay up to date with live reporting from local sources like BPR, Asheville Citizen-Times, and WLOS.

• Ashevillians Comedy Showcase | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8 p.m. | LaZoom Room | $12 | See local comedians take the stage for this monthly showcase.

• Hiking and Crafting Dream Estate Auction | Friday, Sept. 27-Monday, Sept. 30 | Times vary | Virtual | Free | Place online bids on outdoor gear and crafting items.

• Community Day | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 12-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Free | Visit for free to see the new exhibition, “Ginny Ruffner: Reforestation of the Imagination,” with tours, live music, art activities, and a talk with UNCA New Media students.

• WTF Music Festival | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 12:30 p.m. | Salvage Station | $15+ | Rock out at this festival that celebrates women and nonbinary musicians and works to change inequalities in the music industry.

• Mindful Movements Yoga | Monday, Sept. 30-Monday, Nov. 4 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | $5 | Participate in this meditative practice open to all skill levels with instructor Laura Towell.

• Buncombe County Health and Human Services has issued a public health alert after a rise in whooping cough cases across multiple schools. Since Aug. 12, 18 cases have been reported, with many still under investigation. Learn more about symptoms, good hygiene practices, and scheduling vaccinations with the county health department.

• A revised plan for the Ramada Inn project passed the City Council in a 4-3 vote. A deed restriction was amended to 50 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans, 50 affordable housing units for people at or below 50% AMI, and 13 nonspecified affordable units. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Earth River Records is celebrating three years with a party at its shop on Saturday, Oct. 12. Hear sets from DJs all day long, add to your collection with $1 records, and sip on free beer from Salt Face Mule — RSVP so your attendance is on record.

• Beginning Saturday, Oct. 12, 61 area homes will be on display for the 43rd annual WNC Parade of Homes. From luxury homes to net-zero-energy digs, you can see 32 homes in person and the rest online. Plus, on Friday, Oct. 11, you can join the Tastes of Tour for light bites and drinks while you view three homes with the builders and designers.

• UNC Asheville and Warren Wilson College just made US News and World Report’s National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings. The schools nabbed the 132nd and 187-204th spots, respectively, based on metrics like classroom resources + graduates’ starting salaries.

• Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives and get rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Western North Carolina seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*

• Pisgah Legal hosts its 14th Annual Justice Forum on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. This free community event will feature a conversation with Marielena Hincapié, a social justice leader, and highlight stories from Pisgah Legal’s efforts to support local immigrant families.*

• Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*

• You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*