The Grey Eagle is hosting several benefit concerts this December. | Photo via The Grey Eagle
With the holidays in full swing, we’re amongst one of the busiest times of the year. But as you mark up your calendars, make room for these 10+ philanthropy-focused events happening this month, supporting organizations working to help meet community needs.
Concerts + performances
Jolly Boat Bash Benefit Show | Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $12 | Local band Boat Command will share the stage alongside plenty of guests, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the River Arts District Artists.
Hip-Hop for Housing | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Co. | Donation-based | All ticket proceeds from this night of live performances benefit Homeward Bound and its mission of ending homelessness in WNC.
Toy drives
13th Annual Ingles Magical Toy Drive | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 | Hours vary | Ingles, Smokey Park Highway | Donate new toys, books, clothing, and gift cards to fill Eblen Charities’ Saint Nicholas Project — you can also purchase gifts online from the nonprofit’s registry.
Thursday, Dec. 5 Dani & Dazey Helene Benefit | 6-11 p.m. | One World Brewing - Downtown | Free | Make a monetary donation or bring winter clothes for this fundraising concert with Dani Grace and Miss Dazey.
Traditional Tales with a Twist | 7-8:30 p.m. | Weaverville Community Center | Free | Hear from four local storytellers as they share unique takes on classic folk and fairy tales.
Friday, Dec. 6 Under the Stars 2024 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Asheville Museum of Science | $65+ | Enjoy games, live music, drinks, and food from Sage and Spice during this fundraising event for the museum and the critical needs of our community.
Saturday, Dec. 7 Puzzle Palooza | 1-4 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center | $5 | Bring a partner to race against other teams to complete a 300-piece puzzle.
An Evening with Patterson Hood | 9 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall | $25+ | The singer-songwriter and co-founder of Drive-By Truckers is touring ahead of his first solo album in 12 years, “Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams.”
Santa’s Stopping by Wicked Weed | 6-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver is stopping by Wicked Weed for an evening of free photos + festive drinks.*
Sunday, Dec. 8 “Finding Home” | 3-5 p.m. | UNC Asheville, Lipinsky Auditorium | $20 | Experience the familiarity of home through classical compositions and holiday favorites from the Blue Ridge Orchestra.
Gift idea alert: Special seasonal savings mean Annual Passes are $90 off for a limited time. | Photos provided by The Biltmore Company, Asheville, NC
Lights are beginning to twinkle, decorations are going up, and the season of warmth + connection is set to begin.
The holidays are here.
As WNC continues to recover, Biltmore invites you to rekindle your spirit this season with Christmas at Biltmore — an opportunity to restore and renew among the heartwarming holiday displays + soft, glittering glow of Candlelight Christmas Evenings.
But the magic doesn’t end after the holidays. Passholders can visit any time of year to see the ever-changing grounds, including the stunning spring gardens in full bloom.
The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s office has issued an open burning ban, effective through Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. Land clearing burns and burning debris or yard waste are prohibited, due to low humidity and strong winds. See what fires are allowed under the ban— reminder: Open burning is prohibited in Asheville city limits.
Civic
Beginning today, Dec. 5, at 8 a.m., Buncombe County will begin accepting applications for its Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant. Eligible applicants can receive three months of rent, mortgage, or utility payment assistance. Applications are accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. — plus, learn about more rental assistance programs.
Featured
Riverbend Malt House was one of the four small businesses awarded at Business North Carolina’sSmall Business of the Year Awards. ICYMI, the local malt producers were also one of the fastest-growing private companies this year, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row.
Civic
New city council member Bo Hess was sworn into office this week along with Kim Roney and Sage Turner, who were re-elected to council. Following the swearing-in, council unanimously elected Antanette Mosley as Vice Mayor.
Community
The West Asheville Scavenger Hunt Challenge is underway. Pick up a card at a participating shop and earn as many stamps as you can to support our local businesses. Tomorrow, you can also begin voting for your favorite West Asheville business’ holiday decoration display — awards will be announced at the wrap party on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Eat
Snack for a cause with Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn’s Asheville Mix Artist Bag. From each bag purchased, $2 goes to Optimist Ventures to provide grants and mentorship opportunities to business owners affected by Helene. Plus, the bag’s Asheville-themed design comes from local artist Annie Riker.
Cause
The Hot Springs Library in Madison County lost many books due to damage from Helene, but you can help the library replenish its collection by adopting a lost book. Fill out the Google Form to pick a book to donate — mailing instructions can be found in the form.
The Buy
The Buy
Champagne bottle savers. They fit all standard bottle necks to keep your sparkling wine from going flat — the perfect hack for upcoming holiday events and New Year’s Eve parties.
If you’re in need of a little rest + relaxation, Shoji Spa is offering a special for locals running now through December. When you bring your NC ID, you can revel in a private hot tub soak — with amenities included — for $72. Give them a call to book a soak.
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