These murals pay homage to Black Asheville’s historic business district. | Photo by AVLtoday
This year, Saturday, Feb. 1 will mark the start of Black History Month — an annual observance that has roots dating back to 1915. Throughout the month, Asheville will host events where locals can learn + remember the stories and achievements of Black Americans in WNC through art, food, speeches, and literature.
Art
The Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center is hosting “Black History Month Through the Eyes of Art.” Local artists can enter paintings, drawings, or sculptures depicting what Black history means to them Wednesday Feb. 5-Tuesday, Feb. 11. The exhibit will have an opening ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and works will remain on display at the center through Friday, Feb. 28.
Storytelling
Kick off Black History Month at Black Storytelling on the Block on Friday, Feb. 7, 5-8 p.m. The First Friday event will explore the Black experience through art, music, spoken word, and theater.
The Burton Street Community Center will lead the Burton Street Black History Discussion on Friday, Feb. 21, starting at 6 p.m. Learn about the Burton Street Community’s story, its role in local Black history, and its founder Edward W. Pearson.
Hatchworks Coworking + Cultivate Climbing Ribbon Cutting | 4-7 p.m. | Cultivate Climbing - The Board Room | Free | Celebrate the downtown climbing gym’s grand opening with refreshments and a climbing contest — plus free guest passes all day and two free yoga classes.
Christie Lenee + Crys Matthews | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $25 | Lenee, an acclaimed singer, songwriter + guitarist performs with Matthews, an inspirational, social justice-focused songwriter.
Friday, Jan. 31
Crisp Comedy Live | 7 p.m. | Noble Cider | $12 suggested donation | This month’s comedy night features Nashville-based comedian Ritu Tirhani.
The Reverb of Resistance | 7-9 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl | $20 suggested donation | Stand in solidarity with the community with a night of music dedicated to perseverance and creative resistance.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Tax Help at the Library | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pack Library | Free | Locals earning less than $64,000 can get support from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Songs for Solomon | 2-6 p.m. | The Mule | $20 suggested donation | Help a local family pay medical costs by bidding on items like local art and concert tickets, then stick around for live music and drinks.
Invitational Blues Jam | 4-7 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | $7 | This blues showcase features two local female musicians: bass player Kim Butler + drummer Robin Borthwick.
What’s in the Box? | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $16+ | Unwrap a night of R-rated shenanigans and humor at this improv comedy night.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Yoga Taco Mosa | 10 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | Donations suggested | First, bring your mat for a yoga class led by Clare Desmelik, then head to the Taqueria for tacos + drinks.
Asheville City Council voted to approve amendments to the Flood Protection Ordinance to ensure compliance with state law and the National Flood Insurance Program. The changes include clarifications to ambiguous language surrounding floodplain requirements, elevation guidelines, and exceptions for historic structures.
Traffic
The section of Swannanoa River Road between Tunnel + Fairview roads has reopened after receiving substantial damage from Hurricane Helene. The storm destroyed most of this segment, and it had been closed to traffic for nearly four months while NCDOT crews rebuilt it. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Transit
Crews have completed construction on the Patton Avenue Sidewalk Accessibility project, an effort to remove walkways and trees and replace them with new, ADA-compliant sidewalks. This is a major step forward, but striping, signage, and tree replacement work is still forthcoming.
Cause
Nationally syndicated show “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” is helping bring music back to the Asheville area. The program collected nearly 1,000 instruments to be given to musicians who lost theirs during Hurricane Helene. Donations will be distributed on Sunday, March 9, at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. (Black Mountain News)
Outdoors
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is asking locals to submit comments through Tuesday, Feb. 11 to have the eastern hellbender placed on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Inclusion on the list would extend protections for the salamander subspecies and its habitats.
Arts
The Appalachian Trail runs through our neck of the woods, but you can send it anywhere in the world. The US Postal Service will release its set of 15 Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps on Friday, Feb. 28, and they’re now available for preorder for $10.95, or $0.73 per stamp.
Holiday
Will Pisgah Penny see her shadow this year? This white tree squirrel resides in Brevard and is used as a more local predictor of winter on Groundhog Day — aka “White Squirrel Day.” Last year, Penny saw her shadow, indicating a longer winter.
Regional
Haywood County’s Tourism Development Authority aims to show off the magic of the mountains in its new campaign. The marketing materials were originally announced a day before Hurricane Helene impacted the region, but now the campaign is gaining attention as it highlights the WNC mountain experience that draws in tourists. (WLOS)
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Wellness
Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*
The Buy
The Buy
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Dress up your space with these adorable + affordable decorations.
I’m no stranger to having ice cream for breakfast, but now I have an excuse to indulge in a morning treat. The Hop Ice Cream will host its Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at its Merrimon Avenue shop this Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Chill Cereal Bar and Summit Coffee’s truck will also be there to add to the breakfast offerings.
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