Billy’s back for six sold-out shows. | Photo by Jesse Faatz via Wikimedia Commons
Starting tonight, Billy Strings is bringing his psychedelia-tinged bluegrass back to Asheville for a sold-out six-night run at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. So if you see far more tie-dye-clad hippies about town than usual this and next weekend, you know why.
Local businesses are taking advantage of the throngs of fans coming to see him live. No matter if you got tickets, missed out, or don’t even know a Billy song, there are a plethora of ways to get in on the fanfare.
As part of Illuminate Asheville, the new gallery and music venue Third Room is hosting Shakedown on Wall Street, a Deadhead-style party with local vendors and live music from 1 to 6 p.m. each night Billy performs. Harrah’s is also hosting its own Shakedown Street market.
Think you resemble the long-haired, tattooed guitarist? Throw your hat in the ring for The Draftsman’s Billy Strings Lookalike Contest — you have two chances to win tickets to a show.
The Whale and DSSOLVR are each hosting their own Billy Strings festivals, complete with livestreams of the concerts, vendor markets, and more.
Therese Gopaul-Robinson and Emsée Dorf | 6-8:30 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | $25 | Join other women to learn tools to find your power and trust yourself with speakers from the Empowerment Collective.
Friday, Feb. 7
Black Storytelling on the Block | 5-8 p.m. | Eagle + Market streets | Free | Celebrate Black storytelling with this First Friday event that explores the Black experience through art, music, spoken word, and theater.
Saturday, Feb. 8
6th Annual Cupid is Stupid Car Smashing | 12-5 p.m. | Hi-Wire Biltmore Village | $5+ | If you’re not feeling the love this Valentine’s Day, take a swing at a car or place a hex on your ex, all to benefit Pink Boots Society, supporting women in the beer industry.
Bike Love ’25 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Eulogy | $20+ | Hit the dance floor during this high-energy party supporting Asheville on Bikes.
Winter Warmer at Wicked Weed Brewing | 1-5 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Spend a cozy afternoon in the Caribbean — we mean in downtown Asheville, enjoying authentic Caribbean dishes, classic cocktails, music, and, of course, beer.*
Love Your Library Chocolate Cake Contest Fundraiser | 2-5 p.m. | Griff’s Kitchen and Bar, Candler | $5+ | Bring a cake to enter or sample delicious desserts to support Friends of the Enka-Candler Library.
Who says you can’t get fresh seafood in Western North Carolina? | Photos provided by The Lobster Trap
“Bears, beer, and local businesses:" us if we were asked to describe Asheville in three(ish) words.
Thanks to our community’s love of local biz, The Lobster Trap is celebrating 20 years of providing fresh, sustainable seafood in the heart of downtown.
So whether you’re new to the area, an Oyster Night regular (IYKYK), or rekindling a tradition, there’s something for everyone to shellebrate:
A refreshed menu | Find classics like Maine lobster rolls + new specials like NC scallops
Oyster Night | $2 house oysters every Tuesday
Local partnerships | Try the Asheville Mule, a cocktail that supports area hospitality workers, and catch live music every weekend
Restaurant Week specials | If you missed the last one, mark your calendars for Feb. 18-24 for even more unique flavors + pairings
Pro tip: The Lobster Trap is now accepting catering orders. Elevate your next dinner party, wedding, or celebration with a raw bar.
$1+ million. That’s how much money was raised for the Always Asheville Fund, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and the Asheville Tennis Association at Sunday’s Stars Servin’ Up Love tennis benefit.
Learn
RiverLink is introducing two ways to help property owners whose streams were damaged by Helene. Join one of the four upcoming stream bank repair workshops or see if your damaged stream bank qualifies for the Adopt-A-Stream Program.
Shop
February is “Love Asheville, Go Local Month” and right now, we need to love Asheville more than ever. Support small biz by using your Go Local card (there are extra deals this month), grabbing a special Love Asheville sundae at The Hop on Merrimon, and attending local events.
Sports
Forget the Chiefs and the Eagles. Cheer for Mountain Pet Rescue at this Sunday’s Puppy Bowl at RAD Brewing. All the adorable pups that take the field will be available for adoption. Stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. to support the dogs, sip on brews, and chow down on Smokee’s Pizza.
Community
The county’s Community Engagement Markets are back in action after some were paused for emergency response to Helene. Through a partnership with MANNA FoodBank, the markets offer free food + Helene resources in under-resourced areas. See the market schedule and how to volunteer.
Featured
CNN recently profiled Alex Matisse, owner of East Fork Pottery, detailing the beginning of his love for pottery in high school to how he amassed a following of “potheads.” The article also offers insight into East Fork’s recovery from Helene, rebuilding its office and raising more than $500,000 for relief efforts.
Listen
Ever wonder how everyone from the 13-state Appalachian region each says “Appalachia?” The co-founders of Appodlachia, a podcast dedicated to dispelling negative stereotypes of the region, have concluded its Appalachian accent project, handing the mic to 1,500 people to share their accents. Have a listen.
Open
ICYMI: The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Restore on Meadow Road is back in business. Shop or donate gently used furniture, building materials, and housewares. All proceeds go toward building and repairing homes in our community.*
Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026. (Read: More than a year of interest-free payments.) Apply.*
20%. That’s how much you can save on a bathroom renovation with Remodel Your Home. You deserve a bathroom that’s just as functional as it is beautiful. Request your free quote.*
Category
Eat
🍠 On the hunt for winter produce
Score fresh ingredients for cozy winter recipes like soup. | Photo provided by RAD Farmers Market
Asheville might be in the midst of a false spring, but these five farmer’s markets never stop blooming.
Asheville City Market | Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through March | North Market Street
Parking: Free parking at the HomeTrust Bank and the Family Justice Center
Highlight: Find body care products from four local vendors, including lotion samples for that dry winter skin.
Tomorrow, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8, the luxury, sustainable fashion brand Rite of Passage is hosting its annual sample sale. Head to the Clingman Avenue store to add some elegant, expertly crafted clothing to your wardrobe.
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