Debris along the river’s treeline serves as a reminder of how high the water rose. | Photo via Bonnie Leigh
Billy Strings announced his 2025 winter tour schedule — including six shows in Asheville — on the morning of Sept. 27, 2024.
Ashevillian Bonnie Leigh remembers how excited she and her partner were to see the announcement just fifteen minutes before they lost power as Helene barreled through Asheville.
“And little by little, everything started falling apart,” Leigh told AVLtoday.
Fast forward a few months when it was clear that the shows would go on and Leigh couldn’t stop thinking about how different it would be this year, compared to last year when she hosted a pre-show event at Zillicoah’s brewery to welcome her friends and fellow fans.
So Leigh got to organizing. Weeks before the show, she started thinking of ways to harness not just the economic power, but the physical power of the tens of thousands of fans expected to visit Asheville over two weekends.
Along with local fans, Dave and Linda Copely, Leigh organized a cleanup at Zillicoah’s four-acre riverside property on a rainy Tuesday morning following the first weekend of shows.
Asheville Pitch Partners | 7 p.m. | The Mule | $13 | Time to play wingman — whether they want a date, new bud, or pickleball partner, create a 3-5 minute presentation pitching your bestie, highlighting their best qualities.
Rouge: A Cirque and Dance Cabaret | 8 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $30+ | See the aerial acts and astonishing acrobatics of this hypnotic dance performance.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Community Day | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Asheville Museum of History | Free | See part two of the museum’s “The Photography of Andrea Clark” exhibit, which displays how the East End neighborhood was transformed by urban renewal.
Black History Awards 2025 | 5:30 p.m. | Asheville Community Theatre | Free | Honor remarkable Ashevillians for their leadership, excellence, and resilience as seven honors are awarded.
Latin Night | Saturday, Feb. 22 | 8-11 p.m. | Hemingway’s Cuba | Price of purchase | Sip on a cocktail and hit the dance floor to groove to 90s Latin hits.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Beer & Yoga | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Whale - South Slope | $13+ | You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to find your flow here — then reward yourself with a cold beer.
Monday, Feb. 24
CDBG-DR Community Input + Info Session | 6:30-8 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Share your input on the city’s Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery action plan.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Game Night | 6-10 p.m. | TRVE Brewing Co. | Free | Bring your board games and friends, sip on local drinks, and enter a monthly raffle from Gamer’s Haunt.
On Thursday, May 29, the Asheville Downtown Association will bring Steep Canyon Rangers to Pack Square Park for a Community Concert. Plus, look forward to a marketplace with local artisans and food vendors and a gear swap with Second Gear. The show is free, but you can purchase preferred seating.
Coming Soon
Rowan Coffee’s upcoming location in the former Waterways building will host its roasting operation, and offer small plates + focaccia sandwiches this spring. We’re also excited for Finest Deli to open across the street — sounds like the perfect blend of new businesses. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Number
$915,000. That’s how much the NC Arts Council has awarded to WNC arts nonprofits affected by Helene. See the full list of recipients, including Buncombe-based organizations like Connect Beyond Festival, Asheville Fringe Society, and Montford Park Players.
Featured
Asheville is in the company of Monaco, Morocco, and the Maldives (to name a few) as one of Forbes Travel Guide’s Top 12 Destinations for 2025. The article celebrates our local landmarks, detailing how visitors can help bankroll recovery efforts.
Community
When temperatures go below freezing, Swannanoa’s Owen Pool Community Care Station will be open overnight to help people keep warm. Find shelter resources for Code Purple nights.
Civic
At its meeting this week, Buncombe County Commissioners approved just shy of $1.4 million in Open Spaced Bonds to be used for three conservation easements. Kestrel Herb Farm as well as Sandy Hollar farms in Sandy Mush and Candler’s Battle Forest are protected.
Gather the book club crew and hit the road — Read Freely Fest is headed to Columbia from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30. Enjoy talks with bestselling authors, interactive panels, and the chance to meet fellow literature lovers at Richland Library’s main location. Plan your bookish escape.*
Community
Your AVLtoday team here. We care about Asheville. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news with a one-time donation.
Answered
Answered
Which local spot makes your favorite margarita?
City Editor Bethany’s pup Bobbi is also an Anoche fan.
Photo by AVLtoday
Ahead of National Margarita Day tomorrow, Feb. 22, we asked you to tell us where you like to enjoy the drink, whether it’s spicy, skinny, or extra salty around the rim. Here are a few spots y’all suggested:
It was no surprise that many readers named this top-notch tequila bar. The bar’s namesake margarita is an elevated twist on the classic, with mezcal, chile liqueur, and an activated charcoal salt rim. Bonus: We also love the dog-friendly patio.
The housemade tamarind syrup plays a unique tart note in this cocktail — then things get a bit spicy with the Spicewalla chili salt rim.
Of course, we have to share more of your favorites, including Limones, Taco Billy, Mountain Madre, Orales, and La Rumba. And a special shoutout to the reader who said, “Anywhere, as long as it’s spicy” — you know what’s up.
The Buy
The Buy
Babbel’s expert-designed foreign language lessons, on sale for 60% off for President’s Day. Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons focus on real-world phrases, practical conversation skills, and cultural tips, so on your next trip abroad, you’ll do more than just point at menus.Shop the limited-time sale and make travel easier, more fun, and way more immersive.*
Next item on my to-do list: Get a photo of my dog, Miss Moo, printed on a pint. Well Played Board Game Cafe has a custom drink printer, allowing you to put a photo onto coffee foam or beer. Time to start dreaming up your picture-perfect bev.
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