It’s a chef’s paradise at Common Housefly — check the map for a special deal. | Photo by Ashleigh Fillinger
Small Business Week is almost here, and we’re gearing up to spread the local love.
We’ve partnered with some of Asheville’s small businesses to celebrate the folks who make up the backbone of our local economy.
From Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, you can expect daily guides and features celebrating local entrepreneurs that shine a light on the Land of the Sky’s small business community.
Browse the map for deals, events, and specials.
Proxi map by AVLtoday
We have something special for our readers, too. We’ve created an interactive map of can’t-miss deals offered exclusively during Small Business Week.
From enjoying a Small Business Week special of adobo wings at Master BBQ to scoring $5 off experiences with Asheville Wellness Tours, there will be plenty of ways to support the entrepreneurs that make Asheville so special.
Events
Events
Friday, May 2
“Tar Heel Art - From the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge” | 5-7 p.m. | UpMarket Gallery | Free | Be the first to see the exhibition that captures our state’s geographic diversity, from rolling waves to lush mountain forests.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Season Finale | Friday, May 2, Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | UNC Asheville, Lipinsky Auditorium | $20 | The Blue Ridge Orchestra will dazzle you with jazz and classical tunes — after all, they’ve been doing it for a quarter of a century.
Saturday, May 3
World Labyrinth Day | 1-3 p.m. | First Baptist Church | Free | Visit one of the 10 labyrinths around Asheville as people walk simultaneously around the globe to create a “rolling wave of peace.”
Asheville Corgi Club Spring Social | 3-5 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | Calling all Corgi owners — bring your four (short) legged friend to the brewery for an absolutely adorable meet-up.
Asheville Vaudeville | 7 p.m. | Sly Grog Lounge | $20+ | Your hosts for the evening, The Deviled Eggs, promise to bring you the most amusing variety show around, complete with music, dance, comedy, burlesque, and puppetry.
Sunday, May 4
Vegan Market Asheville | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe, A-B Tech Coman Center | Free | Get your fill of plant-based fuel from vendors like The Royal Vegan, Hominy Farm, Back Porch Baking Co., and more.
Community Give Back Brunch | 1-2 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free, RSVP | Your ticket might be free, but remember to bring your dollar bills.
Michael Franti & Spearhead with The Elovaters | 7 p.m. | Asheville Yards Amphitheater | $72 | Celebrate community, connection, and good vibes under the stars with Michael Franti & Spearhead’s uplifting mix of reggae, hip-hop, and soul.*
Leo’s House of Thirst will soon offer breakfast and lunch. There’s no official date yet, but the wine bar gave us an idea of the vibe with a social media post saying, “Think eggs, espresso, sunlight pouring through the windows — and all the delicious moments that mornings have to offer,” and we couldn’t be more excited.
Civic
Beginning Monday, June 2, the city will transition to the Flowbird app for parking payment. The city’s current parking zones and meters will be maintained, and the current parking app, Passport, will be accepted through the end of June to ease the transition.
Closed
After 45 years, Highwater Clays has closed its doors in the River Arts District. The company worked to rehabilitate the facility after it was submerged in floodwater, but the damage proved too substantial. Learn more about Highwater Clays’ impact as the largest wet clay producer in the Southeast — and how its Florida store will stay open. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Cause
Asheville GreenWorks has a new Executive Director. NC native Dr. AJ Hardie will now lead the environmental nonprofit, bringing a background in environmental research and education, advocacy, community organizing, and nonprofit leadership. Learn how you can volunteer with the organization to create a more resilient future for all.
Pets
DYK that spring is the busiest time of year for kitten rescues? Tomorrow, May 3, the Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance will host its Kitten Season Kickstart event. The Arden shelter, which specializes in caring for sick kittens, invites people to meet the kittens, watch bottle feeding demos, and learn how to volunteer. (Mountain Xpress)
Try This
Reminder: The Great Smoky Mountains firefly viewing lottery opens this morning, May 2 at 10 a.m. By Tuesday, May 13, you’ll be notified if you’re one of the lucky folks admitted to the Elkmont area of the park to see the synchronous fireflies.
Struggling to shed pounds?Simple is a science-backed app that helps users lose weight with habit trackers, fasting schedules, and personal coaching. Join millions who’ve already lost weight without medication, sustainably. Take the quiz to start your journey and get 50% off.*
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
Category
Listen
Bring the beat in
Let your kiddo lay down a track. | Photo via Asheville Music School
Asheville Music School is turning things up a notch. Next week, the school will unveil its new Sound Lab, a studio for kids to experiment with tech for music production and recording.
Developed with the help of Geert Bevin, director of Software Development at Moog Music, the AMS Sound Lab is outfitted with professional microphones and mixing equipment.
Think you have a rising star on your hands? Get them in the booth. Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and founder of IamAvl, Josh Blake will be teaching electronic music production and recording classes this spring.
The public is invited to see the AMS Sound Lab in action on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. as student band Dr. Funky Squirrel records a track.
Bonus: Even more student bands will take the stage at One World West on Sunday, May 18, for Sound Effects, a donation-based benefit show supporting AMS’ scholarship program.
The Buy
A soft short-sleeve tee that’s great for spring weather and easy to pair with leggings, shorts, or jeans.
Something about me is that I’m always gonna need a sweet treat for the day. And when I saw that Sweet Cub Soft Serve is working with Mary’s Mountain Cookies to start offering some fantastically colorful, sprinkled ice cream sandwiches next week, I knew I needed one. When the truck’s schedule drops next week, best believe I’ll be grabbing one.
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