The red-eyed bugs swarm across the Southeast this spring + summer. | Photo by Tom Gill
Ah, the sounds of summer. Cicada Brood XIV is currently emerging from its subterranean slumber across the Southeast, so don’t be surprised if your afternoon walk is underscored by an endless, ceaseless droning noise.
This brood only emerges every 17 years, so let’s take a look back at Asheville’s history through the compound eyes of our cicada neighbors. To start, let’s take it way, way back.
1957
Actor Robert Mitchum arrived in Asheville in the summer of ’57 to film “Thunder Road.” The film features a thrilling scene of a car tumbling down Toxaway Falls.
Things kicked into high gear when Asheville-Weaverville Speedway was paved. The first NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack in WNC was just dirt for its first seven years
Voters passed a bond allowing the City of Asheville to spend $1.2 million for a new airport. This marked the expansion and transition from the Asheville-Hendersonville Airport (built in 1936) to the Asheville Regional Airport.
First Anniversary Throwdown | 4-7 p.m. | Cooperative Coffee Shop | Free | Raise a cup of joe to six years of the roastery and one year of the cafe with a coffee tasting, latte art throwdown, and a cookout.
Disco After Dark | 10 p.m.-12 a.m. | Antidote Lounge at Chemist Spirits | Free | Put on your dancing shoes and show off your moves with DJ Brandon Manitoba.
Saturday, May 24
Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pack Square | Free | Take a scenic stroll through vendor-lined streets to find stunning and unique jewelry, paintings, glassworks, and more.
Grand Reopening Bash | 12-9 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden | Free | It’ll be a hoppin’ celebration welcoming the brewery back with live music, food trucks, a vendor market, photo booth, and plenty of beverages.
Asheville City SC Season Opener | 7:30-9 p.m. | Greenwood Field | $12+ | Kick off the season at the men’s team’s home opener and cheer on the Blues while snacking on goodies from local food trucks.
ABSFest 2025 | 8:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $33+ | The extravaganza of epic showmanship will be on full display during this burlesque and variety show.
Sunday, May 25
Crawdad Bash | Times vary | Jettie Rae’s | $70 | Bring the crew for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil with all the fixings and a complimentary beer — seatings are at 12:30 and 4 p.m.
“Pissarro: Father of Impressionism” | 2-4 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $15 | Sit in for a screening of a film about the trailblazing artist before a Q+A with the art museum’s assistant curator.
Catch this summer exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Visitors learn about Sam Gilliam’s “Cape III” during last year’s Juneteenth tour. | Photo by Victor Johnson / The Columbia Museum of Art
Have you heard of Sam Gilliam? He started as a painter, developing a unique style that celebrated lines and texture, finding his way to printmaking, where he continued to innovate.
In 1972, he became the first Black artist to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, and his work is represented at the MoMA in New York City, the Phillips Collection in D.C., and many others — including the Columbia Museum of Art.
This summer, you can see three dozen of Gilliam’s most iconic prints right here in the Carolinas. And don’t forget, the CMA is offering free admission all summer long for SC residents.
Pro tip: Make sure to check out the museum’s companion show, “Let’s Have a Talk: Black Artists from the CMA Collection.”
The RAD Farmer’s Market is putting down new roots at New Belgium Brewing starting Wednesday, June 4. You can still find the market at its temporary location at A-B Tech next Wednesday, May 28 before the official move.
Opening
Sunnyside Trading Co. lost its Foundy Street warehouse to Helene, but today the shop returns in a new temporary location. Sunnyside joined RAMP Studios on Riverside Drive with neighbors like Ginger’s Revenge and French Broad Chocolates. Check out the new digs today, May 23 and tomorrow, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed
The owner of the popular popsicle push cart, Buggy Pops, shared on social media that the business will close after 5+ years. “It’s been an amazing chapter in my life that’s led to so many opportunities,” Neomi shared. We’ll forever cherish a key lime pie pop on a hot day.
Cause
Historic Biltmore Village and Asheville GreenWorks are coming together for a Biltmore Village cleanup on Saturday, May 31. Asheville GreenWorks will provide the gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, and trash bags, but it’s up to you to wear comfortable clothes + shoes. Sign up to help out.
Environment
MountainTrue and Plastic Free WNC assessed Asheville’s grocery stores on sustainability efforts surrounding plastic reduction, and Whole Foods topped the scorecard for its efforts. Locally owned stores like Earth Fare, Hopey & Co., and French Broad Food Co-Op also received an A grade.
Outdoors
DuPont State Recreational Forest’s Triple Falls Trail has reopened after facing damage from the storm. While the trail is open to foot traffic, the stairs along the trail remain closed for safety reasons. Track your mileage on more local trails.
Kids
In need of some downtime this summer? The Asheville Museum of Science can take care of the kiddos. Spots are still available for summer camps and Dinner Under Dinos on Friday, May 30 (aka parents’ night out).
Health
From Wednesday, June 4, to Friday, June 6, Liberty and Health Alliance is hosting a free “mega clinic” at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville to help people affected by Helene. The clinic is first-come, first-served, with services ranging from minor surgical procedures to barber and salon services.
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
Category
Outdoors
Park it right here
While some spaces are open, restoration will take years. | Photo via City of Asheville
Asheville city staff have announced the partial reopening of some parks and recreation areas on the French Broad Riverfront.
What’s open
Amboy Riverfront Park
Craven Street Trailhead Park
Craven Street Bridge Boating Access Area
Jean Webb Park
Wilma Dykeman Greenway
What’s partially open
Carrier Park’s picnic shelter, nearby wetlands educational area, and east parking lot are open while the west side remains closed.
French Broad River Greenway is open from Hominy Creek River Park to Amboy Riverfront Park and Craven Street to French Broad River Park.
What’s closed
French Broad River Park and the Pearson Bridge River Access Area remain closed.
What’s next
The city recently posted a request for qualifications for design services to restore Helene-damaged parks and greenways along the French Broad. A design team is expected to be hired this fall, followed by two years of public engagement and two to three years of construction.
The Buy
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
Happy birthday to RAD artist Philip DeAngelo. To celebrate, he’s offering a one-day-only 40% off sale on his vibrant, textured paintings tomorrow, May 24. Recently, we talked to DeAngelo about his latest endeavor, turning the soon-to-be-closed Cheap Joe’s into Asheville Art Supply. Read all about it.
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