The latest sunset of the year will be between Thursday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 1. | Photo by @jeffreylukesutton
The summer solstice is today, and it’s also the longest day of the year. Here are some ideas for what to do with all that daylight:
Walk the entire urban trail. With thirty stops, you’ll need the extra daylight to complete this historical tour.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new exhibits, see if you can look at every piece in the Asheville Art Museum.
The front 9 of the AVL Municipal Golf Course are currently closed due to Helene, but you can play the back 9 twice.
These gorgeous greens present a great way to soak up the sun.
Photo courtesy of Chris Corl
Solstice events
Summer Solstice Fest | Friday, June 20 | 5-10 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing Asheville | Free | Shop from a market of eclectic vendors, snap aura photos, get tarot readings.
RAD Solstice Celebration | Saturday, June 21 | 2-7 p.m. | RAD Brewing Co. | Free | Sign up to join the drum krewe, shop goods from local artists, and dance the day away with The Screamin’ Stevens.
Downtown After 5 | 5-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Asheville’s biggest community concert series continues with a Juneteenth celebration featuring Southern Avenue and DJ Phantom Pantone.
Saturday, June 21
Astrology 102 with Julia Hudgins | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free, RSVP | Celebrate the solstice by learning about the houses, sister signs, and the ins and outs of astrological charts — bring your birth chart if you have it.
Burial’s 12th Anniversary with The Black Angels | 2 p.m. | Burial Forestry Camp | $49 | The brewery is nearly a teenager, so it’s time to celebrate with a lineup of three psychedelic rock bands and 12 new beer releases.
Helene Recovery Concert | 2-5 p.m. | The Odd | Jam out to four live sets and bid on goods during the silent auction to support United Way’s Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Sunday, June 22
Summer Solstice Sound Bath! | 1-2 p.m. | Center for Spiritual Living Asheville | $10+ | Get in the healing headspace and soak up some good vibrations.
Sunday Afternoon Club | 5:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | Free | Enjoy some fresh air, a drink, and music from Hot Bread during the venue’s new open-air music series.
Monday, June 23
Baking Class: Baking Basics | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Conjure Craft Chocolate, Arden | $117 | After the Crunchy Baker teaches you the basics, baking will be a piece of cake.
Tuesday, June 24
Foam Frenzy in the Park | 1-3 p.m. | Malvern Hills Park | Free | Kids of all ages can beat the heat by frolicking in the foam and water wonderland.
Foothills Watershed is officially open. Hang out by the river, enjoy the bike park, and get hungry — the kitchen opens for lunch soon. Snag a pass to access the waterfront and bike park.
Traffic
You might need to make new parking plans. Beginning in August, the Rankin Avenue and Wall Street garages will close for structural repairs lasting four to six weeks each. Find alternate parking. (The Asheville Citizen Times)
State
Do you need home repairs after Hurricane Helene? Homeowners who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply for a new repair program, which will make $807 million in federal funding available for home repairs. (BPR)
Cause
Let’s clean up the waterways. The Beer Series Clean Ups continues this Saturday, June 21, 1-5 p.m. for an on-the-water cleanup followed by beer and prizes. Sign up online — and learn how to receive a complimentary annual membership to MountainTrue.
Drink
Speaking of brews... Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard is letting the beer flow this weekend. Celebrate the return of the Notchyo Pitch — plus, new releases — at the Women’s Beer Release and Market on Saturday, June 21. Jam to live music, shop women-led businesses, and maybe even get a flash tattoo.
Announced
The Asheville Symphony has a new First Concertmaster, Dr. Brian Allen. And for the first time, the Symphony also appointed a Second Concertmaster, Jackie Tso. See Allen’s debut at the free outdoor concert at Pack Square Park, on Sunday, Aug. 31. (The Asheville Citizen Times)
Development
We have a little update on the stadium slated for UNC Asheville’s campus. The plans have gone before the Board of Governors — but hasn’t gone to a vote yet. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities for community feedback. (WYFF4)
Community
Don’t miss a beat — stay in the loop on local healthcare news, expert tips, and updates from Novant Health. Sign up for the newsletter.*
Home
Still climbing ladders to clean your gutters? HomeBuddy installs premium gutter guards in just a few hours — and it’s 100% no-clog guaranteed. See your local offer.*
Number
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Post of the Day
Headed to Knoxville this summer? Have a friend who bleeds Tennessee Orange? In case you missed it, our parent company is launching a new newsletter. 865today will be covering all things Knoxville this June.
You can subscribe now and be among the first readers. Go ahead, we’ll wait.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Reader Carmen H. has a hot tip for dog owners. There’s a spot for Spot at Riverbend Park, near the Walmart on Swannanoa River Road. Folks on Facebook have noticed it too.
Reviews are in and the park is “very sweet with a nice walking trail.”
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