July is almost here, and you know what that means. The 2025 Shindig on the Green is returning to the Land of the Sky for its 59th season, with folk tunes, bluegrass sounds, and casual jam sessions ready to light up Pack Square Park.
If you want to pack the park, remember to bring lawn chairs and blankets on Saturdays from July 5 to Aug. 23. Bear’s Smokehouse and the Hop Ice Cream Cafe will be slinging tasty eats to go alongside the sounds, dances, and traditions of Southern Appalachia.
Events
Events
Monday, June 23
Tai Chi for Beginners | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Dragon Phoenix | $15+ | All levels are welcome to practice the Yang 10 and 24 forms along with some gentle Qigong exercises.
Tuesday, June 24
Pollination Celebration | 1-3 p.m. | Various locations | $0-$25 | Show your appreciation for the critters that keep Asheville buzzing with Bee City Asheville’s final event of the season — a pollinator safari.
Wednesday, June 25
River Arts District Farmers Market | 3-6 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Price of purchase | Shop for the same delicious produce, meats, and baked goods you know and love in the market’s new location.
Thursday, June 26
Southside Family Movie Nights | 6-8 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center | Free | Can you smell the popcorn? Bring the family down to catch a showing of the original animated “Aladdin,” with Robin Williams’ portrayal of Genie sure to steal the show.
Friday, June 27
Cat Trivia: A Fundraiser for Binx’s Home for Black Cats | 7-9 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | $20 per team | Test your knowledge of feline-centric facts, win some purrrfect prizes, and support Binx’s Home for Black Cats.
Saturday, June 28
Funk DJ Series with Mitch Offe | 6-10 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free | Catch Mitch Offe spinning as part of the Funk Biergarten’s Funk DJ Series.*
It’s more than just a house. A multi-use building is for sale at 122 College St. in downtown Asheville. The property features over 5,000 sqft of living space (including 2 condos and a penthouse suite) + approx. 6,000 sqft of commerical restaurant and bar space. Investment opportunity, anyone?
Eat
After skipping last year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest due to a contract dispute, Joey Chestnut will return to the 2025 competition. Check out where you can get a Chicago-style hot dog locally this summer. (AP)
Jobs
63%. That’s the percentage of respondents from Cisco’s Global Hybrid Work Study who said that they would accept a pay cut for the option to work remotely more often. Check out open remote positions on our Jobs board.
Tech
1.1 million. That’s how many Nintendo Switch 2 units were sold in its first week, breaking the record for launch week video game hardware sales. If you weren’t able to get one, don’t worry, it’s not the only source of summer fun in Charleston. (Game Rant)
This No. 1 best-selling sun hat with solar powered fans is breaking the internet. Reviewers love its UPF 50+, waterproof wide brim, built-in dual fans, and adjustable fit.*
Finance
62. That’s the age when homeowners qualify for a reverse mortgage to turn home equity into cash without monthly payments. See how it works and view Money’s list of best lenders with A+ BBB ratings and competitive pricing.*
There’s no bad day for the Benedict Du Jour. | Photo via @chestnutasheville
Sure, brunch may usually be reserved for the weekends. But think about it — is there any better cure for the Monday blues than an order of Chestnut’s pimento cheese tots? We think not. Here are some weekday brunch wonders.
Chestnut | Daily, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Make sure you listen good when your server tells you about the Benedict Du Jour. We recently ordered the spectacular special made with homemade biscuits, goat cheese, caramelized onions, grilled steak, and parsley hollandaise.
Liberty House Coffee & Cafe | Daily, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
With lush grounds and covered decks, this is the spot to enjoy a breezy, farm-to-table breakfast. All the dogs you’ll encounter along the way only elevate the experience.
5 Points Restaurant | Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dig into classic breakfast fare like eggs Benedict, Fresh toast, and biscuits — we recommend getting a sample of brunch favorites with the 5 Points Special.
The No. 1 best-selling apparel item on Amazon and your new shoe of the summer: Crocs. If you haven’t tried them, Crocs are having a comeback, beloved for being lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off. See what the fuss is about.
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.
Erin here. A friend recently took me to Times Bar and Coffee Shop on Patton Avenue — I love the moody old-school vibes. I almost always order a cortado, but their lemon almond latte is my new summer standard.