BeLoved Asheville is working around the clock to provide a beacon of hope to communities affected by natural disasters, loading up two trucks and heading to Kerrville, TX, to provide supplies and solidarity. In the aftermath of the flooding across central Texas, the nonprofit is sending first aid and cleanup supplies, returning the same kindness that Texas sent to WNC in the wake of Helene.
You can follow in BeLoved’s footsteps and show your support by donating to local relief efforts, including:
Attention shoppers: If you love a good sale, it’s your time to shine. Amazon Prime Day is live today through Friday, July 11. Here are the best deals The Buy team has found:
Buzziest deals
Arlo Video Doorbell | $129.99 $49.99
Get a doorbell with two-way audio capabilities and motion detection alerts.
iRobot Roomba Vacuum + Mop | $274.99 $139.99
Take the leap into a robot vacuum lifestyle with this fantastic deal.
Wicked Weed Brewing You Deserve an Upgrade contest | Tuesday, July 8-Wednesday, July 9 | 12-12 p.m. | Asheville | Free | Nominate an unsung hero in your life for a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000 whether they’re an educator, doctor, artist, or just someone doing good in the community that could use an upgrade.*
Wednesday, July 9
Buncombe County Government Job Fair | 2-7 p.m. | Buncombe County Government Administration Office | Free | Meet hiring managers and connect directly with County departments — NC Works will be there to assist with resume tips.
Thursday, July 10
“Dog Man” | 3-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | He’s part man, part dog, but 100% hero — round up the kids for this PG movie screening with popcorn and themed snacks.
Friday, July 11
Brews & Bears | Friday, July 11, Friday, Aug. 8 | 5:30-8 p.m. | WNC Nature Center | $10+ | Come out of hibernation to stroll through the nature center with a beverage in hand and support the wildlife.
Saturday, July 12
Uncommon Market Asheville | Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Battery Park Hall | Price of purchase | Explore eclectic antiques and unique, locally-made goods during the two-day indoor market.
The Big Crafty | Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13 | 12-6 p.m. | Harrahs Cherokee Center Asheville | $0+ | Peruse pottery, paintings, and glassworks galore at the biannual art fest showcasing Asheville’s creative spirit.
Sunday, July 13
Classic Fish Fry | Sunday, July 13, Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Jettie Rae’s Oyster House | $45 | Sunday lunch is taken care of, with crispy fried cod and shrimp, hushpuppies, coleslaw, fries, pimento cheese, crackers, and fresh watermelon on the menu.
Support artists, preserve tradition, and rebuild our craft community — one handmade piece at a time. | Photos courtesy Diana Gates Photography
Since the 1940s, The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has brought makers + our community together for a celebration of regional artists. When the fair returns this month, it’ll mean a little more.
Not only will the 2025 Craft Fair benefit WNC’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, but it also provides valuable exposure to local artists, and a welcoming space to gather with the arts community.
The four-day event takes place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center downtown Thursday, July 17- Sunday, July 20. Drop in any day for:
100+ juried artists from around the Southeast
A wide range of fine craft, from clay and wood pieces to glass and jewelry
Live demonstrations and hands-on crafting
The opportunity to shop handmade + meet the makers
A celebration of Appalachian tradition, creativity, and community
Admission is $12 for adults, and free for children under 12 (no advance purchase needed).
Helene paused plans to transform Swannanoa’s former Beacon Blanket Factory into a bike park and outdoor event space, but Beacon Village founders now expect to host a soft opening later this year. Portions of the park will be completed in the coming weeks, but there’s still plenty of work to do. (Black Mountain News)
Plan Ahead
Black Mountain Blues Festival will return for its second year on Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28, featuring open jams, panel discussions, and educational opportunities. Early bird tickets are now on sale. This year, half the net proceeds will be donated to Helene recovery efforts.
Watch
The RAD Brew Co. is hosting a Love Island finale watch party this Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. Dress in your finest Fiji-inspired fit to relive the plot twists and Casa chaos of the viral season and see which couple walks away with the $100,000 prize.
Sports
The USL W League announced that Asheville City Soccer Club will host the 2025 National Semifinal after the women’s team became Southern Conference Champions on Sunday, July 6. The Blues will take on Eastern Conference Champs, the NC Courage U23, on Saturday at Greenwood Field.
Development
The “fancy” McDonald’s in Biltmore Village, known for its chandeliers, grand piano, and stone chimney, was demolished yesterday, making room for a full remodel after facing storm damage. An exact reconstruction date is unknown. (WLOS)
Number
150 million. That’s how many hot dogs are consumed by Americans on the Fourth of July. Now the question is — how many of our readers think a hot dog is a sandwich? Quite a few, it turns out.
Cause
If this weekend’s hot dogs weren’t enough for you, you can indulge for a cause this Thursday, July 10. Help the students of A-B Tech’s culinary program get to Las Vegas next month for a national competition. Email or scan the QR code to reserve your dog for pickup around lunchtime.
Environment
Buncombe County residents are some of the first who can apply for the Energy Saver NC program, helping low-income households with energy efficiency projects through two rebate programs. Learn more about the program and find eligibility and application info.
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Category
Culture
🍿 Pass the popcorn
Lights, camera, action, community. | Photo via City of Asheville
Forget the multiplex — movie night just got a lot more interesting with these local summer film series.
Monday, July 14 marks the start of Eulogy’s weekly summer movie nights. The venue doesn’t share the title of the film, but see the clues they’ve dropped to deduce which 1990s slasher they’ll screen first. Admission is free, with popcorn, candy, and cocktails inspired by the movie available for purchase at the bar.
DayTrip has some killer flicks lined up for its new monthly 1970s horror nights residency. The fright begins next Tuesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. with Dario Argento’s “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage.” Head to the events side of the bar with $5 cash to watch.
If you’re looking for something a bit more family-friendly or you can’t handle jump scares, the City of Asheville’s Movies in the Park series is a safe bet. “Finding Nemo” will start around 8:45 p.m. this Friday, July 11 in Pack Square Park.
The Buy
A best-selling vibrator, on sale for Prime Day. Get 30% off plusOne’s bullet-style vibrator that’s made of body-safe silicone and is small enough for travel.
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.
Have kiddos begging you to stay up late on these summer nights? Maybe you might let them on Saturday, July 19 — for science, of course. EcoEXPLORE, a kids program from the NC Arboretum, is hosting a Family Moth Night at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. Register the fam to use UV lights to attract the insects and document their species.
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