Finest Deli is getting closer and closer to opening on Haywood Road, bringing us hearty sandwiches and farm-fresh fare. But while you wait for the Italian-inspired deli to open its doors, you can get a taste at a special event.
Finest has been popping up at restaurants all over town for its R&D tour ahead of the opening, serving up small plates at Potential New Boyfriend, bodega-style sandwiches at Farewell, and Sunday sauce at Bebop Bottle Shop.
Tomorrow, they’re returning to their roots with a booth at the West Asheville Tailgate Market. Later this month, Botanist & Barrel is welcoming the Finest crew for a Sunday brunch, dishing out Italian-American and Northeast deli classics with wine pairings — make a reservation for the Sunday, July 27 event.
Events
Events
Monday, July 14
Eulogy Movie Night | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Eulogy | Free | Watch a double feature of a classic summer slasher series (with popcorn, candy, and movie-themed cocktails, of course).
Funk DJ Series with Grimmjoi | 6 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free entry | Enjoy a night in the Biergarten with DJ Grimmjoi spinning tracks.*
Tuesday, July 15
Summer Splash Water Day | Tuesday, July 15-Thursday, Aug. 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Murphy-Oakley Park | Free | Dive into a world of water-themed activities and beat the heat with an array of aquatic adventures.
Grand Opening of Riverbend Dog Park | 5-7 p.m. | Riverbend Dog Park | Free | Join the pack in exploring the new temporary dog park, then celebrate with a photo booth, caricature portraits, an adoption event, and special giveaways.
Wednesday, July 16
Plant Partner: Mugwort | 6-7:30 p.m. | Twin Star South | $43 | Budding herbalists will learn all about the roots of the special plant, from traditional uses to remedy recipes.
Summer RADiance | 6:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $41 | The Jasper and Opal String Quartets will fill the RAD music hall with the sweet sounds of strings during this special night of chamber music.
Thursday, July 17
Summer Heat: A Soda Candle Making Series | 4-8 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage | $20 | Turn one of Devil’s Foot’s crisp craft sodas into a sweet-smelling candle.
Asheville Marathon Registration Launch Party + Group Run | 5-8 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | The road to the 2026 Asheville Marathon & Half starts here — register at a discounted rate, head out on a casual group run, then come back for a cold beer.
Friday, July 18
Adulting 101 Workshop: Life Skills for Young Adults | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | AmeriHealth Caritas | Free | From budgeting basics to writing a standout resume, young adults will learn life skills to get them ahead in their careers and personal lives.
To celebrate the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s purchase of 83 acres of forest adjacent to Richmond Hill Park — protecting the land from development — the neighborhood is throwing a community block party + concert. This Saturday, July 19, jam to live music from bands including Magenta Sunshine from 2 to 8 p.m.
Real Estate
Buncombe County’s 2025 Homeowner Grant Program opens tomorrow, July 15. Residential property owners who have lived at their residence for 5+ years and earn at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) can apply to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs like their property tax bill, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance.
Edu
Asheville City Schools announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025-2026 school year — no fees or application required. The free meals are made possible through a partnership with Chartwells, a dining services partner for schools.
Closed
This Friday, July 18, Asheville community centers will be closed as Asheville Parks and Recreation embarks on a staff retreat (note: the Grant Southside Center Pool will stay open). But don’t fret, you can keep the fam’s calendar full with our guide to free activities in and around Asheville.
Development
Construction on a senior housing complex dubbed “Overlook 157" on New Leicester Highway is progressing, with the 141-unit project beginning to take shape. As for affordability, 29 units will be reserved for residents making at or below 80% AMI. Developers expect an April 2026 completion. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
The organization flew into action after Helene hit, increasing distribution by 300% to serve WNC families with essential childcare supplies.
Babies Need Bottoms celebrated the milestone by assembling 100 special Care Kits for mothers with babies in Mission Hospital’s Level III NICU. And thanks to a grant from the National Diaper Bank Network, the Care Kit program will expand to distribute Preemie, Newborn, and Postpartum/Breastfeeding Kits.
Here’s where you come in. If you would like to lend a hand to our smallest and most vulnerable community members, submit a volunteer inquiry to stay in the know about future Kit Assembly events.
The support doesn’t have to stop there — click the button below to explore 40+ volunteer opportunities in the Asheville area.
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.
What’s the best concert you’ve been to in Asheville?
After telling you about all the major artists making stops in the 828 through the end of the year, we asked you to take us down memory lane and share a memory of your favorite concert at a local venue. Turns out, y’all have great taste. Here’s what readers said:
“REO Speedwagon, Biltmore Estate 2007" — Robby E.
“Eric Burdon and Brian Auger, Be Here Now” — Donna B.
I am once again using this space in the newsletter to talk to you about baked goods. Sorry, not sorry. For those of us who typically prefer savory to sweet, Dough House gets it. The Black Mountain shop caught my eye with its Savory Garlic Butter donut, topped with Louisiana hot sauce by request.
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