Put the Sourwood Festival in the planner. | Photo via Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Look at you, ahead of the game. We’re back with our Plan Ahead, a monthly roundup of Asheville’s can’t-miss events. Mark your calendar and make those plans for August.
Festivals + markets
Dark Market: Asheville’s Lammas | Friday, Aug. 1 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | Celebrate the seasonal midpoint between the summer solstice and the fall equinox with 55+ vendors surrounded by hundreds of pillar candles lighting up the night.
The 17th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival | Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $24+ | The first weekend of the fest will leave you in stitches with sets from Ben Bailey, Jessica Michelle Singleton, and Eleanore Kerrigan.
Concerts + comedy
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band | Friday, Aug. 8 | 9 p.m. | Third Room | $15+ | The beloved local band will bring the funk, playing early tunes and new music — Atlanta’s Ain’t Sisters will open the night.
Arts + culture
RAD Sip & Stroll | Saturday, Aug. 9 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | River Arts District | Free | Enjoy sips, bites, and stunning masterpieces from more than 350 working artists at this all-day art event.
Fish and Seafood Demo | 6-8 p.m. | The Chop Shop Butchery | $92 | Learn how to source, filet, and debone a fish so you can serve a restaurant-worthy entree at your next dinner party.
Friday, July 25
Asheville Mindreading Show | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $35+ | Your thoughts are the stars of the night during this experience of mind reading, real-time hypnosis + mind-to-mind communication.
Saturday, July 26
Yoga in the Park Asheville | Saturday, July 26-Sunday, Oct. 26 | 10-11:15 a.m. | West Asheville Park | $15+ | Set your intentions for the practice before moving into the slow to moderately-paced outdoor flow.
Community Block Party | 5-8 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center | Free | The whole parking lot will be blocked off for an epic night of food, fun, and fellowship with dancing, games, and a dunk tank. Wicked Weed Country Summer Series with Lock Stock and Teardrops | 6-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Asheville’s premier two-steppin’ dance band takes the Wicked Weed honky tonk stage, with twangy tunes, steel guitar, and high-energy, boot-scootin’ rhythms.*
Sunday, July 27
Asheville Vaudeville Brunch | 11 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | $25 | It’s burlesque over breakfast with WNC’s talented comics, jugglers, and magicians — America’s favorite cartoon witch, Toybox.
The same trusted team you know, now with expanded resources and support. | Photo provided by Novant Health
Patients in Western North Carolina have long relied on the expertise of Asheville Endocrinology Consultants — and now, that same trusted care is backed by Novant Health.
With roots in the region dating back to 1983, the team at Novant Health Asheville Endocrinology continues to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of endocrine and metabolic conditions. Now part of the Novant Health network, the clinic will offer even more resources and streamlined access to care — all while maintaining the relationships and continuity patients have come to depend on.
Patients can expect expert treatment for conditions like:
Diabetes
Thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary gland disorders
Osteoporosis and other bone health concerns
Hormonal imbalances
In addition to personalized care, the clinic offers a range of advanced services including continuous glucose monitoring, hormone replacement therapy, bone density testing, and ultrasounds.
Whether you’re a new patient or continuing care with a familiar physician, Novant Health Asheville Endocrinology is here to help you take charge of your health with compassionate, specialized support close to home.
Season 23 of “Top Chef” is heading to the Carolinas. The crew will be traveling and competing across Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC — but we couldn’t help but notice the show’s Instagram post ends with a mention of the mountains. Fingers crossed Asheville makes an appearance.
Traffic
The NCDOT awarded a $7 million contract to begin making pedestrian improvements along Haywood Road, including curb ramp replacements, high-visibility crosswalks, improved signage, and bike lanes from Patton to Sulphur Springs and from Richmond Avenue to Ridgelawn. Construction begins this summer, with an estimated completion in summer 2026. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Coming Soon
In a letter to the community recounting Asheville Parks and Recreation’s recovery progress, Director Tyrell McGirt shared that the city can soon expect the upcoming opening of a temporary skating and inline hockey rink. Of course, we’ll be back to share more info on the announcement.
Try This
Mango Lassi ice cream. Ok, now that you’re tuned in, here are all the deets about Spicewalla’s Birthday Ice Cream Social this Saturday, July 26. From 1 to 4 p.m., visit the Grove Arcade spice shop to build a sundae with inventive toppings like Doosra Snack Mix, Graza Olive Oil, and Legally Addictive crackers.
Concert
ICYMI, Widespread Panic is in town for three nights, bringing Southern rock jammin’ to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center stage. But with the shows come themed markets, pre-parties, and afterparties. Check out the Shakedown Street market, DSSOLVR’s Party at Your Mama’s House, and The Grey Eagle’s Moontime Market to get in on the fanfare.
Biz
Straightforward, transparent, and low stress. That’s how one business described our self-service ad portal. No sales pressure. No hidden fees. Just you, your message, and the tools to get it out there — your way. Get started.
Show
Experience “Jurassic Park” on the big screen with a live orchestra under the stars at Brevard Music Center on Saturday, July 26, 8:30 p.m. (one night only). Bonus: Free lawn tickets are available for kids + college students with ID. Buy tickets.*
Amazon Prime isn’t all about fast shipping + streaming. Check out these nine hidden perks that will completely transform how you shop and save as a Prime member.*
Home
Home
đź’¸ When your fridge dies, so can your budget
Presented by Choice Home Warranty
The dreaded repair bill is coming... are you covered? | Photo by Choice Home Warranty
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Beginning Monday, July 28, Chimney Rock State Park will be open seven days a week. When the park reopened about a month ago after extensive post-Helene repairs, it was only open Fridays-Mondays.
While the park gets back to normal hours next week, reservations are still required — plan your visit.
A deluxe four-piece lunch set by BENTGO, currently 20% off on Nordstrom Rack. Your meal prep dreams are about to realized with these stackable, divided lunch containers, built-in matching utensils, and a water-resistant pouch that keeps food warm or cool for hours.
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.
Beer is back at Zillicoah. The brewery posted an update yesterday showing more progress on the rebuild, including a cold one from the reinstalled taps. Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to start sipping — a couple weeks ago, the Zillicoah teased a mid-August reopening celebration.
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