For 10 months, the RAD has been rebuilding from the rubble — and around the time of the one-year anniversary of Helene, Foundy Street could begin to return to its vibrant roots. Foundation Woodworks’ temporary studio has held down the area as the only open business, but by this fall, Cultivate Climbing and Marquee could join them.
Cultivate Climbing has made great progress restoring its Foundy bouldering gym after the storm had it almost entirely underwater just before its grand opening. Last week, the crew shared photos of the structural rehabilitation, along with an opening timeline. With climbing walls en route, Cultivate estimates a Sept. 23 to Oct. 15 opening.
Also on a fast track to opening is Marquee. Earlier this year, the treasured art gallery + antique shopping space estimated a late summer opening. Although the team hasn’t shared a specific opening date, there’s significant momentum in the build-out, going from concrete and studs to nearly completed booths.
Events
Events
Monday, July 28
Eulogy Movie Night | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Eulogy | Free | Catch this family-friendly flick from 2003 before its sequel comes out in August — can you guess what it is?
Tuesday, July 29
Silversun Pickups | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $44+ | The “Lazy Eye” and “Panic Switch” singers will perform with support from the sister rock duo, Girl Tones.
Wednesday, July 30
Sauna & Sound Bath | 7-9 p.m. | Sauna House | $55+ | Guided by Adam Cohen of Audible Remedies, this immersive sound journey invites you to unwind, restore balance, and sink into deep relaxation during the two-hour bathhouse visit.
Thursday, July 31
Statem!nt Asheville | Thursday, July 31-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | WNC Ag Center - Boone Building | Free | Shop hundreds of fashionistas’ closets all in one place during this four-day pop-up consignment event.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival 2025 | Thursday, July 31-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | Asheville High School | $7+ | You’ll see a new, curated folk performance each night of this iconic festival, now in its 98th year.
The 17th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival | Thursday, July 31-Saturday, Aug. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $240+ | The festival kicks off with an evening set from “Cash Cab” host, Ben Bailey.
Friday, Aug. 1
“Where the Waters Fell: Stories of Loss, Persistence, and Becoming” | 5-9 p.m. | First Congregational Church | Free | Explore the photography exhibit by Kai Lendzion with live music, food, community connection, and a healing workshop — prints support BeLoved Asheville.
Dead and Co. + Billy Strings Live Stream | 6 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | In Asheville, a Venn diagram of Deadheads and Billy Strings fans is a circle, so tune in for a showing of the star-studded CA show celebrating 60 years of Grateful Dead music.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Silent Disco | 7-10 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing Asheville | $10 | Dance + enjoy the vibes at this special New Belgium brewhouse event — tickets include a pair of headphones to rock out with.*
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) bought the Quality Inn and neighboring Zaxby’s on Tunnel Road to create 134 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans. It’s part of a greater project, Veterans Village, which will support the community while the Veterans Restoration Quarters is rebuilt from the storm. (WLOS)
Opening
This Friday, Aug. 1, Biltmore Park Town Square will welcome a new ear piercing studio. At Rowan, piercing is done by licensed nurses only with hypoallergenic earrings — and if you’re one of the first 50 in line on Friday, you’ll get a free custom tote bag.
Sports
A team of local high schoolers can add “national champions” to their resumes. Highland FC, the U16 team of the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association, took home the title earlier this month in a nail-biting 1-0 match. The team also earned the Elite Clubs National League designation, graduating to a national scale of play. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
This Friday, Aug. 1, Push Skateshop and Horse + Hero are joining forces for a special art show. Head to the skate shop’s gallery at 7 p.m. to see the works of 20+ amazing local artists, including Julie Armbruster, Edwin Salas, and Wyatt Grant.
Number
78. That’s how many appearances NC has had in DC comics over the years, dating back to “Action Comics Vol. 1, No. 29” in 1940. If you’re wondering if the Tar Heel State features in the new “Superman” movie, heading to a local movie theater will help you find out.
The Word
Y’all. The Southern second person plural has taken over the nation, especially Gen Z, and linguists credit migration patterns with its spread. Plenty of other languages + cultures have second person plural, and while y’all’s origin isn’t clear, it’s become a common word across the US. Y’all are going to want to read this one.(NPR)
Trending
❤️ sending love. According to data from Emojipedia, the classic red heart is the most popular emoji in the US. If you’re looking for reasons to use that heart more, perhaps it’s time to start exploring some local date night ideas. (Quartz)
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, AVLtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Show
Beethoven’s iconic Fifth closes a dynamic program of wind and orchestral power conducted by Keith Lockhart at Brevard Music Center’s Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium on Friday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets.*
Development
We recently visited The Hominy Apartments, a new community where nature meets city convenience. From a private disc golf course to direct access to Hominy Creek for tubing, fishing, and swimming, you’ll never run out of things to do. See it for yourself.*
Finance
More central banks are stocking up on gold. Want in on the gold rush? Gold IRAs can be a good way to own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks. Prospect for gold — no miner’s helmet needed.*
Home
Mold, roof leaks, foundation cracks — clogged gutters can cause costly home damages. Get HomeBuddy’s top-rated gutter guards installed over your existing gutters in under a day.*
Trust me, you want a slice of the action. | Photo via Birdie’s Pizza
Birdie’s Pizza burst onto the scene this month, serving up thin-crust pies with crispy crust and fluffy Sicilian-style slices. Birdie’s took over the Manicomio shop on Biltmore Avenue, bringing in new ownership and new pizza while retaining the old staff.
They’re dishing out some of the hottest new bites in the city, but don’t just take it from us — Eater Carolinas made it official.
In addition to eight different pies, the menu boasts crispy chicken cutlet sandwiches, tender meatballs, arancini with vodka sauce, and cacio e pepe fries.
Want to see what other new eats await you? Click the button below to explore all of Asheville’s new restaurant openings this summer.
This best-selling titanium cutting board. Take this as your cue to swap out your grimy old cutting boards for this highly rated upgrade — praised by reviewers for its easy cleanup, durability, and everyday functionality.
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.
It looks like temperatures here in Asheville may drop down to the mid-70s later this week, but I won’t let this lapse in summertime heat affect my ice cream consumption — although it’s not like the seasons have ever stopped me before. If you want to know all the frosty local favorites, check out our guide to Asheville’s ice cream scene.
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