This sketch by artist Rachel David shows the front view of the bench. | Photo via City of Asheville
With a plethora of public art on display, Asheville is practically a living gallery — and there’s always room for more masterpieces. Here are the deets on three public art sculptures from the City of Asheville that will soon grace greenways and city streets.
Art Deco Masterpiece Redesign
In April of 2024, the city put out a call for artists to redesign stop No. 7 on the Asheville Urban Trail. Rachel David of Red Metal was selected for the project and has since been hard at work in her Waynesville studio. David’s design (shown above), an artistic bench, will be integrated into the outdoor seating area of the S&W Market. Installation is planned for October 2025.
Your handmade tiles will adorn this public art piece.
Rendering via City of Asheville
A playable harp
Originally set to be installed at the Broadway Public Safety Station, the piece designed by artists Nick Geurts and Alex Irvine will now be situated on the Reed Creek Greenway near the intersection with Ocala Street. The playable harp will be covered in hundreds of clay tiles created by the community. Installation is expected this fall.
Groovin’ on Grovemont | 6-8 p.m. | Grovemont Park, Swannanoa | Free | Hear the reimagined pop sound of the local band Breakfast for Dinner during this outdoor concert.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Puppy Adoption Event | 4-8 p.m. | Brother Wolf Animal Rescue | Free | Who could resist a snuggle buddy? The rescue has 12 pups from four litters that all need happy, healthy homes.
Backyard Herbalism Summer Series | Wednesday, Aug. 6-Wednesday, Aug. 27 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Twin Star South | $160+ | Join the weekly class to gather an intimate knowledge of more than 20 herbal remedies, ranging from skin care to medicinal uses of common garden plants.
Thursday, Aug. 7
“The (M) Factor” and Panel Event | 5-7 p.m. | AmeriHealth Caritas NC | $29 | The Fosnight Center for Sexual Health will host the evening, breaking taboos about menopause and providing a welcoming space for honest talk and connection.
Friday, Aug. 8
Asheville Movies in the Park | 8-11 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Defy gravity during a screening of “Wicked” — bring a chair or blanket and munch on snacks from food trucks.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Hi-Wire Midsummer Bash | 12-9 p.m. | Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden | Free | Coinciding with the RAD Sip and Stroll, this party will have vendors, a tie-dye station, drink specials, and live music.
National Book Lover’s Day Fundraiser & Spelling Bee | 1-8 p.m. | River Arts District Brewing Company | Free | Read it and weep — spend an academic afternoon swapping books, spelling SAT-level words, and supporting local nonprofits Literacy Together and Read 2 Succeed.
Country Summer Series with Payton Smith | 6-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Celebrate the grand finale of Wicked Weed’s Summer Country Music Series with rising star Payton Smith.*
Sunday, Aug. 10
Seafood Paella | 12:30-6:30 p.m. | Jettie Rae’s | $55 | Feel like you’ve been swept to Spain during this meal of fresh shrimp, clams, mussels, pan con tomate, gilda, and more — your ticket includes a glass of Spanish wine.
National Oyster Day, which means it’s the perfect day to go get some schuckin’ good seafood. We may be in the mountains, but Asheville has some pearls when it comes to oyster spots, like Jettie Rae’s, Mother Ocean Seafood Market, Oyster House Brewing Co., and The Lobster Trap.
Trending
Runcations (aka vacations centered around trail running) are all the rage right now. Outside Magazine named Asheville a top destination for an adventurous getaway. If you’re not quite sold on this anything-but-relaxing vacation, you can grow your endurance with a local run club.
Biz
Data from the NC Department of Commerce shows that Buncombe County’s unemployment rate has held steady from May to June at 4.5% — higher than the state’s average. Helene’s lingering effects on the hospitality sector can explain the higher-than-average figures. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Try This
Eager to stand on the red rug and share a meaningful story at TEDxAsheville in March 2026? The rigorous application process opens on Monday, Sept. 8. You can also take a baby step there and get involved at the roundtable salon on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Kids
The Asheville Museum of Science and The Hop are hosting an out-of-this-world celebration for the Mars Rover Curiosity’s 13th birthday. Head to Pritchard Park tomorrow, Aug. 6, for party games and a free scoop of “Tastes Like Space” ice cream, a collab between The Hop and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.
The Whale’s Picklefest is returning this year, bigger and brinier than ever. On Saturday, Aug. 30, head to the West Asheville beer bar for pickle brews, pickle art, pickle games, and of course, pickles.
Eat
Soon enough, the Monday blues won’t be so bad because starting August 18, Regina’s will be open on Mondays. Dine in for brunch or dinner and savor specials like peanut butter French toast with cherry compote and $12 TRON burgers.
Plan Ahead
East Fork Pottery has shared its Seconds Pop-Up schedule for the rest of the year, and of course, it includes Asheville in the lineup. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 to get deals on delightfully imperfect pottery.
Sports
Registration is open for Fall Sports at the YMCA, including basketball, soccer, and flag football. Kids ages 3-13 can join programs that develop skills while fostering confidence, teamwork, and character. Sign up here + explore financial assistance options.*
Shop
PSA: Last chance to shop world-renowned brands at the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up before it closes this Sunday, Aug. 10. The best part? A portion of every purchase helps support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Plan your visit.*
Featured Apartment
If you’re looking for a place in West Asheville, Hominy at RiverBlue offers modern studio to three-bedroom apartments surrounded by 24 acres of preserved green space. Located along the Hominy Creek Greenway, these homes feature upscale finishes, spacious layouts, and amenities like a pool, outdoor kitchen and coworking lounge. Take a tour.*
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20%. That’s how much you can save on our self-service ad portal thanks to our Countdown to Q4 special. Hurry — it only runs until the end of the month. Use code AUGUST20 at checkout to secure your discount.
A go-to pair of running shorts to get you through hot summer workouts. This pair is under $20, has a built-in liner, and stays secure around hips thanks to a thick elastic waistband.
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.
We may be a little late celebrating National Friendship Day, but what better way to honor the day than by making a new friend? Explore groups to join around Asheville that could lead you to your next confidant.
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