It’s almost time to chase down the bus. | Photo via Buncombe County Schools
No matter how much your kids may be dreading it, back-to-school season has begun. Luckily, there are a few local events coming up to drum up some excitement for the new school year.
Tanger Asheville Back to School Bash | In addition to back-to-school shopping deals, expect games and giveaways this Saturday, Aug. 9, 12-3 p.m.
Back 2 School Bash | On Saturday, Aug. 16, head to the Shiloh Community Center for games, food, music, and free school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis from Asheville Parks and Rec.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Block Party | This celebration is filled with live performances, STEAM activities, food, and fun for the whole fam — head to Pack Square Park the evening of Friday, Aug. 22 for the action.
But before the early morning wake-up calls and carpool chaos, your youngins can savor the last moments of summer with our guide to Asheville’s most action-packed kid-friendly activities.
The 17th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival | Thursday, Aug. 7-Saturday, Aug. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $24+ | The festival’s second week features more than 30 of the fastest-rising comedians in the country.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Sourwood Festival | Saturday, Aug. 9-Sunday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Black Mountain | Free | Celebrate one of the most sought-after honey varieties in the US with craft + food vendors, live music, dancing, and plenty of sweets.
Bric’s Original Dip & Roll Grand Opening | 1 p.m. | The Mule | Free | Dress as your favorite Chicago icon to come get a stellar Italian beef sandwich from the new food truck.
The Big Wiener Party | 2-6 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ | $23 | Nine teams, 2,700 hot dogs, and one winner — local businesses will compete in this comedic culinary showdown to be crowned King or Queen Wiener.
Country Summer Series with Payton Smith | 6-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Upgrade your IPA with Wicked Weed as they wrap up their country concert series with rising star Payton Smith.*
Sunday, Aug. 10
Country Brunch | 11 a.m. | The Grey Eagle | Free | This concert is for the early birds — listen to local country acts Cary Frindley and Down South while dining on dishes from the Taqeruia.
Monday, Aug. 11
Money Foundations | Monday, Aug. 11-Thursday, Sept. 25 | 5-6:30 p.m. | United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County | Free, RSVP | Whether you’re a beginner or want to go back to basics, learn strategies to build your financial confidence.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Asheville Community Theatre Preview of “Grease” | 6-7 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free, RSVP | Rev your engines for a special sneak preview of ACT’s first show of the 2025-26 mainstage season.
Buncombe County Commissioners voted unanimously to update Beaverdam zoning regulations, therefore ending mandatory single-family zoning throughout the county. What exactly does that mean? More than one dwelling per lot is now allowed. A representative from MountainTrue says denser housing can pose economic and conservation benefits. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Real Estate
Mountain Housing Opportunities has proposed a 150-unit, 100% affordable housing complex just off New Leicester Highway near Papa’s Pizza. Units will mainly serve people making 60 to 80% Area Median Income, with rates provided for 45 years. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Environment
Beginning this month, Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation will host a monthly Land Recovery Series, inviting local experts to share knowledge on rehabilitating your home’s trees, plants, and streams after the storm. Attendance is limited, so register now.
Kids
Speaking of more kid-friendly activities, the Asheville Museum of Science is offering a last-minute half-day STEAM camp next week, Monday, Aug. 11 through Friday, Aug. 15, for rising kindergarteners and first graders. Register for a couple days or the whole week.
Giveaway
You have the chance to win a pretty epic staycation when you buy a $10 raffle ticket to support Echoes of the Forest, a nonprofit born out of Helene, turning storm-salvaged trees into public art. Get the deets on the prize package, including a stay at The Radical.
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53,000+. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Post your job listing for free on AVLtoday Job Board, then promote your role right here for premium visibility.
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Still looking for afterschool care this fall? The YMCA has spots available in programs with several Asheville-area school systems. Sign kids up and enjoy peace of mind knowing they have a safe, enriching environment to study and have fun.*
Located just minutes from the Buncombe County Sports Complex is The Hominy Apartments, a new community offering a peaceful setting near I-40, shopping, and downtown Asheville. Apartments are now leasing in this sought-after location, with extra perks like pop-up yoga and fitness classes. Learn more.*
Family-owned market and catering biz Red Fiddle Vittles is no stranger to feeding neighbors in need. Since Helene, Red Fiddle Vittles has served more than 10,000 free meals and privately raised more than $75,000 in donations to keep our community fed.
Now, the team is formalizing those efforts and continuing to provide support with Pass the Plate, a pay-it-forward initiative. Make a contribution online or at the South Asheville market to help Red Fiddle Vittles deliver its delicious chef-crafted meals to families facing food insecurity.
A great maxi wrap dress that can see you through the transition from summer into fall. Choose your favorite print or floral and enjoy the airy, comfortable feel and flattering ruffle hem.
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 is the name of the hellbender at the WNC Nature Center?
I almost had you all stumped with Gilly Nelson, but you knew better. The hellbender at the WNC Nature Center is lovingly named Meatloaf, and he’s been there since 2008, “after being unintentionally captured by a fisherman who had no idea what it was.”
I’d also like to thank a reader for providing a little clarity that mudpuppies are not just nicknames for hellbenders, but a different species entirely — learn how to tell the difference.
To keep the back-to-school spirit going, here’s a photo of me on my very first day of school in 2005, sporting a pretty stylish Gymboree outfit and LL Bean backpack. Clearly, pink and green were my colors.
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