The work inside is just as eye-catching. | Photo by AVLtoday
Just like the sign says, “damn, this art is fine.” The empty warehouse next to The Radical Hotel has been transformed into RAD Rendezvous, a vibrant new arts hub providing space for more than 30 artists to create and exhibit their work.
The entrance of the space serves as the River Arts District Artists’ welcome center, offering info to guide you through what’s open in the district. RAD Rendezvous is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plus, there are still artist spaces available.
There’s plenty of art to appreciate here. | Photo by AVLtoday
If you’re looking for more ways to support the RAD, each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can head to the Pinegate Renewables parking lot for a weekly art market featuring works by displaced artists.
Additionally, the district is hosting RAD Resilience on Saturday, Sept. 13, exhibiting works from 350+ artists, with many pieces created in response to the one-year anniversary of Helene.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 22
Don’t Tell Comedy | 8 p.m. | South Slope | $27 | The lineup for these shows is unknown, but the laughs are guaranteed.
Divine’s Karaoke Kiki | 8-9 p.m. | Dalton Distillery | Free+ | Divine turns it up to 11 during this karaoke night, filled with sing-alongs, roasts, and toasts.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Car Show | 10 a.m. | Asheville Mall — Red Deck | Free | See a stunning selection of classic cars, shop from local craft vendors, and score sweet treats from food trucks at this show hosted by the Men of Greater Asheville Fellowship.
Summer Cycle 2025 | 2-7 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Join Asheville’s cycling community for a group ride and plenty of festivities — you can pick a 5-, 10-, or 20-mile ride.
4th Annual HarvestFest | 3-6 p.m. | Olivette Riverside Community and Farm | $20 | Support local farmers during this afternoon of good food, community, and music, all to benefit ASAP.
Sunday, Aug. 24
RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins | Free+ | Celebrate the French Broad River fly fishing community with activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, food trucks, live music, and even fish flash tattoos.
Pokeberry Ink Workshop | 5-7 p.m. | Asheville Tool Library | $20 suggested donation | Bring a small container and make some ink to take home — you can also talk foraging, so you know how to experiment with inks in the future.
Pet Sounds Live | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $22 | The Beach Boys tribute band will take you on a journey through the iconic album, complete with multi-media elements and plenty of historical facts.
Frankly speaking, the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will make a few stops in the area next week. The 27-foot wiener is on a roll, parking at the Biltmore Park Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 28, Fletcher’s End of Summer Carnival on Saturday, Aug. 30, and Hendersonville’s King Apple Parade on Monday, Sept. 1.
Try This
Want to see yourself on the big screen? Three roles are open in Circus Films’ upcoming feature horror film, “Numbskull,” which will be filmed in Asheville for ~10 days this fall. The crew is casting an 18-25-year-old male lead, a 50-80-year-old male, and an 18-30-year-old female.
Arts
According to ArtsAVL, RiverLink and Unified RAD are working with the internationally renowned planning firm, Sasaki, to create preliminary design concepts for a more flood-resilient and better-connected RAD. The concepts will prioritize the creative community and the RAD’s sense of place — you can help inform their work by taking this quick survey by Monday, Sept. 1.
Transit
The NCDOT will conduct an environmental impact study on the hotly contested eight-lane flyover bridge above Patton Avenue that’s included in the $1 billion I-26 Connector project. According to state senator Julie Mayfield, the study will be released later this year. (WLOS)
Number
10 years. That’s how long Asheville Creative Arts (ACA) has been creating innovative and engaging programming for all ages — and they’ll celebrate that milestone this Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Summer Soiree at the Peace Gardens & Market. The event is also a fundraiser for Blue Note Junction, where ACA would anchor a black box theater.
Cause
Bounty & Soul has launched Feed It Forward WNC, a campaign to raise $100,000 to fight food insecurity by Saturday, Sept. 27. A $35 donation feeds a family of four for a week — keep the goodwill going by sharing the campaign and mark your calendar for a 10-day virtual action beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Environment
During their 15 years of service to the WNC area, Sugar Hollow Solar has offset emissions equivalent to growing 556,000 tree seedlings for 10 years, eliminated the need for 36 million pounds of coal, and taken the carbon equivalent of over 7,000 cars off the road each year. Learn more about the local B Corp’s mission.
Back to school means back to fall sports, but an untimely injury can stop kids in their tracks. Southeastern Orthopedics & Spine has five locations across WNC to treat + prevent sports injuries, so kids can stay out there all season long.*
Seasonal
Christmas in ... August? If you’re a local business with a product or service you’d like to share with our readers this holiday season, consider securing your promo now before we sellout. Our Holiday Shopping Spotlight Bundle includes three newsletter inclusions discounted by 20%.
Category
Arts
The show goes on at Marquee
About this time next month, Marquee will be ready for you. | Photo by AVLtoday
And of course, we couldn’t talk about the RAD’s recovery without mentioning Marquee’s massive milestone. The team has officially announced “Take II,” the grand reopening celebration of the gallery and art market. On Thursday, Sept. 25, nearly one year after Helene sent nearly 15 feet of water rushing through, the space will open its doors once again to showcase the eclectic works of more than 300 artists.
The evening will begin with a meditative ceremony, recognizing all the people who worked hard to bring back the beloved space. Then, the party begins, with live performance art, booth openings, tunes bumpin’ courtesy of DJ Nex Millen, and cocktails and light bites.
Marquee will join Foundation Woodworks as Foundy Street’s open businesses, with Cultivate Climbing’s bouldering gym following this fall.
The Buy
Psst. Is it too soon to say…boo? Look away, summer fans. If you’re ready for fall, read on for our top decor picks:
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.
Yes, I know I just gave you a massive list of this weekend’s events that you want to go to, but somewhere in between, a beer at Zillicoah is non-negotiable. The brewery officially reopened yesterday, and I could not be more excited to raise a pils to the crew for coming back even stronger. Check out all the deets on food, music, and parking.
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