A-B Tech is expanding its focus on manufacturing. | Photo via NC Community Colleges
This week, Buncombe County Commissioners established a $5 million grant match for A-B Tech’s WNC Futures Factory project. The funds, largely reallocated from previously approved funding for the community college, will help build a 70,000-sqft advanced manufacturing innovation facility on a 13-acre site donated by Biltmore Farms.
The center will be a collaborative effort between five NC universities and five community colleges, designed to advance the state’s manufacturing sector and economic opportunity through industry partnerships, research + development, and academic collaboration.
To bring the center to life, A-B Tech is seeking ~$30 million in federal grant funding from the Economic Development Administration. The project is estimated to be completed in 2029.
BCK2School & BCK2WRK Job Fair | 10 a.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville | Free | Local employers and community organizations are seeking job-ready talent.
Third Thursday | 5-9 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $20 | Watch the museum come alive with music, tours, art making, and cocktails on the rooftop Perspective Café.
Asheville StorySLAM: “CHILDISH” | 7:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $18 | Tell a five-minute story about feeling young, or sit back in the audience and take in the feeling of being a kid again.
Friday, Aug. 22
BASK “The Turning” Album Release | 7 p.m. | The Orange Peel | Free | The local band mixes gritty rock and psychedelic sounds on their new album — it even inspired a new Burial beer.
“Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott” | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 7:30-9 p.m. | YMI Cultural Center | $36 | Award-winning playwright Mike Wiley tells the powerful stories of Claudette Colvin, Jo Ann Robinson, and others whose courage sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott — a Q&A will follow.
Saturday, Aug. 23
West AVL Street Market | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Haywood Country Club | Free | There’s a plethora of vintage and handmade clothing, jewelry, art, and antiques to uncover at this weekly pop-up market.
Boondock Van Company Grand Opening | 5 p.m. | Boondock Van Co. | Free | If you’re all about van life, explore your next adventure with the company at its grand opening — expect plenty of live music, food, drinks, and raffle prizes.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started | Times vary | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville | $50+ | The comic is dishing out Southern charm and a healthy dose of sass on her latest tour, all about mama drama — there are still a few tickets left for both Sunday shows.
This nature-focused community offers the best of both worlds
Presented by RiverBlue
Just minutes from Asheville’s vibrant art districts and breweries, RiverBluewas designed with your needs in mind. | Photo provided by RiverBlue
Nature meets convenience at RiverBlue, a 50-acre rental community in West Asheville with 25 acres of preserved greenspace and direct access to the Hominy Creek Greenway.
Choose from stylish studio to three-bedroom apartments in three unique neighborhoods — Hominy, Chorus, and Archer (coming soon) — with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and in-unit laundry.
Bonus:Community amenities include a resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen, coworking lounge, pickleball courts, and scenic trails.
Mayor Esther Manheimer announced that she is running for reelection, seeking a fourth consecutive term. Manheimer has served as mayor since 2013, serving on city council prior. The primary election will be on March 3. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
You can take a seat as you take in a stunning new piece of art at the NC Arboretum. Local artist Linda Pannullo donated “Nature’s Throne,” a striking mosaic chair depicting 44 kinds of southeastern biodiversity and 15 state symbols. See it in all its glory next to the Education Plaza.
Shop
Historic Biltmore Village has shared an updated list of businesses that have reopened in the area. Show your support and treat yourself at the same time, whether you’re there for food, shopping, or some personal care.
State
WNC first responders and firefighters have headed East or remain on standby, ready to assist with the impacts of Hurricane Erin. Local nonprofits like Hearts with Hands have also mobilized, sending emergency kits and food boxes to those who may lose power. (WLOS)
Read
Buncombe County Commissioners approved three letters to be sent by Board Chair Amanda Edwards, including one addressed to UNC Asheville Chancellor Kim Van Noort. The letter requests that the university consult with local government and further engage with the community regarding the Millennial Campus project. UNC Asheville paused the project last week.
Civic
The Buncombe County Board of Elections wants you to have a say in the early voting plan for the 2026 Primary Election. Take this quick survey by Friday, Sept. 26, which will help inform the number of early voting sites and weekend hours.
Eat
If you’re dreaming of a Eurosummer getaway, Friends & Neighbors and Bebop Bottle Shop can take you there (mentally, at least) at their Baltic Summer pop-up. Grab tickets for the Sunday, Sept. 14 event to dine on Eastern European small plates, potato dumplings, braised beef shank, and buttermilk ice cream — with wine pairings, of course.
Real Estate
If you have a private road, culvert, pipe, or bridge that was damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, you can receive assistance from the NC Private Road and Bridge Program. Fill out this form by Sunday, Aug. 31.
Edu
French Broad River Academy is redefining middle school, taking learning from the classroom to the great outdoors. RSVP to attend an Open House with your 5th, 6th, or 7th grader to discover the riverside campus + innovative education structure.*
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
A great way to whiten teeth from Lumineux. Go for peroxide-free whitening, which helps fight common stains from coffee, tea, and wine without leading to tooth and gum sensitivity. The starter set comes with 14 whitening strips + a two-pack of whitening toothpaste, all formulated with good-for-you Dead Sea salt, coconut oil, and lemon peel oil.
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.
“America’s Best Small Mountain Town” is just about two hours away. Travel + Leisure gave Boone the title for its stunning trails and overlooks, Southern eats, and sky-high slopes. And as an App State alum, I couldn’t agree more.
I also think Kidd Brewer Stadium has the most stunning views in all of college football.
}})
