Jazz will fill the Palm Room at Fitz and the Wolfe. | Photo by AVLtoday
The Land of the Sky is ready to ring in the New Year with style, sparkle, and plenty of Champagne. Here’s where you should be counting down to the new year.
Mother & Sauna House NYE Party | 5-10 p.m. | Mother | $80+ | Enjoy a relaxed sauna and cold plunge session before heading next door for heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open wine bar.
Early NYE Pajama Party | 6-10 p.m. | The Whale | Free | Throw down early so you can be asleep by the time the ball drops. Cúrate Pintxo Party | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Events by Cúrate - La Bodega | $100 | Ring in the new year on Spanish time with pinxtos, a raw bar, and decadent desserts.
Find fresh bites from a Spanish-inspired raw bar. | Photo via Cúrate
🌳 Discover more local parks + recreational programs in 2026
Presented by Asheville Parks & Recreation
There are hundreds of programs, festivals, and opportunities to explore, connect, and discover every year. | Photo courtesy of Grace Whitaker for Asheville Parks & Recreation
Did you know Asheville has more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, greenways, and community centers?
A recent NC Supreme Court decision clears the way for AdventHealth to move forward with a new 67-bed hospital in Weaverville. Construction can now begin on the project, even while a separate appeal over an additional 26 beds is still pending. (WLOS)
Featured
According to Esquire, one of the 30 best martinis in America can be found here in Asheville. The Minorca at The Crow & Quill earned its spot among drinks from NYC and LA’s most iconic restaurants. Crafted with gin made from grape-based distillate, this martini balances subtle sweetness with herbaceous bite.
Development
Local wellness company AyurPrana plans to expand upon its SoHum Mountain Healing Resort at the former Sourwood Inn in Woodfin, creating an alternative healing-focused “village.” Plans for the nearly 200-acre property include 64 guest cabins, 36 homes, a restaurant, an education building, and more built by 2027. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
Asheville Cotton Mill Studios has one more studio available as it prepares for a February reopening after rebuilding from Helene damage. Artist and small businesses, including Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food, Alison Press Fine Art, Bleupansy Artisan Jewelry, and Align Asheville, will soon move into the space.
Regional
Applications are open for the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program, a new disaster recovery program to repair small rental properties damaged by Helene, backed by $57.4 million in funding. There is one stipulation for property owners who receive funding — they must agree to provide affordable rent for 10 years following repairs.
Concert
Alabama Shakes are heading to Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville on Friday, April 17 for their spring 2026 tour. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. More notable artists are heading to the venue in the spring, including Goose, Mac DeMarco, Bob Dylan, and Robert Plant — see the schedule.
Drink
Thanks to reader Alanna S. for telling us about another Guinness World Record broken by Ashevillians. In 2019, Wicked Weed earned the record for Largest Tap Takeover, supplying 177 beers to the Raleigh Beer Garden, which has 386 draft lines (and holds a few more beer-related records).
Featured Deal
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Number
540,000+. That’s how many people trust this life-changing hearing aid. Its virtually invisible design delivers sharper speech and reduced noise for effortless hearing. Try it yourself with a 45-day no-risk trial and experience clearer conversations today.*
Our favorite way to stay warm in the winter? With a little added heat. We love this heated vest that provides up to 12 hours of continuous heat with a battery that doubles as a power bank. We pair it with these top-rated rechargeable hand warmers on extra chilly days.
I’ve been quietly mourning the loss of La Bodega’s xuixo (dramatic, I know), but The Hop has a holiday miracle up their sleeve, collaborating with the Cúrate team for a xuixo ice cream. The new flavor drops today at the S&W Market location and is available until supplies last.
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