NOLA meets AVL at the annual Asheville Mardi Gras celebration. | Photo via Asheville Mardi Gras
We’re back with another edition of AVLtoday’s Plan Ahead — a quick guide to some of Asheville’s biggest events each month.
Mark your calendar, rally your crew, and get ready. Here are our top picks for February. The Asheville Designer Art-Toy Expo | Saturday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Battery Park Hall | $12 | In its eighth year, the expo showcases pop-surrealist pieces for artists, collectors, and appreciative observers alike.
The Little Crafty | Saturday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 8 | 1-6 p.m. | The NC Arboretum | Prices vary | The Big Crafty’s little sibling returns to showcase regional art in a new setting — pro tip: Sunday, Feb. 8 is Community Day, with the Arboretum’s parking fee waived.
See pieces like these at the Assembly Required Designer Toy Expo. | Photo by JenBen Media, courtesy of Unboxing Asheville
2026 Asheville Mardi Gras Parade | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 3:05 p.m. | South Slope | Free | Let the good times roll at the annual parade and come dressed to embrace this year’s theme, “Life is a Carnival.”
Saxsquatch | Wednesday, Feb. 18-Thursday, Feb. 19 | 8-11 p.m. | Eulogy | $33 | The furry 7-foot-tall sax player is coming out of the woods to play two nights at Eulogy.
Today’s Asheville City Council meeting starts at 10 a.m. instead of the usual 5 p.m. The schedule change was originally for the annual Point In Time count, now postponed to Feb. 10-11 due to weather. You can tune in to the meeting virtually.
Announced
Both Asheville City and Buncombe County Government offices reopen today, Jan. 27, following winter storm closures. Check updates on services resuming today, including ART transit, trash pickup, and some community center operations.
Longtime Asheville resident Jaha Nailah Avery penned a piece for Travel + Leisure, praising what she thinks may be “the most peaceful place in the city.” Hint: It’s known for its greenery, coffee, and gathering space. Think you know the spot?
Community
After finding refuge at OWL in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Mean Pies is once again searching for a more permanent place to set up shop. The team is searching for an “existing kitchen space, partnership, turnkey, takeover, or mobile setup.” You can contact the team with any leads.
Job
You’re three times more likely to get hired with GetHiredNow, TopResume’s personalized job placement service that reduces job-search friction, time, and stress. Pay one fee + get dedicated one-on-one support until you’re hired — guaranteed. Explore plans and book a consultation.*
Shop
If we could only buy one thing this month? We’d buy two — a two-piece set, that is. Eliminate outfit guesswork + look instantly put together with this best-selling comfy travel set, or turn the cozy up a notch with this knit loungewear set.*
MB HAYNES has operated in the WNC for 100+ years, and they’re still growing. Apply now to job openings with benefits including health, dental, and life insurance, a 401k, and vacation benefits.*
Cause
The winter storm has severely impacted the region’s blood supply, creating an urgent need for donors. Those who donate blood can earn $40 in TBC Rewards. Every donation counts — patients are waiting, and lifesaving help is needed now.Learn more + donate.*
The Buy
One of our favorite on-the-go essentials: deodorizing body wipes. We stash them in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick little refresh.
It’s no surprise that the hottest ticket in town this February is to see Billy Strings. The bluegrass star has sold out four shows at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, and if you couldn’t score tickets to see him perform, how about the next best thing... a show from a Billy Strings look-alike. The Draftsman will hold its second Billy Strings look-alike contest on Thursday, Feb. 12, with long wavy hair and flannels taking center stage.
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