Be part of the community at 12 Baskets. | Photo via 12 Baskets Cafe
When Congress designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday in 1994, it was named a day of service and called a “day on, not a day off.” Help serve the Asheville community through one of these 50+ local volunteer opportunities.
Bounty & Soul | Help nourish everyone in the community with nutritious meals.
Trauma Intervention Program of WNC | This nonprofit provides emotional support and resources to survivors of traumatic events and their families.
SAHC keeps views clean and serene. | Photo via Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Asheville Poverty Initiative | Take and fill grocery orders or offer your hospitality services at 12 Baskets Cafe before sitting down for a meal.
Hood Huggers | Help out in the Peace Gardens, donate time and knowledge, and assist with special events, including the annual Day of Service on MLK Jr. Day.
Read to Succeed | Work one-on-one or in small groups with K-5th-grade students to boost literacy.
Asheville Beer Choir: “Wicked for Good” | 7-10 p.m. | Wicked Weed Funkatorium | Join the Asheville Beer Choir to learn the title track from “Wicked: For Good,” rehearse, and film a magical final performance all in one night — no singing experience or long-term commitment needed.*
Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Cafe are bringing Westival back to Archetype Brewing on Saturday, March 14, celebrating all the food and fellowship West Asheville has to offer. Grab a ticket to enjoy bevs and bites from 10+ restaurants, including Jargon, Sunny Point Cafe, and The Hop.
Plan Ahead
Time to start planning your romantic Valentine’s Day outing. If you’ve exhausted all the ideas in our date night guide, take your other half to Hickory Nut Gap for a special evening of guided stargazing under the Snow Moon. Pro tip: pick up a build-your-own charcuterie board and drinks from the farm store beforehand for the ultimate experience.
Edu
Explore Asheville is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Asheville Travel & Hospitality Internship Program and the Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship. Local students can apply for the programs by Wednesday, March 18 — learn more about the experience and requirements.
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Country line dancing is making a comeback, and bars across the US are embracing a honky-tonk vibe to draw in crowds. Editor’s Pick: Slip on your cowboy boots and join the fun at Banks Ave. Bar’s Butts and Boots line dancing every Thursday or the monthly Giddy Up line dancing brunch at The Grey Eagle. (Wall Street Journal)
A stunning mid-century modern home has hit the market — and it comes with 1.34 acres of private, lush gardens. See how the 1966 build by Asheville architect Lawrence Taber got some high-end upgrades.
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Novant Health is showing up across Western North Carolina — partnering with local nonprofits, supporting students, and sponsoring community events. From cancer care collaborations to mental health support, these efforts reflect a commitment to meeting people where they are and building long-term relationships that strengthen community health. Learn more.*
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Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer. Learn the most important tech news delivered in just two short emails a week with The Code, trusted by 100,000+ engineers at companies like Google, Meta, and Apple. It’s free to subscribe.*
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City
Local living wage increases for 2026
The living wage has increased by about four percent from 2025. | Photo by @ashevillepictures
Let’s look at the numbers. Asheville-based nonprofit Just Economics of WNC announced that Buncombe County’s Living Wage Rate rose from $23.15 per hour in 2025 to $24.10 per hour (with or without benefits) in 2026.
Just Economics’ formula is based on a single worker being able to qualify for a one-bedroom apartment in Buncombe County, based on a four-year average of the Fair Market Rent released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Just Economics sets this hourly living wage floor, but it also runs the largest voluntary living wage certification program in the country. More than 400 WNC employers have been Living Wage Certified since the program was launched in 2008.
Our favorite two-piece set featuring a knit sweater vest and pants. Pair it with your favorite cardigan for winter wardrobing, then wear it on its own as the weather warms for effortless, year-round style.
The hype is building for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and plans are already falling into place for the next Summer Games. Ticket registration is open for Los Angeles 2028, with one-third of tickets set to cost under $100. It’s never too early to get in the spirit by trying out some Olympic sports for yourself in Asheville.
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