We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Asheville. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
AVLFest evolves into two new events
The AVLFest name is being retired as its co-founders pursue different projects. | Photo by Fiasco Media
After two lively years, AVLFest is no more — but its energy will carry on with two new events from the festival’s cofounders.
Co-founder Jeff Whitworth will continue the original festival’s partnership with Wicked Weed Brewing to bring AVL Sounds Fest. Following the same format as AVLFest, expect a variety of genres and regional talent across local stages, Aug. 6-9.
Co-founder Bryan Matheny has launched his own production company to bring the inaugural Asheville Busker Fest to downtown streets and the RAD May 2-3. The event will highlight jugglers, magicians, musicians, and other street artists, benefiting LEAF Global Arts.
“We’re incredibly proud of what AVLfest sparked,” Whitworth and Matheny shared. “It showed what this community is capable of building together. As we embark on our individual paths, we both remain committed to supporting Asheville’s music scene and celebrating the people and places that shape it.”
Year of the Fire Horse: Lunar New Year Celebration | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY | Free | Celebrate Lunar New Year at Highland Brewing with a free Fire Horse festival featuring dragon dances, local food, kids’ activities, cocktails, and four limited-edition Lunar New Year beers.*
Atlanta-based nonprofit Hearts on Main Street will be in Biltmore Village April 1-3, helping move Bette Boutique back into its home after Helene damaged the store. Sign up to help with the effort. Pro tip: In the meantime, you can shop Bette’s stylish offerings in Grove Arcade.
Civic
This Friday, Feb. 20, two local branches of the climate advocacy group Sunrise Movement are hosting an Asheville city council and mayoral candidate forum, inviting the public to head to UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Student Union at 6:30 p.m. to hear from candidates about environmental policies.
Try This
This Thursday, Feb. 19, WNC game designers Grace Kendall and Mike Belsole will be at Well Played to launch their new game, Bullseye. The cooperative party game lets 3-8 players build clues about a word or phrase, one letter at a time. Tickets include a copy of the game to take home.
Drink
The most expensive US whiskey sale ever — a bottle of 1982 Kentucky bourbon — recently sold for ~$162,000 in New York City. You won’t need pockets anywhere near as deep to enjoy local whiskey at spots like Oak and Grist or Cultivated Cocktails. (Southern Living)
Real Estate
Stability is in style. US homeowners are setting new records for staying put, with the average homeowner now living in their house for about nine years. After all, why would you want to leave this charming, recently remodeled three-bedroom West Asheville bungalow? (Axios)
Learn
Garden design, color theory, calligraphy, portrait photography, embroidery. These are just a handful of the expert-led, creative classes available on Skillshare, an online learning community recognized by The New York Times and Forbes. Start a one-month free trial + dive into new skills.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Job
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your opening on our Job Board and get connected to top local talent.
Featured Deal
Meet THC Libido Lift Gummy: a gummy that combines THC, CBC, and four ancient aphrodisiac botanicals backed by science to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and support blood flow. Get a pack of Libido Lift free with purchase when you spend $50 on TribeTokes. Use code VDAYGUMMY.†*
Editor’s Pick
What a way to make a living
The Center for Craft could be your new office. | Photo by Gabe Swinney
Six months. That’s how long the average job search takes nowadays, and last summer, job seekers outnumbered job openings for the first time since 2021. Need a hand finding your next role? Here are some unique openings here in Asheville right now.
Psst... you can also find hundreds of remote roles across the US on 6AM City’s Jobs Board.
The Buy
Tired of being … tired? You’re not alone. For millions of people over 35, the problem isn’t stress, late nights, or a busy schedule — it’s mineral deficiency. That’s where Organixx Magnesium 7 comes in. The doctor-formulated supplement features seven highly absorbable forms of magnesium to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and wake up feeling well-rested.
}})
