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City Guide
Drum roll, please
Rock out with the crowds at The Orange Peel. | Photo via Tom Farr Photography
If Billy Strings fever has you eager to live it up with more live music, you’re in luck. From pop to country and everything in between, Asheville is a stop on 20+ major artists’ and bands’ tour schedules.
While you’re out at these shows, let the live music drum up some excitement for Asheville’s coming-soon venues — Salvage Station’s move to the RAD and The Orange Peel’s 6,000-seat outdoor venue planned for Thompson Street. Robert Plant | Wednesday, April 1 | Thomas Wolfe Auditorium | Touring for his new album “Saving Grace” with Suzi Dian
Alabama Shakes | Friday, April 17 | ExploreAsheville.com Arena | Known for “Hold On” and “Sound & Color”
Watchhouse | Sunday, April 19 | The Orange Peel | Known for “Wildfire” and “Daylight”
Ghostface Killah | Friday, April 24 | Eulogy | Known for “Mighty Healthy” and being part of the Wu-Tang Clan
Steep Canyon Rangers | Friday, May 29 | Sierra Nevada Amphitheater | Known for “Honey on My Tongue” and “Call the Captain”
Love, Marquee | Thursday, Feb. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Marquee Asheville | Free entry | Raise a glass (filled with a special Valentine’s cocktail) to an evening of love and community, with sweet treats, a love letter wall, and appearances from DJ Ganymede and Street Creatures.
Foreign Film Fridays | Fridays, Feb. 13 + 20 | 7 p.m. | Flood Gallery | Free | Bring your own snacks and drinks for a showing of classic films from around the world.
Opening in March, these four one-day workshops offer proven tools and practical strategies to help you lead more effectively in our rapidly changing world, including:
Authentic and Effective Leadership | March 19
Building and Leading Effective Teams | March 20
Leading Across Cultures and Generations | April 30
Leveraging a Growth Mindset for Personal, Team, and Organizational Success | May 1
➡️ Fast-track professional growth
Each unique session is designed to develop authentic, confident, high-performing leaders.
Drawing on direct input from industry professionals, these programs provide lasting value, helping you cultivate a culture of excellence and improve performance at both the individual and organizational levels.
✅ Register by March 12
Participants who complete all four workshops will earn the Certificate in Leadership from Wake Forest Executive Education and the Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character at the School of Business.
Early voting begins today in Buncombe County. Before you head to the polls for the 2026 primary election, check out our guide for key dates, voting locations, and more need-to-know info.
Event
Beads will be flying in the South Slope district this Sunday, Feb. 15. The Asheville Mardi Gras Parade rolls out at 3:05 p.m. from the southern end of Coxe Avenue, and street closures are expected from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open
Guess who’s back, back again?Salsa’s is back, tell a friend. The Caribbean-Mexican restaurant on Patton Avenue will reopen today after temporarily closing in November.
Community
Ashevillians can get a first look at the Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration Project during an informational session on Thursday, Feb. 26, featuring initial design renderings. The project would replace existing sidewalks with new brick pavers, improve accessibility, and protect the street’s urban canopy.
Eat
Hope you’re hungry. Asheville Restaurant Week returns Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 23, featuring special dishes + discounts at participating restaurants across the city. Take a peek at the menus and make a reservation.
Number
Over $500,000 is flowing into museums across Western North Carolina through North Carolina’s Science Museums grant program. In Buncombe County alone, more than $100,000 will be split between the Asheville Museum of Science, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the WNC Nature Center. (WLOS)
List
Two Asheville hot spots just earned national recognition. USA Today named Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Luminosa among its 2026 Restaurants of the Year.
Health insurance doesn’t have to be complicated — seriously. Locally-based Cory’s Health Insurance provides personalized plans that fit the unique needs and budgets of individuals + small business owners. There’s no open enrollment period, so you can schedule a free consultation to switch at any time.*
The wait is almost over.Rhubarb, the Appalachian farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Asheville, will officially reopen on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Helmed by the restaurant’s former executive pastry chef Mallory Foster, Rhubarb’s revival will debut brand-new drinks + dishes while bringing back favorites like the wood-fired Oysters Rockefeller and house bread service.
Want to be among the first to try the new fare? One lucky Ashevillian will score four seats at the chef’s counter on opening night via this Instagram giveaway. The winner will be revealed tomorrow, Feb. 13.
In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.
💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.
Roses are red, violets are blue… how much will Valentine’s Day florals cost you? The average price of a dozen roses from a florist in North Carolina is $92, according to a new FinanceBuzz study. But if the way to their heart is through their stomach, these local lunch deals will do the trick for way less.
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