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🎳 There are some serious game aficionados among us.
We hear you, and we’re delighted to let you know that our Games are back, starting today. We’re still playing around with this page, so please bear with us while we make a few changes to bring you an even better user experience.
Your guide to Buncombe’s 2026 primary
Here’s what to know ahead of the primaries. | Photo by AVLtoday
The 2026 primary election in Asheville and Buncombe County is fast approaching, and on Tuesday, March 3, it will be time again to go to the polls. US Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, District 11, Asheville City Council, and more will be on the ballot — so here are a few things to know before you vote.
Important dates
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss a deadline.
Early voting | Thursday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 28
Election Day | Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Prepare for the polls
If the voter registration deadline passed you by, you can still register and vote with same-day registration during early voting (you’ll just need a valid ID and proof of residency).
Pro tip: NC’s Voter Search Tool is a quick way to check your voter status, find your polling location, and peruse your sample ballot. Your ballot will vary based on your residence.
Queen’s Ball at The Funkatorium | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | The Funkatorium | Free | Keep the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade celebrations going at the official after party, with festive food + drink specials, live music, and lots of colorful fun.*
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally secure that sparkling celebrity smile, this is it.
Blue Ridge Orthodontics (AKA Western NC’s No. 1 Invisalign provider) is offering $1,033 off Braces or Invisalign during their three-day Valentine’s Savings Events, happening February 16-18 across three locations.
It doesn’t stop there, either. Enjoy a festive, pop-up experience featuring hand-selected local businesses, with everything from jewelry and skincare to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Black Mountain’s Foothills Grange is the next local spot to be featured in an upcoming episode of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The episode, titled “Hot Dogs, Hot Knots, and Hot Ramen,” airs Friday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Transit
The NCDOT analyzed potential impacts of restoring passenger rail service in Asheville, which could generate 5,300+ jobs and $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. The project could cost up to $800 million and take up to 12 years once approved.
Concert
Billy Strings is back in town, performing his first of four shows at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville tonight. The shows are sold out, but join the fun at pre-parties, markets, and afterparties. Last year, the bluegrass singer’s six-show run brought in $15.7 million in economic impact to the area.
Arts
The Asheville Art Museum is showcasing 70 years of American impressionism in its new exhibit, “In A New Light.”Pro tip: See the new works this Valentine’s weekend and participate in the museum’s Hearts for Art activity, placing a paper heart in front of your “artwork crush.”
Film
Andie MacDowell joined the cast of Hallmark’s upcoming “A Grand Biltmore Christmas.” The “Groundhog Day” actress isn’t a stranger to Asheville, having formerly lived in Biltmore Forest. The new movie has finished production in the area and will premiere during Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Regional
The Town of Lake Lure has begun refilling the lake, with hopes to reopen it by Memorial Day. After Helene, the lake was drained to clear debris. For safety reasons, it can only be refilled one foot per day, with progress dependent on weather conditions. (WLOS)
Meet the intimacy gummy: Camino Wild Cherry, the ultimate edible for date night. Heighten sensory experiences and ignite that special spark with a THC gummy that fits seamlessly into your Valentine’s Day plans — without the hangover or bloat of alcohol. Get 20% off a full-size tin with code 6AM20.†*
Category
Culture
Celebrate Black History Month
The City will host a variety of history-focused events, including at the Burton Street Community Center. | Photo via Asheville Parks and Recreation
Every February, the country marks the history, struggles, achievements, and contributions of generations of Black Americans. From storytelling to music, learning to creating, here are just a few of the ways to honor Black History Month in Asheville.
Saturday, Feb. 21 | Burton Street History Discussion
Learn more about the Burton Street community during a discussion about the neighborhood’s history and its founder, Edward W. Pearson.
Saturday, Feb. 28 | The 2nd Annual YMI Honors
The elegant evening embraces the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, honoring community trailblazers and unsung heroes with live music, dinner, and special arts programming.
Growing up comes with plenty of firsts. With a Cash App Card, teens have a safe way to practice saving, managing money, and spending — all with their own debit card, and you as their guide.‡
Speaking of area appearances on “Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives,” the episode featuring Huli Sue’s will rerun this Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. You might even notice a familiar face.
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‡Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See Terms & Conditions. To view the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a teen, please visit the Sponsored Accounts section of the Cash App Terms of Service.
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