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Weigh in on riverfront recreation
The community has already given in-person input. | Photo via City of Asheville
The City of Asheville has unveiled design concepts for two major post-Helene park recovery projects along the French Broad River and in East Asheville, offering potential plans to rebuild while improving recreation, connectivity, and flood resilience.
The Azalea Parks and Infrastructure and French Broad Riverfront Parks projects are being led by global landscape architecture firms OLIN and Sasaki, respectively, and funded primarily through federal disaster relief programs.
Here’s what’s presented in each design:
French Broad Riverfront Parks recovery
The project’s guiding principles focus on respecting the river, balancing recreation with nature, and celebrating arts + culture, represented through three design concepts.
Each concept centers a different approach. | Graphic via City of Asheville
1️⃣ | Respecting the River
This approach centers river restoration and nature, with space dedicated to passive recreation programming.
2️⃣ | Activate Asheville
With an emphasis on recreation, this concept prioritizes a variety of sports courts and fields (like futsal, a pump track, and a new velodrome), and spaces for activity.
3️⃣ | Community Canvas
Connectivity is paramount here, with more gathering space, flexible activity areas, and elements like sculptures and an art market pavilion woven throughout.
Beyond Luck: Finding the Right Caregiver | 12-1 p.m. | Asheville | Free | Join local experts for a one-hour virtual panel discussion on navigating care for older adults, avoiding hidden costs, and connecting with resources in your community.*
Isabel has performed leading roles in every major opera house in the world, including The Met Opera, La Scala, and Wiener Staatsoper. | Photo courtesy of Sergio Kurhajec
Something special is in store for Asheville Symphony’s 2026 Artist Residency.
Isabel comes to Asheville fresh off performing with the Metropolitan Orchestra in New York, with prior roles at major opera houses around the world. In her only performances in the Southeast this season, Asheville Symphony will host six Artist Residency events with both ticketed + free offerings.
Add these can’t-miss performances to your calendar:
Voice Recital with Isabel Leonard | March 17, 7 p.m.
Isabel will take the stage with pianist John Arida for a vocal recital featuring selections by Garcia-Lorca, Montsalvatge, Bizet, and traditional Spanish songs.
Masterworks 5: Nightingale | March 21, 2 and 8 p.m.
In the Residency’s flagship event, Isabel will perform a selection of signature roles + iconic works alongside the Asheville Symphony, including:
Asheville City Council is weighing fee increases for services including water, stormwater, trash pickup, parking, street closures, and WNC Nature Center admission as it works to close a projected $26.4 million budget gap. If approved, the changes would add about $11 to the average household’s bimonthly bill, or roughly $67 annually. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Announced
Get ready for four free nights of feel-good music. The lineup for Downtown After 5 was just released, with Sam Burchfield and the Hillclimbers kicking things off on Stomp and Holler Night, Friday, April 17. See who else is on the bill.
Opening
Eagle Market Streets is launching Table & Mic, a new podcast studio and incubator coming soon to downtown. Listen to the current lineup of local podcasts before finding your new favorite.
Eat
Leo’s House of Thirst is serving up a new Sunday dinner special. A bowl of pasta, Caesar salad, and ice cream sundae will set you back $35. Make a resy to secure your spot.
Traffic
NCDOT crews have begun controlled blasting to remove rock for the southern section of the I-26 Connector project. Blasting will take place near the I-26 interchange area, where the connector project ties into I-40 East. Drivers can expect 10-15 minute delays for each blast.
Weather
After some record warm temps, it’s time to brace for a few cold snaps in the forecast. Of course, that’s no surprise given that it’s Redbud Winter. Learn more about the six Appalachian little winters on the horizon.
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Asked
Answered
What artists would you like to see at Hellbender?
Check out a bird’s eye view. | Rendering via City of Asheville
After sharing the deets on The Orange Peel’s new outdoor venue, we gave you the mic to tell us your dream show. Here are a few of your answers:
“The Wailers, Jump Little Children, any Congolese Pop groups! " — Breanna P.
“Orville Peck, Sierra Ferrell, Bill Callahan, Iron & Wine, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, Geese/Cameron Winter, any of the old folk greats still touring.” — Shelby A.
“Indigo Girls” — Nancy P.
“Snarky Puppy! Indigo DeSouza! Wednesday! Dirty Logic!” — Jenna J.
“Alabama Shakes, Pat Benatar, Goose, Gary Clark, Jr.” — Superdave H.
“Pete Yorn, Everclear, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, RHCP, Smashing Pumpkins, Lord Huron.” — Molly M.
Let’s see if any of these dream shows come to fruition. For now, you can grab tickets to an August show with Rhiannon Giddens with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff and a September show with metal band Acid Bath.
The Buy
The perfect spring date night outfit doesn’t exi … It does, and it’s even under $200. Shop the look:
👗 This floral maxi dress features a flattering A-line silhouette and ruffle sleeve design.
👡 Pair it with these cloud-like ballet flats that don’t sacrifice comfort for style.
👛 Priced at under $25, this vegan leather saddle bag adds a touch of understated elegance.
💎 Complete the look with this matching 18K gold bracelet stack and necklace set — both over 70% off.
The Orange Peel has given Asheville one more gift, offering a $15 discount when you buy two tickets to select upcoming shows. Check out the list and act fast — the deal only lasts through 9 p.m. tonight.
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