Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Asheville Beer Week: Wedge Run
May 18 @ 6:15 pm
Wedge Foundation

Join us every Thursday at 6:15 pm for our group run at Wedge Brewing Company’s Foundation location in Asheville’s River Arts District (5 Foundy Street).  Runners of all abilities are welcomed for this self-paced, self-guided jaunt along the French Broad River.  The run follows a route that is 7.5 miles out-and-back, but feel free to turn around whenever you want for a shorter option.

While we are spoiled with an abundance of singletrack trails, fire roads, and dirt roads in and around Asheville, flat road runs are harder to find.  The Wedge Run was started in the Spring of 2012 to put a flat run on the calendar every week on a no-brainer out-and-back route.  Oh yeah – we like finishing the run at a brewery, too.

We realize that Wedge Run has had a reputation of being a hammerfest. There is some truth to that – for many runners it is a good opportunity to go fast with friends.  However, every week there are athletes of all abilities running a variety of paces and distances.  This run is a great venue for an easy short jog, a long run, or anything in-between.

Summary:
– 6:15 pm
– Meet in the Wedge at Foundation parking lot.
– Run is self-guided and self-paced.
– Route is out-and-back from Wedge to the end of the Hominy Creek Greenway (7.5 miles). 3, 4, 6 mile options available by turning around early!
– New runners get a FREE beer (courtesy of the Asheville Running Collective).

Ashevillians Comedy Showcase
May 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Eurisko

Hops Around Comedy is a rotating show presented by Modelface Comedy that takes place in all your favorite Asheville breweries. This week we are at Eurisko Brewing in the South Slope!!!!

Ashevillians Comedy Showcase is a celebration of some of the best comedians in the Mountains!

Featuring Art Sturtevant, Jess Cooley, Josie Beers, Ryan Cox and more!!

ages 18+

Divine’s Drag Cabaret
May 18 @ 7:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

 Fundraiser for Asheville Poverty Initiative. Featuring Alexis, Diamond, Divine and Natasha. Ages 21+.

Friday, May 19, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 19 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

The PACT Act and Veterans Benefits
May 19 all-day
online

In August of 2022 the President of the United States signed into law the PACT Act, the most sweeping legislation in regards to Veteran benefits in three plus decades. This legislation will provide healthcare and disability benefits to hundreds of thousands of Veterans who served in hostile locations across the globe. It is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances and adds to the list of health conditions that are presumed to be caused by exposure to these substances.

On April 1, 2023, multiple veterans affairs groups organized a town hall at the A-B Tech Conference Center to help veterans in WNC. Charles George VA partnered with Vietnam Veterans of America and the North Carolina State Council to host a Toxic Exposure/PACT Act Veterans Town Hall. At the event, veterans received assistance with signing up for healthcare benefits, filing disability claims, and completing toxic exposure screenings.

According to the VA website, the PACT Act will bring these changes:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
  • Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
  • Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care

The PACT Act also includes benefits for surviving family members of a Veteran including a monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment, a one-time accrued benefits payment, or a survivors pension. More information on the PACT Act can be found here.

Buncombe County residents who think that they could be eligible for the PACT Act should contact the Buncombe County Veterans Service Office (VSO). Buncombe County Veterans Services Supervisor, Heath Smith, gave a presentation about the PACT Act at the town hall event. Navigating benefits eligibility can be a challenge which is why Smith encourages people to contact their local VSO. Smith says, “If you think that a health condition is due to your time in service, get in touch with your local Veterans Service Office and they will guide you through the benefits that you might be entitled to. We encourage people to contact a Veterans Service Officer to learn more about this new legislation.”

In Buncombe County, Veterans Service Officers can be reached by calling (828) 250-5726. Our Veterans Services team will be happy to assist you with questions you might have about the PACT Act and other benefits that you and your relatives could qualify for.

Click here to watch the video of Heath Smith’s presentation at the Town Hall.

Click here for WLOS coverage of the event.

Downtown After 5: Baba Commandant with Coconut Cake
May 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Downtown After 5

Downtown After 5
                                                Logo

  • June 16: Victoria Victoria featuring Charlie Hunter with Josh Phillips
  • July 21: The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux with Funk’N Around
  • August 18: Asheville All-Stars with Asheville Rock Academy
  • September 15: The Sensational Barnes Brothers with Alex Krug Combo
LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
May 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Spaghetti Dinner + Bingo Night
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center brings a delicious twist with Bingo & Spaghetti Dinner on May 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Tackle The Tar with Family Fun Fest
May 19 @ 6:00 pm – May 20 @ 1:00 pm
Rocky Mount Stadium

Special Sale: Prices will increase until Race Day (Ranging from $25 to $75)

 

Traverse the treacherous terrain located in and around the Rocky Mount Sports Complex and throughout Battle Park.

This 5K race is packed with more than 20 obstacles!

For full details, visit us online at www.tacklethetar.com.

Competitive Heats and Fun Runs

2023 Heat Schedule

  • 8:45am Kids Run Heat
  • 9:00am – Competitive Heat
  • 9:10am – Competitive Heat
  • 9:20am – Competitive Heat
  • 9:30am – Fun Run Heat
  • 9:40am – Fun Run Heat
  • 9:50am – Fun Run Heat
  • 10:00am – Fun Run Heat
  • 10:10am – First Responders Run Heat
  • 10:20am – College Run

*Note – All Heats Will Be Timed, with the exception of the 1 mile kids run.

How old do you need to be to run?

A: You must be at least 14 years old on the day of the race to run Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Race. However, kids ages 8-13 are encouraged to race at 11:15 a.m. in our 1 Mile Kids Obstacle Race.

Participants ages 14-15 must run with a parent or guardian over 18, and are excluded from the competitive heats.

Participants 16-17 may run in the fun run only, but must have completed a Parental Consent Form (DOWNLOAD HERE).

All other participants 18+ are free to run in any race with the completion of the Participant Waiver Form (DOWNLOAD HERE)

If you or your child do not have a photo ID, you must still provide proof of your identity and verification of your age. (We need to know you’re old enough to run and that you are who you claim to be). You may consider bringing a combination of the options listed below:

For identification, we will accept photocopies of your:

  • Passport
  • Membership Card
  • Student ID
  • License

For more information about rules, regulations, and what to expect, visit us online at TTT RUNNER CENTRAL.

T-shirt, medal, and goodie bags are not guaranteed for anyone that registers after 5/1/23.

1-Mile Kids Obstacle Race

Kids 8-13 years of age will be racing through a 1 mile obstacle course designed with them in mind. Cost is $25.00.

Confederate Railroad at Point Lookout Vineyards
May 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Join us with Grammy Award-winners, Confederate Railroad, as we kick off our Summer Concert Series!

Saturday, May 20, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 20 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
May 20 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Citron Gallery Group Exhibition: “Reflections”
May 20 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Citron Gallery

Citron Gallery presents REFLECTIONS, a group exhibition featuring new works by a diverse range of national and international artists. Consisting of both literal and metaphorical meanings, reflections can appear in many different forms. The physical nature of light alters appearances and can reveal unexpected sensations. Reflections can also be internal; emotional, spiritual or cerebral, revealing distant memories. These artists have created works that aim to portray an inner dialogue for the viewer. Join us for an evening of art, music, light refreshments, and conversation.

Exhibiting artists include: Allison B. Cooke, Anna Carll, Dorothy Ganek, Eric Abrecht, Kieta Jackson, Kento Saisho, Lauren Betty, and Rand Kramer

Additional works by: Cliff Warner, Joshua Meyer

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 20th, 2023 | 5 PM – 8 PM
On View: May 20, 2023 – August 31, 2023
Location: 60 Biltmore Ave., #002 Lower Level, Asheville, NC 28801

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
May 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Project HNG Barn Dance Fundraiser
May 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
On May 20th, we’re proud to be hosting a barn dance and community event for Project HNG. Please join us at the Home Farm for pony rides, crafts, games, and silent auction. Delicious food will be available from The Outpost Food Truck and Hilltop Ice Cream. Don’t miss Square Dancing at 6:30 pm, with live music provided by the Appalachian Roots Band. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 and under. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled evening that supports a great cause!

Project HNG is a neighborhood non-profit organization that focuses on community enrichment in WNC. They provide life-changing experiences to an economically diverse group of children through a summer day camp, teach people of all ages to ride, deliver effective equine therapy sessions, and are working to grow other dynamic agricultural and outdoor education programs that enhance the community’s understanding of sustainability and conservation.

ZOE + CLOYD Album Release Show
May 20 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Join Zoe & Cloyd for a celebration of their fifth studio album, Songs of Our Grandfathers!

Asheville-based Zoe & Cloyd’s music highlights their emotive songwriting and signature harmonies, with four albums to date that showcase the breadth of their collective musical spirit, seamlessly combining original bluegrass, klezmer, old-time and folk with sincerity and zeal. Now, Zoe & Cloyd are releasing an album inspired by their grandfathers’ musical histories in bluegrass and klezmer music, entitled Songs of Our Grandfathers.

For Natalya Zoe Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller of Organic Records’ semi-eponymous Zoe & Cloyd, tradition is less a choice in musical styles than it is a family legacy — or, to be more precise, a pair of legacies: Miller is the grandson of original bluegrass fiddler Jim Shumate, while Weinstein’s grandfather, David, was a klezmer musician who made his living on flute, clarinet and saxophone. The duo have woven these musical strands together before, but now they’re taking the fusion to a new level in an entire project.

“Songs of Our Grandfathers is inspired by the 1995 album by David Grisman and Andy Statman entitled Songs of Our Fathers, a beautiful project composed of Jewish and klezmer music,” they offer. “We conceived our album in a similar vein, albeit with klezmer and bluegrass, as an homage to our grandfathers and their unique musical stories.”

The duo will be joined by Kevin Kehrberg on upright bass and Bennett Sullivan on banjo and guitar for their album release show.

Their previous appearances at White Horse have all been very well attended.

Thus, advance ticket purchases are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!!!!

————————–

 

————-

VIP OPTION:

  • Would you like to have a reserved seat on the front row.?
  • Would you like to visit with the band?
  • Would you like to have a VIP Drink Voucher?
  • Would you like to arrive early and be seated early?

CLICK HERE for VIP TICKET purchases

Zoe + Cloyd Sing “Songs of Our Grandfathers”
May 20 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Klezgrass practitioners Zoe & Cloyd will present a special performance of songs from their upcoming new album, Songs of Our Grandfathers, live at White Horse Black Mountain on Saturday, May 20. Natalya Zoe Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller will be joined by Kevin Kehrberg on upright bass and Bennett Sullivan on banjo and guitar. Doors open at 7 PM with the performance beginning at 8 PM.

Sunday, May 21, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 21 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

BURLESQUE BRUNCH
May 21 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

-AGES 18+
-SEATED SHOW
-LIMITED VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE

BURLESQUE BRUNCH

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and bellydance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join our dancing dames and dandies every third Sunday of the month for a little singin’, strippin’, and sippin’ starting at noon. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

**Ticket price covers entry, brunch is not included in price.

Burlesque Brunch
May 21 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and bellydance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join our dancing dames and dandies every third Sunday of the month for a little singin’, strippin’, and sippin’ starting at noon. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Monday, May 22, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 22 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

The PACT Act and Veterans Benefits
May 22 all-day
online

In August of 2022 the President of the United States signed into law the PACT Act, the most sweeping legislation in regards to Veteran benefits in three plus decades. This legislation will provide healthcare and disability benefits to hundreds of thousands of Veterans who served in hostile locations across the globe. It is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances and adds to the list of health conditions that are presumed to be caused by exposure to these substances.

On April 1, 2023, multiple veterans affairs groups organized a town hall at the A-B Tech Conference Center to help veterans in WNC. Charles George VA partnered with Vietnam Veterans of America and the North Carolina State Council to host a Toxic Exposure/PACT Act Veterans Town Hall. At the event, veterans received assistance with signing up for healthcare benefits, filing disability claims, and completing toxic exposure screenings.

According to the VA website, the PACT Act will bring these changes:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
  • Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
  • Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care

The PACT Act also includes benefits for surviving family members of a Veteran including a monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment, a one-time accrued benefits payment, or a survivors pension. More information on the PACT Act can be found here.

Buncombe County residents who think that they could be eligible for the PACT Act should contact the Buncombe County Veterans Service Office (VSO). Buncombe County Veterans Services Supervisor, Heath Smith, gave a presentation about the PACT Act at the town hall event. Navigating benefits eligibility can be a challenge which is why Smith encourages people to contact their local VSO. Smith says, “If you think that a health condition is due to your time in service, get in touch with your local Veterans Service Office and they will guide you through the benefits that you might be entitled to. We encourage people to contact a Veterans Service Officer to learn more about this new legislation.”

In Buncombe County, Veterans Service Officers can be reached by calling (828) 250-5726. Our Veterans Services team will be happy to assist you with questions you might have about the PACT Act and other benefits that you and your relatives could qualify for.

Click here to watch the video of Heath Smith’s presentation at the Town Hall.

Click here for WLOS coverage of the event.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 23 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

The PACT Act and Veterans Benefits
May 23 all-day
online

In August of 2022 the President of the United States signed into law the PACT Act, the most sweeping legislation in regards to Veteran benefits in three plus decades. This legislation will provide healthcare and disability benefits to hundreds of thousands of Veterans who served in hostile locations across the globe. It is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances and adds to the list of health conditions that are presumed to be caused by exposure to these substances.

On April 1, 2023, multiple veterans affairs groups organized a town hall at the A-B Tech Conference Center to help veterans in WNC. Charles George VA partnered with Vietnam Veterans of America and the North Carolina State Council to host a Toxic Exposure/PACT Act Veterans Town Hall. At the event, veterans received assistance with signing up for healthcare benefits, filing disability claims, and completing toxic exposure screenings.

According to the VA website, the PACT Act will bring these changes:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
  • Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
  • Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care

The PACT Act also includes benefits for surviving family members of a Veteran including a monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment, a one-time accrued benefits payment, or a survivors pension. More information on the PACT Act can be found here.

Buncombe County residents who think that they could be eligible for the PACT Act should contact the Buncombe County Veterans Service Office (VSO). Buncombe County Veterans Services Supervisor, Heath Smith, gave a presentation about the PACT Act at the town hall event. Navigating benefits eligibility can be a challenge which is why Smith encourages people to contact their local VSO. Smith says, “If you think that a health condition is due to your time in service, get in touch with your local Veterans Service Office and they will guide you through the benefits that you might be entitled to. We encourage people to contact a Veterans Service Officer to learn more about this new legislation.”

In Buncombe County, Veterans Service Officers can be reached by calling (828) 250-5726. Our Veterans Services team will be happy to assist you with questions you might have about the PACT Act and other benefits that you and your relatives could qualify for.

Click here to watch the video of Heath Smith’s presentation at the Town Hall.

Click here for WLOS coverage of the event.

LEGO Builders Club
May 23 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs!
Show off your building skills and make new friends with other LEGO maniacs.

Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.

School Age – (grades K-5)
BEER WEEK: CRAWFISH BOIL
May 23 @ 5:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Sierra Nevada Brews + Music + Crawfish!

Orders will only be taken on the day of the event at our in-house taqueria! We are limiting the number of crawfish orders to 75 this year. First come, first served!

$55 per order of crawfish — proceeds go to MountainTrue — includes crawfish boil (~4 lbs per person) with sides! Sierra Nevada brews available for purchase.

Riceville Swannanoa Drinks with Dems
May 23 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company - In the Meadow

Join us for conversation and fellowship as we grow our local community of multigenerational Democrats and left-leaning Independents.

We welcome speaker Tom Fiedler, Pulitzer prize-winning, lifelong journalist and co-founder/reporter at Asheville Watchdog. Tom will be speaking on the state of journalism and media today, followed by a dialogue with attendees on investigative & explanatory journalism, and local issues that matter to you.

Meet like-minded neighbors, volunteers, and your elected precinct officers. Help us grow our community of caring citizens who will work together to build the foundation needed to fight the extremism in Raleigh and the removing of our fundamental rights.

Any Democrat or left-leaning Independent residing in Riceville, Swannanoa, or neighboring areas is welcome to attend.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Adults Only Trivia Night Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company
May 24 @ 6:30 pm – 8:15 pm
Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company

EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 pm ~ FREE!

AGES 18+ ADULTS ONLY ~ NO KIDS ALLOWED

ON OUR HUGE SCREEN IN THEATER 2!

ENJOY DINNER & DRINKS (FULL BAR) WHILE PLAYING

There are 3 rounds with new winners each round so you can show up late, miss a round and still be a winner. Plus, we have mid-round prizes to create as many winners as possible.

The questions are presented by a hilarious host on our giant movie screen and includes fun videos in each round.  You haven’t played a trivia night like this one!

Witty Wednesday Trivia
May 24 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing

Beat the mid week grind with some fun trivia! Win a $25 gift card for our taproom along with a $25 gift card from our resident kitchen, Bears Smokehouse BBQ!

Trivia Night
May 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night