Calendar of Events
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.
NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE
2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.
The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:
- It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
- The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
- The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
- An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:
- date of publication
- birthplace or residence of author
- setting of work
Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:
Wolfe Award Committee
℅ Anne Chesky Smith
WNC Historical Association
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.
The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.
The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

Jeannie and Wendy are hosting an afternoon happy hour small FIKA at District 42 located in the Arras Hotel, ground level, at 7 Patton Avenue downtown.
Please do not attend if you are not feeling well.
Thank you for your cooperation. Let’s meet in person safely.
For more information about the venue: https://www.district42avl.com
Parking: The Civic, Rankin and Biltmore city garages are a few blocks away. Parking in the hotel is closer but more expensive.

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Lo Wolf writes and performs from her Asheville, NC home. Her latest recording, Singe, has been described as “clever and bold,” “an admirable and well rounded debut” and “achingly honest, rich, crisp and clear.” Known for her engaging and powerful stage presence, Lo Wolf returns gratefully to the stage after a long and show less pandemic year. A classically trained harpist gone folk singer, she’s very happy to be here.

Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday starting at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels. Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!

Riyen Roots – Open Mic Wednesdays at Silverados. Photo Credit: Ken Voltz Photography
Riyen Roots hosts his award winning Open Mic show! Bring your instrument and come join the fun… No Cover Charge.
Just a friendly reminder, the State of NC requires a MEMBERSHIP to enjoy our venue.

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE
2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.
The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:
- It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
- The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
- The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
- An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:
- date of publication
- birthplace or residence of author
- setting of work
Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:
Wolfe Award Committee
℅ Anne Chesky Smith
WNC Historical Association
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.
The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.
The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

AGE LIMIT: All Ages are Welcome
RAIN OR SHINE; NO REFUNDS

Midnight Run is a high-energy, Tennessee-based bluegrass band that offers up a fresh approach to the “High Lonesome” sound while staying true to the rich traditions of bluegrass music.
Originating in the Gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, Midnight Run began its journey in February of 2015, at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they became a permanent staple of everyday life at the distillery. Midnight Run is a high-energy, Tennessee-based bluegrass band made up of five like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs. They set out to create a group that is tied to the rich traditions of bluegrass music and offers up a fresh approach to the “High Lonesome” sound. Each member draws from their influences in different genres including bluegrass, country, celtic, old-time and rock n’ roll.
Midnight Run stays true to their musical roots with tight harmonies and reverence for “old-style” bluegrass music, all while stretching the boundaries of the genre with their song selection, stage antics, and exciting performance.
Favorites among bluegrass enthusiast and non-bluegrass audiences alike; they keep the energy high and the audience on their feet. Midnight Run knows when they are on stage; it is not only about the music, it is about connecting with the audience and leaving them with a memory that will last a lifetime. Midnight Run has been referred to as one of the most entertaining new acts on the bluegrass scene today.
Now, with over 200 shows a year, they find themselves playing to audiences from all over the world. From the moment they step on stage you’ll feel like you are in the hills of Tennessee, sitting on the front porch, listening to some of the finest music that the Smoky Mountains have to offer. Together Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Ben Watlington, Max Etling, and Cody Bauer create a powerhouse of music that you do not want to miss!
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks on the Isis Music Hall Lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Old-Time Radio Comedy Show
[with the most modern of Stand-Up Acts]
Recorded Live for Buzz Radio Asheville
at The Orange Peel July 1,2021
Presented by Slice of Life Comedy and Buzz Radio Asheville: enjoy a fun night of old-time style radio recordings with premier modern stand-up comics, straight from the 2021 streets of Asheville
Be the LIVE Studio Audience Laugh Track to this hilarious candle-lit seated event. Touches of old-style radio recordings, for example filled with parody commercials, musical stylings, and ridiculous, spontaneous interactions! FARM BURGER homemade chips & dip and other light snacks are provided.
This will be a night you never forget —also because your laughter will be recorded for all-time as the stand-ups record LIVE comedy for Buzz Radio Asheville, our only “All Asheville, All the Time, Original-Content ” online station. [Comedy bits from the show will be played in a regular rotation along with Buzz’s stellar music line up]
Hosted by: Cary Goff of Disclaimer Comedy
Featuring Asheville Rock-Stars of Comedy:
Petey Smith McDowell
Hilliary Begley
Moira Goree
Jess Cooley
Morgan Bost
With the hilarious music stylings of Ryan Cox
What:
The Old-Time Radio Comedy Show
[with the most modern of Stand-Up Acts]
Recorded LIVE for Buzz Radio Asheville
Where:
The Orange Peel, Downtown Asheville
When:
July 1,2021, 8p [Doors open at 7p]
Cost:
$17
Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for more info
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1a12lOD0E
Tickets: https://theorangepeel.net/…/the-old-time-radio-comedy…/

Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL) joins a growing number of library systems across the country reducing financial barriers to services. We are excited to announce that as of July 1, 2021 BCPL will permanently eliminate late fines for overdue library materials, and forgive all previous overdue fines so that everyone can start a new chapter at the library.
While libraries have traditionally viewed overdue fines as a means to ensure that materials are returned on time, research shows that fines may actually discourage people from using the library. Fines can be punitive to regular library users and disproportionately affect low-income households and children.
This change is a part of a movement from libraries nationwide, guided by recommendations from the American Library Association in an effort to increase free public access to library services. The decision to go fine free locally was made with staff input, endorsed by the Library Advisory Board, and approved by the Board of Commissioners.
“Eliminating library fines will greatly reduce barriers to access and ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to enjoy the wide variety of resources the library has to offer,” said Library Director Jim Blanton.
BCPL will continue to send reminders to patrons to return items when materials are due and a separate notice when they are past due. It’s important to note that anyone who fails to return, loses, or damages a library item, will still be responsible for paying replacement fees for those items. Any item overdue for 45 days will be considered lost, and patrons will incur a charge for that item.
“Since all previous overdue fines are forgiven, we hope this will give people a great opportunity to return library materials they’ve had for any length of time,” says Blanton. “If you have a book sitting at home, just bring it back, no fines will be added to your card no matter when you checked it out.”
Please contact the library at [email protected] or 250-4700 with any questions about your account or library card.
NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE
2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.
The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:
- It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
- The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
- The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
- An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:
- date of publication
- birthplace or residence of author
- setting of work
Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:
Wolfe Award Committee
℅ Anne Chesky Smith
WNC Historical Association
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.
The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.
The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.
Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion. Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Appalachian Forest Plants & Trees on the Mountains 2 Sea trail
A gentle introduction to the world of foraging
Join us for a walk through an Appalachian Oak Hickory Forest as we learn how to identify plants & tree around us and gain valuable experience, hands-on, with whatever we find on our adventure together! We will move at a steady pace & I am certain you will come away from this experience with valuable skills and lifelong plant allies.
Learn more about Mason Oak at http://www.friendofplants.com
DIRECTIONS TO LOCATION
From Asheville-
drive up the BRParkway until the BullGap Exit & sign for weaverville, turn left onto Elk Mountain scenic parkway. You will see cars off the road at the first switchback. Park here.
From Weaverville-
take Reems creek to right turn on ox creek, drive 4 miles up to the BRP. Once you make it to Elk MTN Scenic Parkway, turn left through the open gate towards the BRParkway. After the first switchback, you should see cars parked on the roadside – park here. If you get to the parkway you went too far.
EVENT DETAILS – please read!!
We will walk the Mountains to Sea (MTS) with Mason and Enjoy Your Life! He is an experienced forager and wild foods teacher. He will show you what kind of plants, trees & mushrooms are growing around you, if they are edible or medicinal, what they might teach us, and how they might be connected with the bigger picture of life on this beautiful planet, Earth.
Dress appropriately to walk and move around the forest.
Bring a basket or bag and knife if you’d like to harvest some tasty edibles.
Children are definitely welcome and encouraged!
Dogs are okay if well behaved.
I suggest bringing a notepad and pencil.
Having a camera/phone can help you remember what we identify on our walk.
You can take photos and video of plants and we ask that you might share them on the meet-up event page. Ask permission for photos of people.
Bring water if you need it.
Bring any medicine that you may need and bring ANYTHING you will need to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
Bring your curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to learn – I’ll see you there!

“It’s hard for me to sit still,” admits Rob Leines, the country-rock frontman and blue-collar road warrior who regularly spends more than 200 nights a year onstage, bashing out a mix of Telecaster twang, guitar-driven grit, and southern storytelling.
Long before he paid tribute to the touring lifestyle with albums like 2021’s Blood Sweat and Beers, Leines crisscrossed the country as a child. The son of a military man, he was born in Georgia and spent time in both Utah and California before returning to the motherland, where he graduated high school and began working as a whitewater raft guide. Leines loved the South — its waterways, mountains, and great outdoors — and although he’d eventually move back to California, those southern roots would always play a role in his music.
LIVE ON THE OUTDOOR STAGE
GENRE: Indie Hip Hop
AGE LIMIT: All Ages are Welcome
RAIN OR SHINE; NO REFUNDS
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Tickets $26.50 + Tax/Fees
We are thrilled to welcome Saliva with special guests Contagious to our Outdoor Concert Series.
Come and enjoy a night of rock n’ roll in the Swannanoa Valley.
Make sure to get your $1 membership to Silverados in advance for each ticket holder. (Required by NC Law for entry) – Available here: MEMBERSHIPS
GATES OPEN: 5pm
SHOW STARTS: 7PM
LOCATION: Silverados – 2898 US Hwy 70, Black Mountain NC 28711
AGE LIMIT: All Ages Show
WEATHER: Rain or shine – No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather.
PARKING: Parking available at Appalachian Tool (One Minute Away) 121 Lytle Cove Rd for $10.
SHUTTLE: Free shuttle service provided starting at 6pm.
THE GOOD STUFF: Food trucks and full bar service available onsite. Outside food & beverage is not permitted
SEATING: Festival Style General Admission – we don’t provide seating. Feel free to bring your favorite camping chair to enjoy the show. . Bags are not permitted.
GUEST SAFETY: No Weapons of any kind allowed on the property. Metal Detectors will be at the gates to ensure the safety of all guests.
REFUNDS: Refunds only issued in the event of a cancellation.
Silverados is on the public bus route.
NC Covid Protocols will be followed

Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL) joins a growing number of library systems across the country reducing financial barriers to services. We are excited to announce that as of July 1, 2021 BCPL will permanently eliminate late fines for overdue library materials, and forgive all previous overdue fines so that everyone can start a new chapter at the library.
While libraries have traditionally viewed overdue fines as a means to ensure that materials are returned on time, research shows that fines may actually discourage people from using the library. Fines can be punitive to regular library users and disproportionately affect low-income households and children.
This change is a part of a movement from libraries nationwide, guided by recommendations from the American Library Association in an effort to increase free public access to library services. The decision to go fine free locally was made with staff input, endorsed by the Library Advisory Board, and approved by the Board of Commissioners.
“Eliminating library fines will greatly reduce barriers to access and ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to enjoy the wide variety of resources the library has to offer,” said Library Director Jim Blanton.
BCPL will continue to send reminders to patrons to return items when materials are due and a separate notice when they are past due. It’s important to note that anyone who fails to return, loses, or damages a library item, will still be responsible for paying replacement fees for those items. Any item overdue for 45 days will be considered lost, and patrons will incur a charge for that item.
“Since all previous overdue fines are forgiven, we hope this will give people a great opportunity to return library materials they’ve had for any length of time,” says Blanton. “If you have a book sitting at home, just bring it back, no fines will be added to your card no matter when you checked it out.”
Please contact the library at [email protected] or 250-4700 with any questions about your account or library card.
NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE
2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.
The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:
- It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
- The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
- The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
- An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:
- date of publication
- birthplace or residence of author
- setting of work
Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:
Wolfe Award Committee
℅ Anne Chesky Smith
WNC Historical Association
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.
The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.
The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!


