Sylva July 4: 5-10 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Music at 6:30 p.m. in Bridge Park, fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

Anything That Rolls’ parade—skaters, bicycles, skateboards welcome and not required to pre-register. Fox and Company performs at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.

Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles

Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM

Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.

Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.

Few Independence Day images are as iconically American as a community band playing on the village green. From the legendary Sousa Band to talented amateur ensembles, symphonic bands have tackled instrumental repertoire ranging from stirring marches to orchestral transcriptions to celebrate our national holiday.

Located right across the street from Black Mountain’s picturesque Town Square, the patio of the White Horse Black Mountain is a prime vantage point for viewing the town’s firework display following a rafter-raising, soul-stirring concert by the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band on Tuesday, July 4.

Founded in 1990 as a way of reuniting Enka High School alumni with their band director, the community band is the result of the high level of interest area residents had in being part of a wind ensemble like they played in in college and high school.

Through many changes of membership and directors, a core group persevered, raising standards by remaining small and choosing members by invitation or audition. Today, the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band is a 43-piece ensemble made up of skilled amateur and professional musicians.

David Wilken, the current musical director, is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. He earned his master of music in jazz studies from DePaul University and his doctor of arts in trombone performance from Ball State University. He’s held teaching positions at several colleges and universities and is currently an instructor of music at Western Carolina University.

Food trucks and music throughout evening. Park at Estes Elementary School, 275 Overlook Road, across from lake. Free. Daytime shuttle 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Leave pets at home.

Join us on Thursday, July 6th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, located downtown on Biltmore Ave, for an exclusive preview party of their upcoming gallery opening, Summer Salon, on July 7th! This event is hosted by Michael Manes (co-owner/Executive Dir.) and Blair Guggenheim (Asst. Dir.), two dynamic young professionals who run the gallery.

The Summer Salon exhibition will be showcasing vibrant new works by a selection of esteemed BS1 artists. This diverse group exhibition features artists working in various mediums, including glass, painting, collage, basketry, metal, and mixed media sculpture. Come celebrate and explore the unique styles, techniques, and concepts expressed in the artists’ latest creations.

The Summer Salon will be held on the main level gallery, featuring works by talented artists such as Alex Bernstein, Robert Burch, Clay Burnette, Thomas Campbell, Andrew Hayes, Duy Huynh, Isaac Payne, Jeremy Russell, and Jon Sours. Their captivating pieces will be on display from July 7th to August 23rd, 2023.

During the preview party, we’ll provide complimentary drinks and food for you to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of one of Asheville’s finest galleries. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, meet new people, and appreciate the local art scene. There is no specific dress code, but most attendees will likely be coming from work in business attire.

Please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough bubbly and food for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable evening of art and connection!

Arts & Entertainment Crew

7.6.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 6, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Katy Hudson!
Katy Hudson is a comedian, lighting designer, and weather forecaster with a knack for finding the silver lining around every storm cloud. Their comedy blurs the lines between science and magic in a quest for collective understanding. But don’t let this intellectual spirituality fool you- Katy uses only the most unhinged examples of the disgustingly divine to draw clouds of laughter from crowds that matter.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram

NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
STAGED READING
COMFORT SASQUATCH
By Richard Shirk
Directed by Jess Johnson
In this romp of a Christmas play, we meet Eric, a nearly seven-foot tall Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest. He’s a music therapist at Vermillion Hills retirement home and just two classes shy of an RN certification. With his relationship on the rocks, a fresh connection to a long-lost dad, and some growing up to do, the last few weeks leading up to the annual Karaoke Christmas Eve party are proving to be tumultuous.

Comfort Sasquatch is a story of fresh starts, new beginnings, and the way that relationships and people fail, stumble, and get up again.

July 8, 2023 at 7:30pm

At Hopscotch, their mission is to transform rural health in America through advanced primary care for Medicare patients. To make this happen, they knew they were going to have to build something that did not already exist: a company built with purpose and mission, that leverages the strength of communities they seek to serve, combined with incredible skill and expertise around operations and technology to enable better things for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities.

Come join them for their Grand Opening of their Asheville clinic! Enjoy light refreshments, tour the clinic and meet their team all while learning more about the new level of primary care they are offering the Asheville community!

Join us for the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, July 14! The bloodmobile will be ready to welcome you from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Your donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life, providing hope and healing. Click here to schedule an appointment to be a hero by donating blood. Use sponsor code Biltmorepark or call 1-800-RedCross. Together, we can make a powerful impact!

Make a Power Red donation. Learn about giving more red blood cells.

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Looking for a unique way and fun way to donate? Through its community partnership “Doing Good Through Business,” Mosaic Realty is teaming with Devil’s Foot Beverage Company to host a series of gatherings aimed at supporting various local nonprofit organizations. Thursday, July 20th you can support United Way from 5-8 p.m. at

Fifteen percent of all drink sales will be donated to a local nonprofit organization, with a Mosaic broker and partner of that organization matching the donation.

7.20.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 20, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Petey Smith McDowell!
From Asheville, North Carolina Petey Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He has opened up for Beth Stelling, Hannibal Buress, and Trevor Noah. Just to name a few.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

Save a Life. Donate Blood. Giving blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. Asheville Outlets is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a mobile blood drive on Friday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot located behind the food court. Donors are asked to register in advance by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code AshevilleOutlets. For more information, visit AshevilleOutlets.com.

In a collaborative and supportive environment, each attendee will have a chance in the hot seat where all the brainpower at the table is focused on solving your problem, issue, or question.
At our Roundtables, women entrepreneurs gather to deal with real issues. Let’s face it, entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, with very specific challenges. It’s so refreshing to brainstorm with others who get that.
Imagine being able to tap into the knowledge of women with a variety of skill sets, talents, and backgrounds! So whether you need a sounding board for your ideas or some advice on marketing, these sessions will help you tremendously.
Come join other women with vision and energy and let’s work on making your dream a success.
Tickets and more information available at plrconnectevents.com/event-tickets

Join us for our July Pub Club at The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville on July 25th at 5:30 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to socialize, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of Asheville’s newest hotspots.

Pub Club is our monthly casual happy hour, designed to bring young professionals like yourself together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting and explore one of Asheville’s many bars and restaurants. As a special treat, your first drink on us! It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of AYPROS.

The Draftsman Bar + Lounge Asheville, located at The Restoration Hotel, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and camaraderie. They’ve got Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Pinball Machines and Skee Ball! Whether you’re new to Asheville, a recent returnee, or a lifelong local, you’re sure to meet like-minded professionals and forge valuable relationships.

To keep your taste buds satisfied, The Draftsman kitchen will be serving up a delectable selection of food throughout the event, including vegetarian options. You won’t have to worry about going hungry while you mingle and make new friends! Menu is here

So mark your calendar and get ready for an evening filled with laughter, good times, and the opportunity to expand your friendships. We kindly ask that you RSVP, as it helps us ensure that their staff and kitchen are fully prepared to make this a memorable experience for everyone.

Upcoming Pub Clubs:

8/22 Pub Club: The Easy Tiki Bar

9/26 Pub Club: Mudpuppies Sports & Sushi Bar

New Member Onboarding:

Psst! Are you interested in joining AYPROS and taking your involvement to the next level? We invite you to attend our New Member Onboarding at 5:00 p.m., just before Pub Club begins. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our community, initiatives, crews and how we support our city by making it a better place for young professionals to live, work and play. It’s also the final step in completing your membership initiation. Be sure to RSVP to secure your spot!

Thanks for registering and we are looking forward to seeing you!

Note: Please drink responsibly 🚫🍻 and arrange for a safe and sober means of transportation. 🚗💨

AYPROS IS POWERED BY FIRST BANK .

AYPROS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all members of our community. For questions about accessibility, requests for accommodations, or to inform about dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance of the event.