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.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.
Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.
To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.
According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.
Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:
- 65 or older
- At high risk of severe COVID-19
- At high risk of occupational exposure
The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.
It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.
Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

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!


“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.
Hominy Rising – Arts & Awareness on the Greenway: The Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a reflection on the history, ecology and beauty of our Greenway. As part of this celebration we are hosting an art exhibition which will consist of temporary, outdoor art installations and an opening event with live performances including music and dance!

Proceeds benefit The Pisgah ConservancyLooking Glass Realty is thrilled to host the First Annual Liberty Street Block Party. We have set out to host an event that gives back to our neighbors, local businesses, and the causes close to our hearts. Join us for what is sure to be an incredible evening of music, food, raffle prizes, and fun!Featuring live performances by local talentsAlexa Rose, Songs From the Road Band, and The Freeway Jubilee, which will be celebrating the Album Release of its sophomore project“On The Horizon.”One World Brewing will sell craft beer on-site while neighborhood eateries Pulp & Sprout and Liberty House Café will remain open to providedelicious food and beverages options from their locally sourced kitchens.

Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
As fall settles into the mountains, Half-Mile Farm is thrilled to welcome Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, founders of American Spirit Whiskey in Atlanta for a weekend of mixology fun.
About American Spirit Whiskey
American Spirit Whiskey is a non-distiller produced product made from their recipe in Charleston, South Carolina, that can stand on its own in a glass with a few rocks, can be used by a mixologist to create a sophisticated and complex cocktail, or can be pulled straight out of the liquor cabinet to make a great mixed drink without a bunch of fuss. The refreshingly sweet flavor has a smooth character that appeals to traditional whiskey drinkers who can enjoy it neat or on the rocks. For those who enjoy mixed drinks, American Spirit Whiskey can be used to create new silver whiskey cocktails. Vodka and rum drinkers can add some character to their favorite mixed drink by substituting American Spirit Whiskey to create to create an American Screwdriver, an American Martini — well, the possibilities are endless.
Price: Hosted weekends are for Half-Mile Farm guests only.
To attend these complimentary events at Half-Mile Farm from October 1 – 3, book your stay today.

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.
Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.
To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.
According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.
Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:
- 65 or older
- At high risk of severe COVID-19
- At high risk of occupational exposure
The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.
It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.
Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

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!

“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.
We are thrilled to announce that Asheville Veganfest will be held again this year in Pack Square on October 3 2021 from 11am-6pm. We will have food, clothing, and artisan booths showing the best there is on the vegan market. Our 2021 event is being presented by Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge!
There will be a DJ on the stage and live music performing in the back section.


Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
Mountain Makers Craft Market is a monthly indie art fair designed to cultivate community in Western NC. Located in Downtown Waynesville, we bring together 20+ artisans selling handmade and vintage goods that’ll make you smile! Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 12p-4p at 308 N. Haywood Street, and visit MountainMakersMarket.com

FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.


Passafire, one of the premier reggae bands on the national music scene for several years, will make a national tour stop in Asheville on Sunday, Oct. 3 for an 8 p.m. show at Asheville Music Hall. Tickets for the concert, promoted by Charlie Traveler Presents, can be purchased at eventbrite.com or ashevillemusichall.com/amh/.
Based in Savannah, GA, the group boasts six studio albums, including two LPs (Start From Scratch, 2011 and Vine, 2013) which zoomed to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Album Charts. Their most recent offering is a 2018 live album entitled Live in Atlanta on FlameGuys Records, which has drawn critical acclaim in the reggae world.
Opening on the attractive double-bill is Of Good Nature, an indie rock-reggae band from Charlotte, N.C. which saw its past album, Timeless, debut at No. 1 on iTunes and No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums Charts in 2019.
Passafire was founded in 2003 by Savannah natives Ted Bowne (vocals/guitar) and Nick Kubley (drums). They are joined in the band by Mike DeGuzman (keyboards, guitar) and Will Kubley (bass, vocals).
While the group still identifies in the reggae-rock genre, Passafire has explored other alternative influences in recent albums including progressive rock. The band’s new single, “Keepin’ On,” continues to expand boundaries musically while also addressing such social issues as global warming, economic uncertainty and technology’s threat to personal privacy.
Next month’s appearance at the Asheville Music Hall is part of Passafire’s Keepin’ On Tour, which spans both coasts and the Midwest as well as several festival dates.
Of Good Nature, which features Cam Brown (guitar, vocals), Brandon Hucks (trombone), David Hamilton, Jr. (drums) and Clifton Bundick (bass), has also received recognition for their second album, Life Worth Livin, which debuted at No. 5 on iTunes’ Top Reggae Albums Chart in 2019.

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.
Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.
To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.
According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.
Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:
- 65 or older
- At high risk of severe COVID-19
- At high risk of occupational exposure
The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.
It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.
Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

The CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of their 2-dose Pfizer vaccine series. In addition, the CDC Director recommended a booster dose for those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.
The CDC recommends:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine;
- People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine;
- People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks; and
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks.
- According to the CDC, many of the people who are now eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot will benefit from additional protection. While the more contagious Delta variant remains the predominant strain and in this time of high transmission, a booster shot will help strengthen protection against severe disease in those populations who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease.
Individuals who received the 2-dose Pfizer vaccine series and meet the criteria above for the recommended booster of Pfizer may receive their booster at any area Pfizer vaccine provider. Many local pharmacies, grocery stores, medical providers, and local health departments in the area can provide your booster. You can visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a Pfizer booster provider near you.
Buncombe County HHS will begin providing Pfizer boosters to individuals included in the CDC recommendations beginning September 27 at 10 a.m. at Biltmore Church-Arden Campus. The booster drive-through site will be open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 6 pm. In the event of adverse weather, Buncombe County will use all available communication platforms and partners to notify the community. Please bring your proof of vaccination, preferably your vaccine card that lists your previous vaccinations. Only Pfizer boosters will be available at the Biltmore Church Arden drive-through site. Moderna and J&J boosters are not recommended at this time.
As a reminder, Buncombe County has extended the countywide Face Covering requirement in all indoor spaces during this time of high COVID-19 transmission. Even after the booster, individuals must comply with the local face covering requirement unless experiencing a medical exemption. Additionally, it is recommended that all individuals continue following other infection prevention measures, such as waiting six feet apart from others you do not live with and washing hands frequently.
For more information on Buncombe County’s vaccination efforts, visit www.buncombeready.org.

“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.

Although cases per 100,000 per week decreased to 295 this week from 351 the week prior, COVID cases, rates, and percent positivity remain at high levels. The percent positivity decreased slightly to 8.3% from the mid-9% range for the past month. Hospitalizations remain level but high. Currently 13.4% of inpatient hospital beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients, and 54% of ICU beds are occupied with COVID-19 patients. Last week, there were 14 COVID-19-related deaths reported in Buncombe County.
Because of sustained high transmission levels, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) recommended extending the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces until the end of October. Buncombe County Commissioners voted to extend the requirement through Oct. 29, 2021. Read the entire declaration.
To date, BCHHS has administered almost 100,000 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with about 3,000 of those coming in outreach settings. Currently 65% of the total Buncombe County population is partially vaccinated, and 73 percent of the eligible population is partially vaccinated.
According to recent NC DHHS data, unvaccinated individuals have a risk that is 4 times that of their vaccinated counterparts in becoming ill with COVID-19. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals have a risk of death that is 14 times that of their vaccinated counterparts.
Last week, the FDA recommended COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots for individuals who received Pfizer and are:
- 65 or older
- At high risk of severe COVID-19
- At high risk of occupational exposure
The CDC and ACIP are expected to meet Sept. 22 regarding recommendations. When recommendations are finalized, BCHHS will announce booster vaccine opportunities using its emergency alert program. To enroll, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or click here.
It is also anticipated that Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 will be announced soon.
Currently, $100 incentive cards are still available through the NC DHHS extension while supplies last for eligible individuals (18 years and up) receiving their first dose of vaccine at the Buncombe County Vaccination Clinic. Individuals can visit the Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to receive a vaccination. Individuals can also visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and isolate from others while waiting for your test results. Testing locations can be found at Find My Testing Site NC. Beginning Sept. 27, StarMed will offer testing at Harrah’s Event Center.

Help raise $22,000 for 2,200 kids to attend a live performance at the Wortham Center
Mark your calendars for a chance to win fabulous goods and experiences — all while providing local students the opportunity to learn through the arts. Your support and participation provides access to the arts for all kids through the Y.E.S. Fund Scholarship program.
Throw your raffle tickets in to win excursions, artwork, dinners, gift baskets, gift certificates and more!
Raffle items and baskets on display in the Wortham Center’s lobby:
October 5-7 • 10am-4pm
October 8 • 10am-4pm & 7-9pm
October 9 • 5-9pm
October 10 • 2-4pm
Including during all three Pilobolus performances, October 8-10.
Raffle tickets: $5 per ticket or 5 for $20
Grand prize tickets: $30 per ticket or 4 for $100
Cash and credit card accepted; cash preferred.

The CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of their 2-dose Pfizer vaccine series. In addition, the CDC Director recommended a booster dose for those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.
The CDC recommends:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine;
- People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine;
- People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks; and
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks.
- According to the CDC, many of the people who are now eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot will benefit from additional protection. While the more contagious Delta variant remains the predominant strain and in this time of high transmission, a booster shot will help strengthen protection against severe disease in those populations who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease.
Individuals who received the 2-dose Pfizer vaccine series and meet the criteria above for the recommended booster of Pfizer may receive their booster at any area Pfizer vaccine provider. Many local pharmacies, grocery stores, medical providers, and local health departments in the area can provide your booster. You can visit www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov to find a Pfizer booster provider near you.
Buncombe County HHS will begin providing Pfizer boosters to individuals included in the CDC recommendations beginning September 27 at 10 a.m. at Biltmore Church-Arden Campus. The booster drive-through site will be open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 6 pm. In the event of adverse weather, Buncombe County will use all available communication platforms and partners to notify the community. Please bring your proof of vaccination, preferably your vaccine card that lists your previous vaccinations. Only Pfizer boosters will be available at the Biltmore Church Arden drive-through site. Moderna and J&J boosters are not recommended at this time.
As a reminder, Buncombe County has extended the countywide Face Covering requirement in all indoor spaces during this time of high COVID-19 transmission. Even after the booster, individuals must comply with the local face covering requirement unless experiencing a medical exemption. Additionally, it is recommended that all individuals continue following other infection prevention measures, such as waiting six feet apart from others you do not live with and washing hands frequently.
For more information on Buncombe County’s vaccination efforts, visit www.buncombeready.org.

“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.
The Diabetes Prevention Program at the YMCA of WNC is an evidence-based that encourages participants at risk of type 2 diabetes to eat healthier, increase physical activity, and lose a modest amount of weight in a supportive, virtual environment.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. It affects more than 29 million people in the United States. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed with early intervention from programs such as the one being offered by the Y.
Registration is now open for several year-long virtual classes:
- Diabetes Prevention Program, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 6-7 p.m., with instructor Ellen O’Conner
- Minority Diabetes Prevention Program, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 6-7 p.m., with instructor Anika Williams
- Diabetes Prevention Program Tuesday, Oct. 19, 10-11 a.m., with instructor Mike Hanlon
To register for a class or to receive more information, please call 828-652-5903 or go to https://ymcawnc.org/diabetes-programs.
