Join us for The HEAL Collective’s one-of-a-kind Summer Tour!

📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2025
🕔 5:00–7:30pm (doors open at 4:45)
📍 The Studio AVL — 34 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801

You’ve done the inner work.
You know how to name your patterns, ride the emotional waves, maybe even hold space for others.

But…
You still crave something deeper.
A place where your body can exhale.
Where healing doesn’t feel like a solo mission.
Where you can be held, celebrated, and activated alongside others who get it.

This is that space.

We’re Carissa & Eric—partners in love and in the wild vision of a more embodied, relational world.
We’ve walked through burnout, heartbreak, anxiety, and the kind of disconnection that healing work alone couldn’t quite touch.

This event is a call to come back into the body.
Into connection.
Into playful, powerful presence.

✨ What You’ll Experience:

❤️‍🔥 Grounding breathwork + guided meditation
❤️‍🔥 Somatic practices for regulation and joy
❤️‍🔥 Authentic relating & vulnerable connection
❤️‍🔥 Dance, movement, and community magic

🌟 You’ll Leave With:

💫 Practices to anchor yourself when the world feels chaotic
💫 Soul-nourishing connections with conscious humans
💫 A felt sense of possibility—in your body, your life, and your relationships

We believe healing is a path we must each walk ourselves, but we don’t need to walk it alone.
Healing can be embodied. It can be communal. It can be alive.

This isn’t just an event.
It’s the revolution.
A gathering of people who are ready to feel more free—together.

🎟️ Tickets
$44 – Individual
$77 – Bring a friend, partner, or fellow seeker and receive a discount

🍇 Light refreshments provided.
🌸 Space is intimate—reserve your spot early.

Come as you are. Leave more fully expressed.
We can’t wait to heal with you.

In a world of noise, give yourself the gift of stillness. Realign your nervous system and rest in the sanctuary of peace.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 1:00 PM, doors close promptly at 1:15 PM.

This Sound Bath is offered on a sliding scale of $10-20

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
JENNIFER McGAHA as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets, followed by an open-mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will both enlighten and entertain those in attendance. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of John Longbottom welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-up for the open mic sheet is posted at the entry.
Jennifer McGaha is the author of three works of creative nonfiction, including The Joy Document, a collection of fifty essays celebrating midlife, Flat Broke with Two Goats, a 2018 OverDrive Big Library Read, and Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost in the Woods and Write Your Way Out, a Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award finalist. Her work has also appeared in many magazines and literary journals including Image, The Huffington Post, The New Pioneer, Lumina, PANK, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Brevity, Bitter Southerner, Crab Creek Review, River Teeth, and others. An Appalachian native, Jennifer lives in a wooded North Carolina hollow with her husband, two cats, four unruly dogs, eight relatively tame dairy goats, and an ever-changing number of chickens

Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, the program, “In the Company of Writers” is featured the 2nd Wednesday of each month. https://www.facebook.com/events/581466841671943

Thursday – August 21 – 7-9pm – WNC Songwriter Sessions returns with Karen Cohen, Just Rick, and Todd Hoke. An evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar + Cocktails.
Hidyho Neighbors! Another solid trio of swellegant songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our August session at the coolest bar in all Hendo. Karen Cohen, Just Rick, and Todd Hoke will entertain you with their tales and tunes. Delicious cocktails + handcrafted songs + friendly folks = time well spent. Join us!
Karen Cohen has honed her own unique finger-style guitar for over 5 decades. Her current passion is writing songs that combine authenticity, emotion, and imagery with beautiful melody. Karen just arrived on the WNC and Upstate SC scene 6 months ago and is generating a lot of excitement at local open mics and songwriter showcases.
Just Rick (aka Rick Reles) is a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A lifelong musician and singer-songwriter inspired by the roots of American rock music. He draws from country, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, and classic rock to craft his growing catalog of original songs. From early bands like Green Steam and Full House to Identity Crisis and IC3, Rick has been a gigging musician. Today he plays solo as well as in Two Step Too and The Right Fit.
Todd Hoke tried therapy but that didn’t work out so he took up the guitar instead and, as of this printing, has remained mostly unincarcerated (a fact his mother loudly boasts about every time her bowling league gathers at the pool hall to play poker and whittle).
With hosts Annie Wenz and Todd Hoke. For more info visit: [email protected]

Join us for a welcoming and inclusive New Moon Circle, where all bodies and all genders are invited to participate in this sacred gathering. This event is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and align with the energies of the New Moon—a powerful time for setting intentions and manifesting our desires for the month ahead.

Our circle will begin with a grounding meditation, creating a space for relaxation and inner connection. Together, we will share our personal intentions, holding space for one another in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. We will also dive into the astrological influences of the New Moon and other energetic currents, discussed in an accessible way that resonates with both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

By the end of the circle, you will leave with greater clarity and purpose, feeling empowered to take inspired action as you move forward into the new lunar cycle. Whether you’re new to moon rituals or a longtime participant, this circle will offer insight, connection, and a sense of renewal.

Come as you are—everyone is welcome. Let’s harness the magic of the New Moon together!

Bring your friends and remember to carpool!

This is a free event.

All donations are welcome to help support the use of the event venue.

What to Bring:

A journal and pen
Please bring any comfort items you may desire: blankets, pillows, bolsters, eye mask, etc. We do not yet have enough community items for everyone.
An altar item – this can be a photo, crystal, something you found in nature that you desire to help hold the imprint of our time together.
Your sober self. This is a sober event, meaning no substances other than your own sacred being.
Curiosity and an open mind and heart

Starseed Sound Bath with Levi Reynolds

Calling all Starseeds, lightworkers, and cosmic travelers—this is your invitation to a high-frequency sound healing experience designed to awaken your celestial essence and realign your energy with the cosmic flow.

Levi Reynolds will guide you through a multidimensional sound journey using upgraded gongs, sound bowls, and celestial vibrational instruments infused with meteorites and tektites from Mercury, Mars, the Moon, and asteroid Vesta (Tatahouine). These high-vibration frequencies resonate with starseed DNA, activating deep inner wisdom, light codes, and cosmic remembrance.

This experience is designed to help you:
✨ Connect with the cosmic origins of your soul
✨ Activate starseed light codes and higher consciousness
✨ Release stagnant energies and realign with your soul’s mission
✨ Journey through celestial frequencies in a deeply immersive soundscape

Our space is small and cozy, creating an intimate setting for this powerful experience. Arrive early to claim a spot lying down—otherwise, chairs will be available for seating.
Please bring any comfort items you may desire: blankets, pillows, bolsters, eye mask, etc. We also have some community items available for use.

🔹 Tickets: $33 per person
🔹 Purchase upon arrival

Come and bathe in the frequencies of the stars—your soul will remember the way home. 🌌✨

Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound. This restorative Sound Bath is designed to clear energetic blocks, uplift your spirit, and elevate your vibration. Let the soothing frequencies of crystal bowls and sacred tones guide you into deep relaxation, alignment, and renewal. Step into your highest frequency—peace, clarity, and inner radiance await.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 6:15 PM, doors close promptly at 6:30 PM.

This service is on a sliding scale of $10-20

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Eager to reset your inner being to peace and tranquility? It’s time for Humpday Harmony with a soothing Sound Bath!

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 6:15 PM, doors close promptly at 6:30 PM.

This service is being offered on a sliding scale of $10-20.

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Celebrate the autumnal equinox in an evening of yoga, spirituality and healing, Thursday, Sept. 22 at Kanuga. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with check-in at the Labyrinth and nature crafting, followed by slow-flow yoga at 6:30 p.m., and concludes with a healing sound bath at 7:45 p.m. To close the evening, attendees are invited to linger over a cup of tea and reflect on the coming fall season. Bring your own mat, blanket and camp chair. Cost: $18 (plus tax and fees). 130 Kanuga Chapel Dr in Hendersonville. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.

Join the Asheville Dr. Joe Dispenza meditation group for a powerful community healing experience as we come together for a local Walk for the World event. This meaningful gathering honors the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene while focusing on our collective healing and transformation.

🚶‍♀️ THE WALK We’ll be walking in moving meditation along the beautiful French Broad River, using Dr. Joe’s free guided Walking Meditation (available at www.walkforthe.world). This 50-minute practice helps us “walk as it” – embodying the energy of positive change while connecting with a global consciousness.

💫 WHO’S INVITED? EVERYONE is welcome! Whether you’re a longtime Dr. Joe student or completely new to this work, join us in community. Bring your friends, family, neighbors – anyone who feels called to be part of healing and positive change.

🍽️ POTLUCK CELEBRATION After our walk, we’ll gather in the reserved event room at Wrong Way River Lodge for a community potluck. Even if you can’t stay for the full meal, please join us for a bit! Wrong Way has an amazing coffee and drink bar with hot and cold beverages – let’s support this wonderful local business while we connect.

📍 LOCATION: Wrong Way River Lodge, 9 Midnight Dr, Asheville ⏰ TIME: 9:30am – 11:00am meditation, Potluck and Community time 11am – 1pm💻 MEDITATION: Free download at www.walkforthe.world

This is our chance to come together as a community – to heal, to connect, and to raise our collective consciousness. When we change, the world changes. Let’s walk in love, unity, and hope for our beautiful Asheville and our world.

Please share this post and invite others who might be interested in joining. Together, we walk toward a brighter future. 🌟

Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711

Saturday, November 8

Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!

Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.

Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing research—whether historical, personal, or primary sources—to elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative efforts—from writers’ groups to small presses—are reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.

Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.

The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present VIVIAN I BIKULEDGE & MICHAEL HETTICH as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest authors speak from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of Bob Sherrill welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-ups for the open mic sheet are posted at the entry.
Vivian I. Bikulege is a poet and essayist. Her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and has appeared in the North Carolina Literary Review, The Fourth River, and Broad River Review. A semi-finalist for the 2023 James Applewhite Prize, she also earned honorable mention in the 2022 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition. Vivian was the 2022 Gilbert-Chappell emerging adult poet for western North Carolina under the mentorship of Ken Chamlee.

Get ready to roll into fall! The Pumpkin Pedaller, benefitting Asheville on Bikes, is back on Saturday, Oct. 25th at New Belgium Brewing. Join the community for a fun, festive bike ride celebrating everything that makes riding in Asheville special.

Event Schedule:
1:30pm – 7pm: Pop-Up Bike Park
2pm: Pedal Prep (15 minute ride brief + safe rider habits talk)
1:30-2:30pm: Entry for Costume Contest
2:30pm: Costume Contest!
3pm: Rides stagger start and depart New Belgium
4-5pm: Staggered return
5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic

2025 Costume Contest Categories: Best Group, Best Kids Costume, Local Life, Best Use of Bike

Award-winning garden blogger, Lisa Wagner, encourages creative ways to plan, record, and reflect on your journeys through the seasons in your garden and landscape.

I9PA Release Party (10 Year Anniversary Edition)

Roll down to the Asheville Yards on Saturday, Nov. 1st for a day of bicycle fun in support of Asheville on Bikes and the AVL Unpaved project.

3-6pm: Bring the kids and your bikes for AoB’s pop-up bike park and the Maro inflatable obstacle course! Recyclery will be here to teach bike maintenance skills!

6pm: I9 raffle winners announced! We’re raffling off Industry Nine Custom Hydra2 Alloy Wheel Raffle in support of AVL Unpaved.

6:30-7:30pm: Newspaper challenge! Bring your bike and complete our newspaper delivery obstacle challenge.

The dance, bike, and beer release party goes until 9pm!

The Black Mountain Public Library is excited to announce that registration is now open for the fourth annual “Write Local Read Local Author & Illustrator Fair” taking place Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This beloved community event brings together authors, illustrators, and book lovers from across the Swannanoa Valley for a morning of conversation, connection, and creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the public face-to-face, hand-sell their books, and share their stories in a welcoming, literary atmosphere.
The fair is more than just a book signing—it’s a celebration of the incredible talent in our valley and an invitation for our neighbors to discover and support it.
Each registered participant will receive table space for the drop-in event at no cost. Whether you’re an emerging author, an established illustrator, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to be part of the vibrant Swannanoa Valley literary community. (If you participated in the 2024 event, we ask you to wait until next year unless you have published work since 11/2024. We appreciate your understanding.)

While pain is an unpleasant and universal part of the human experience, it can be a profound gateway to deeper connection, understanding, and empowerment. With this understanding, workshop facilitator, Emily Marjean Coolbeth, will lead participants through mindfulness and creative writing exercises designed to tap into both areas of joy and woundedness in order to help transform our places of hurt into areas of strength.

WNC Songwriter Sessions return with Tret Fure, Old Sap and Annie Wenz. Join us for an evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar.

Hidy ho Neighbors! Another trio of wonderfilled songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our November session at the coolest bar in all Hendo. Tret Fure, Old Sap, and Annie Wenz will knock the stuffing right out of your Butterball. Delicious cocktails + handcrafted songs + friendly folks = time well spent. Join us!

With hosts Annie Wenz and Todd Hoke. For information contact [email protected]

Join us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and creativity! Meet local actors, directors, and producers, share stories, and discover you next great project.

Free Headshots — 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Silent Auction featuring selected local artworks
Screening of 3 International Award-winning 48HFP Shorts — 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Special DJ Set & Appearance by “Mirror Man” — 8:00 to 9:00 pm
Suggested Contribution: $10

Join us for the Woven Word Retreat – a cozy bohemian winter writing retreat for women nestled in the tranquil beauty of House Boheme. This is a transformative, creative, all-inclusive gathering designed to awaken your inner storyteller.

This 4-day, 3-night experience weaves poetry, movement, ritual, nourishment, and embodied storytelling to stir the creatrix within.

Guided by skilled and popular local facilitators who will help you explore your voice and connect deeply with yourself and others, you’ll have the space to write, reflect, and express your truth in a supportive, welcoming space.

Expect soul-nourishing practices like Yoga Nidra, writing workshops, yoga, and more, plus time to ground into nature and connect with a community of women.

Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned storyteller, you’ll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and more aligned with your creative spirit.

Learn more and secure your spot at www.wovenwordretreat.com

We are a YouTube channel that has done this every year since 2021 in Richmond, Virginia, but we asked our audience what area needed some good vibes and cheer this year and Asheville was the winner! We bought thousands of toys and we are giving them away to families/kids (geared towards ages 10 and under) in need! Raffle tickets will also be given to everyone in attendance to be entered to win prizes. Also, get a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Event is on 12/20/2025 from 11-4pm (while supplies last). Feel free to line up before 11am.

🌟 Winter Solstice Sound Bath 🌟
Join me in celebrating the Winter Solstice with a deeply restorative Sound Bath! ❄️✨
This sacred turning point invites renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. It’s a beautiful time to release what no longer serves you and welcome new beginnings. 🌙🌅
🕯️During the meditation, you’ll experience the energies of the stars and the gentle warmth of the rising sun as its healing rays bathe your body in peace and renewal. 🌞💫
🧘‍♀️ What to Bring:
A mat, blanket, and pillow for comfort — you’ll be lying down for the session.
Wear warm, flexible, and cozy clothing.

💰 Sliding Scale $10-20
📍 Location: Center for Spiritual Living Asheville (Education Building, upstairs)
🕘 Arrive at 12:45 PM to choose your space — doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
🚗 Parking: Accessible parking is available in the upper lot off S. Bear Creek Rd (between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd). A boardwalk walkway connects the lot to the building entrance.
(📍 See map in comments)
✨ Come rest, renew, and realign with the returning Light. ✨

🌟 Begin Your New Year in Sacred Intention + Self-Love 🌟

Step into 2025 by nourishing your spirit and opening your heart through the healing vibrations of a Serenity Sound Bath. Allow the frequencies to wash over you, realign your energy, and awaken the peaceful wisdom within. ✨💖🌙

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour sacred sound immersion, where crystal tones and soothing vibrations gently clear what no longer serves you and invite harmony, clarity, and divine connection. 🎶💜✨
Experience the stillness. Feel the light within. Return home to yourself.

🧺 What to Bring:
A yoga mat, pillow, and/or blanket for comfort as you rest on the floor. Come in warm, cozy, flexible clothing that supports deep relaxation. 🧘‍♀️💫

📍 Location:
Upstairs in the Education Building at the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville.
Arrive beginning at 12:45 PM to choose your space. Doors will close promptly at 1:00 PM to honor the sacred container we create together. 🔔✨

💰 Sliding Scale: $10–$20

Accessible parking is available in the upper parking lot off S. Bear Creek Rd. A boardwalk walkway leads directly to the entrance. 🚗💫

✨ Give your soul the gift of presence.
✨ Let the sound gently reset your energy.
✨ Step into the New Year aligned, open, and renewed.

Spirited Improv is a 5-week expressive arts and spiritual development experience that invites you to play, heal, and reconnect with your creative essence. Unlike traditional improv, this series isn’t about comedy or performance techniques, it’s about presence, expression, and connection.

Guided by creator Jessica Chilton, a seasoned performer, expressive arts therapist, and spiritual practitioner, you’ll step into a welcoming space where vulnerability is met with love, creativity is encouraged, and every emotion has room to breathe. You’ll explore spontaneous movement, sound, character work, song, storytelling, ritual, and group co-creation. Each session includes grounding meditation, heart-centered intention, and spacious improvisational activities that awaken joy, courage, and curiosity.

Throughout the series, you practice releasing control and trusting the unknown, an experience participants often call “both liberating and deeply healing.” As the group’s trust and connection deepen, a final performance is created. It’s not scripted or rehearsed; instead, it emerges from the collective heart and the spiritual aliveness of the moment.
The closing performance becomes a celebration of everything you’ve reclaimed: your voice, your playfulness, your presence, your courage, and your connection to community.