Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: Throughout the first part of the 19th century, Asheville was a small town with few homes and buildings. The dangerous conditions of the roads made travel nearly impossible for merchants. As a result, Buncombe County's primary industry was subsistence agriculture.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

One of the highlights of AscenDANCE is Coming Up for Air, a new work by Artistic Director Heather Maloy inspired by those unexpected moments when laughter breaks through life's most difficult circumstances. The evening also features Clowns and Others, a beloved work by renowned choreographer Salvatore Aiello that helped shape Maloy's own artistic journey, and HUNGER, an exploration of human desire and need presented in partnership with MANNA FoodBank.

Experience AscenDANCE July 23, 24 and 25 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets are available at www.terpsicorps.org.

For six decades, Shindig on the Green has brought the heart of Appalachia to downtown Asheville. Returning for its 60th season, this beloved summer tradition fills Pack Square Park with bluegrass, old-time music, clogging, ballad singing, and mountain storytelling, all performed by local musicians who have helped preserve the region's rich cultural heritage for generations.

What began in 1967 has grown into one of Asheville's most treasured community gatherings, drawing locals and visitors alike to spread out a blanket, tap their toes, and enjoy an evening under the stars. Hosted by the Folk Heritage Committee, Shindig remains free to attend and continues to celebrate the music, dance, and traditions that make Western North Carolina so unique.

📍 Where: Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, July 11th | 7pm –10pm
💲 Price: Free

Event Details

Woodfin has a new place to grab a drink. The Woodfin Tavern officially opens today on Weaverville Road, right next to Smokee’s Breakfast & Lunch and Hilltop Ice Cream, offering a neighborhood spot where locals can gather for cocktails, beer, and good conversation. It adds another reason to explore one of Buncombe County's fastest-growing corridors.

📍 Where: Woodfin Tavern, 870 Weaverville Rd., Woodfin
📅 When: Opens today. Thursday, July 9th
💲 Price: Menu pricing

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Sparkle, satire, and plenty of showmanship take center stage as the Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival returns for three days of dazzling performances from nationally recognized and regional burlesque artists. This year's festival features the fan-favorite Geektastic Revue, the headline showcase Just a Peak!, and a festive Burlesque Brunch, celebrating the art of burlesque with glamour, humor, and unforgettable performances.

📍 Where: The Grey Eagle & Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
📅 When: Friday, July 10th – Sunday, July 12th | Showtimes vary (Fri 8pm • Sat 8pm • Sun 12pm)
💲 Price: Ticketed (individual shows and festival passes available)

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Slow down and discover the colorful world of dragonflies and damselflies during this guided walk at the North Carolina Arboretum. Learn how to identify these fascinating insects while exploring gardens and trails with an experienced naturalist.

📍 Where: North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, July 10th | 1pm - 3pm
💲 Price: $43

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Shop local with a view. Market on the Roof brings together local artisans, vintage finds, handmade goods, and small businesses atop The Radical Hotel, making for a fun afternoon of shopping alongside skyline views and summer vibes.

📍 Where: The Radical, 95 Roberts St., Asheville
📅 When: Sunday, July 12th | 4pm - 7pm
💲 Price: Free

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A new gathering place for tabletop gamers has officially arrived. Gamers' Haunt celebrates its grand opening with games, giveaways, tournaments, and activities throughout the weekend, creating a welcoming space for board game, trading card, and role-playing game enthusiasts of all experience levels.

📍 Where: Gamers' Haunt, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, July 11th – Sunday, 12th | Opens 11am
💲 Price: Free to attend

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Looking for a thoughtful way to kick off next week? This community gathering combines a guided meditation, a Dharma talk rooted in Buddhist teachings, and an open discussion where participants can explore mindfulness, everyday challenges, and practical ways to bring more intention into daily life. Everyone is welcome, whether you're brand new or have an established practice.

📍 Where: The Social Sangha, 1130 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain
📅 When: Monday, July 13th | 6:30pm – 8pm
💲 Price: Donation-based

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😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Cherry-Peach Dumplings - You can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet right at the dinner table.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Ocie Elliott – Thinking About You — “This song is like the warmest possible blanket.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. Mountain Pet Rescue - Through grassroots efforts, they envision a future in which all companion animals find loving homes where they are able to receive the care and respect they deserve.

🙏 Positive News Around the Globe: Blind People Offered Hope of Seeing Again After Stem Cell Breakthrough Remakes Retinal Blood Vessels. Read Article

✨ Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.

As always, we read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. If there’s something you’d like to see more of locally, let us know. Thanks for being part of the Buncombe County Digest community.

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