Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: The county was a major center for moonshine production during Prohibition.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance returns to the Diana Wortham Theatre July 23-25 with AscenDANCE, an evening of contemporary ballet exploring resilience, reflection and joy. Now in its 23rd season, the Asheville-based company brings together professional dancers from across the United States and beyond each summer to create and perform original works of dance theater. This year's program features a world premiere by Artistic Director Heather Maloy alongside two celebrated works that blend athleticism, artistry and powerful storytelling.

Performances are July 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.terpsicorps.org.

A longtime Fourth of July tradition is getting a new home this year. Buncombe County's annual Independence Day Celebration moves to North Buncombe Fields in Weaverville, where families can enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, face painting, and one of the county's largest fireworks displays. The relocation comes as Lake Julian Park undergoes construction, but organizers are promising the same festive atmosphere with even more room to spread out and celebrate.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with performances by Mission Accomplished and The Fuzzy Peppers, followed by fireworks just after dark at 9:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and parking will be available at North Buncombe High School with a short walk to the celebration. It's shaping up to be one of the biggest community gatherings of the holiday weekend.

📍 Where: North Buncombe Fields (Parking at North Buncombe High School, 890 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville)
📅 When: Saturday, July 4th | 5pm – 9:15pm | Fireworks at 9:15pm
💲 Price: Free

Event Details

One of Asheville's most popular comedy nights is built around one simple rule: don't ask who's performing. Don't Tell Comedy keeps both the lineup and venue a surprise until the day of the show, featuring a curated mix of local favorites and nationally touring comedians. The only thing you know ahead of time is that it'll take place at a brewery in the South Slope, and that laughter is pretty much guaranteed.

📍 Where: Secret South Slope brewery (location emailed to ticket holders the morning of the event)
📅 When: Friday, July 3rd | 7pm
💲 Price: $27

Get Tickets

Trade your usual Friday night plans for an evening of art, music, and community at the YMI Cultural Center. Art After Dark transforms the gallery into a lively social gathering featuring local artwork, contemporary music, food from Kente Kitchen, interactive games, and a build-your-own ice cream bar. It's BYOB-friendly, free to attend, and designed to celebrate Black art, culture, and connection in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

📍 Where: YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market St., Asheville
📅 When: Friday, July 3rd | 7pm – 9pm
💲 Price: Free (donations encouraged)

Learn More

Adventure meets inspiration at this special author event featuring Brad Ryan, co-author of Grandma Joy and Me. Ryan shares the remarkable story of traveling America's national parks with his grandmother, proving it's never too late to chase new experiences. Expect a conversation about family, adventure, and finding joy at every age, followed by a book signing.

📍 Where: East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Rd., Asheville
📅 When: Monday, July 6th | 5pm – 6pm
💲 Price: Free

Event Details

A first for North Carolina is coming to Asheville. Q-Hall, the state's first women's sports bar, is preparing to open its permanent home on Coxe Avenue this fall in the former Boomer's Cigar Bar space. The LGBTQ+-owned venue has built a following through pop-up watch parties and community events, and its new South Slope location will create a dedicated space for fans to gather around women's sports year-round.

📍 Where: Q-Hall, 81 Coxe Ave., Asheville
📅 When: Expected to open in early Fall 2026

Learn More

Celebrate the Fourth in downtown Asheville with live music, food trucks, family activities, Ultimate Air Dogs, a classic car show, and a fireworks finale honoring America's 250th birthday.

Cheer on the Asheville Tourists as they host the Hub City Spartanburgers before capping off the evening with a spectacular postgame fireworks show.

Start your holiday with a festive downtown 5K welcoming runners, walkers, strollers, and leashed dogs while supporting a local nonprofit.

Spend the day in Montreat with a patriotic parade, family activities, lawn games, an ice cream social, and the beloved Big Circle Mountain Dance.

Downtown Weaverville hosts live music, dancing, and family-friendly festivities along Main Street, making it easy to turn the day into an all-afternoon celebration.

Wrap up the holiday with Black Mountain's annual fireworks display lighting up the sky over one of Western North Carolina's favorite small towns.

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Blackberry Cobbler - Sweet, buttery, and bursting with juicy blackberries, few desserts taste more like summer than a homemade blackberry cobbler.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Audrey Stclair – Stumblin' In (Acoustic Cover). "This acoustic version has quietly become a favorite for weddings, and it's easy to hear why. Soft, simple, and perfect for a slow summer evening."

💛 Local Nonprofits. All Souls - A provider of high-quality compassionate mental health counseling for uninsured and underinsured individuals in Western NC.

🙏 Positive News Around the Globe: Great Smokey Mountains Will Soon Get Even Greater – Thanks to Nonprofit’s Land Purchase. Read Article

✨ There’s value in steady days, even when nothing remarkable happens.

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