Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: The name Arden comes from the famous Shakespearean play As You Like It. It features a magical woodland known as the "Forest of Arden"

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

For more than two decades, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance has paired artistic excellence with community engagement. This year's production of AscenDANCE continues that tradition through HUNGER, presented in partnership with MANNA FoodBank, inviting audiences to reflect on the question, "What do you hunger for?" Through movement, music and storytelling, Terpsicorps creates performances that celebrate hope, compassion and our shared humanity.

AscenDANCE comes to the Diana Wortham Theatre July 23, 24 and 25. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.terpsicorps.org.

One of Asheville's signature summer traditions returns this weekend as the 79th Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands fills Harrah's Cherokee Center with more than 100 juried artists showcasing museum-quality handmade work from across the Southern Appalachian region. From pottery and woodworking to jewelry, textiles, glass, and mixed media, it's a chance to meet the makers, watch live craft demonstrations, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find anywhere else. This year's fair also welcomes the return of Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual for the first time in nearly 30 years and features live bluegrass performances throughout the weekend.

📍 Where: Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville
📅 When: Thursday, July 16th – Sunday, July 19th | 10am –5pm daily
💲 Price: $12 | Free for children 12 and under

Event Details

Treat yourself while giving back. Botanist & Barrel is partnering with Cúrate for a special afternoon benefiting Food Connection, with 10% of all sales donated to the local nonprofit. Guests can also enjoy complimentary Spanish-inspired pintxos with the purchase of a glass or bottle while supplies last, making it an easy way to support a great cause.

📍 Where: Botanist & Barrel Tasting Room, Asheville
📅 When: Thursday, July 16th | 12pm – 8pm
💲 Price: Free to attend (food and drinks available for purchase)

Reserve a Spot

Before the museum opens to the public, little explorers ages five and under can enjoy hands-on science activities, sensory play, and interactive exhibits designed just for them. It's a fun way to spark curiosity while giving young children plenty of room to discover at their own pace.

📍 Where: Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave., Asheville
📅 When: Friday, July 17th | 8am – 10am
💲 Price: $11.50 | Free for children under 2

Learn More

Shakespeare under the stars continues as the Montford Park Players bring The Taming of the Shrew to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of Asheville's favorite summer traditions with an evening of classic theater in a beautiful outdoor setting.

📍 Where: Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville
📅 When: Friday, July 17th | 7:30 PM (continues Fridays–Sundays through August 1)
💲 Price: Free (donations appreciated)

Get Tickets

Join foraging expert Roots Marshall for a guided walk exploring the edible plants growing throughout Western North Carolina. Participants will learn how to safely identify seasonal species, discover their culinary uses, and gain a deeper appreciation for the abundance growing right outside our doors.

📍 Where: Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, July 18th | 10am – 12pm
💲 Price: $35 (25% off for members)

Learn More

Van life enthusiasts are rolling into Weaverville for an afternoon of community, conversation, and camper inspiration. Whether you already travel on four wheels or are simply curious about the lifestyle, this gathering offers a chance to meet fellow adventurers and explore a variety of unique rigs.

📍 Where: JuneBug Retro Resort, 355 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville
📅 When: Sunday, July 19th | 12pm - 5pm
💲 Price: $25

Learn More

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Sorghum Candied Bacon - It looks like a sunset and eats like a dream.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Låpsley — Operator (He Doesn't Call Me) — “SO good! Like disco meets mellow house.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. WNC Nonprofit Pathways - is committed to an ongoing journey of critically examining and improving our systems and programs.

🙏 Positive News Around the Globe: A solo rower just became the first American woman to row from California to Hawaii alone — and set the fastest solo crossing record along the way. Read Article

✨ Progress doesn’t always look exciting. Sometimes it looks like choosing not to give up.

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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