ArtsAVL has launched a $1.2 million arts recovery grant program; the goal is to support long-term recovery and stabilization of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations across Western North Carolina. The $1.2 million investment will be distributed over two grant cycles, one in Spring 2026 and a second in Spring 2027. Applications for the first grant cycle will open on March 9 and close on April 6. Learn more and apply here.
The Asheville Comedy Festival (ACF), Asheville’s longest-running and original comedy event, is hosting its spring Laugh Invasion on April 3 and 4 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. It will feature over 18 touring comedians, and industry professionals, network representatives and talent producers will be in attendance to scout emerging stars. Each evening’s show begins at 7:00 p.m. and is designed for audiences 18 and over. Learn more and buy tickets here.
The Asheville Fire Department (AFD) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Academy, which teaches community members about the AFD’s philosophy, policies, services and guiding principles. This Academy gives community members an inside look at the challenges firefighters face daily. Community members will get an inside look at the challenges firefighters face daily. Participants must sign a waiver to participate and will receive a certificate of completion. Learn more and apply here.
Explore Asheville has internship and scholarship opportunities available for Buncombe County students, and applications are open until March 18. The Travel & Hospitality Internship gives students a hands-on introduction to the travel and hospitality industry, while the Hospitality Scholarship aims to support the development, recruitment and retention of the hospitality workforce in Buncombe County. Both opportunities are aimed at high-school aged students in Buncombe County. Learn more and apply at the links below. Click here to apply for the Travel & Hospitality Internship, and click here to apply for the Hospitality Scholarship.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is hosting L.A.’s acclaimed contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC. They’ll bring two nights of high-octane performance to the Wortham Center on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m. Known for theatrical, story-driven movement, BODYTRAFFIC’s bold repertory blends ballet, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop into an evening of explosive energy and sheer joy. Learn more and buy tickets here.
New & Noteworthy
The Asheville Cotton Mill in the River Arts District is open once again. A social media post announced that their tenants have moved back in and are preparing their art studios. Guajiro, a restaurant located in the space, is expected to re-open this spring. The space is also planning a grand re-opening celebration this October. Learn more.
In 2025, the Asheville Regional Airport recorded its second busiest year ever. 2,240,877 passengers passed through the airport, only 6,000 fewer than 2023, which was the busiest passenger year on record. President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Lew Bleiweis noted that it was a “tremendous accomplishment” given the impacts of Hurricane Helene and ongoing terminal construction.
Several Asheville-area chefs will guest judge an episode highlighting Appalachian ingredients and the city’s post-Helene resilience. William Dissen of The Market Place, Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani and Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish will all appear during the upcoming season. Learn more.
Best Buy Metals just earned a 2026 Metal of Honor Award presented by Metal Roofing Magazine. The award recognizes companies across the metal roofing industry that “demonstrate excellence in service, performance, and reliability.” Impressively, this is the second year in a row that Best Buy Metals has won the award. Learn more.
The City of Asheville was included on a new Travel + Leisure list of the ten best U.S. mountain towns for year-round living. It ranked #4 overall; Bozeman, Montana, took the #1 spot. The publication praised Asheville for its mild climate, arts and food-focused culture, and (relatively) affordable real estate. Learn more.
In addition, the City of Asheville will host finance leaders from across the world at the G20 Finance Track later this year. The meetings will take place between August 29 and September 1. In a released statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “The selection of historic Asheville reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to the revitalization and resilience of western North Carolina, which continues to rebuild after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.” Learn more.
The Franklin School of Innovation has been approved by the Charter Schools Review Board to open a remote high school option, the “Innovation Career Academy.” This will be a primarily virtual learning program that includes in-person extracurricular activities; it will offer an online pathway to a high school diploma with an emphasis on career and technical education and career-readiness. The school is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for students in grades 9 through 12. Learn more and apply here.
The Orange Peel is opening up an outdoor concert venue called Hellbender by the Orange Peel. It’ll be a three-acre concert site located at 151 Thompson Street, just off Swannanoa River Road and S. Tunnel Road, and it opens in July 2026. It will kick off with a limited concert before a permanent stage is installed for the full season beginning in Spring 2027. Learn more.
Patrick Foo, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Asheville, is a one of the recipients of The University of North Carolina Board of Governors’ 2026 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Across the state, 17 university educators received this award. In a press release, the University praised Dr. Foo’s teaching style as “one of innovation, ingenuity, and kindness.” Learn more.
The River Arts District was recently voted as the #1 arts district in America in a USA Today 10Best poll. Show support to the hundreds of artists who call Western North Carolina home by stopping by the RAD this weekend to celebrate! You could browse for some art at the Marquee, grab a drink at Hi-Wire, or even take a glassblowing class at Small Batch Glass. Learn more.
Community Input
Buncombe County is hosting a Community Meeting for its first Pedestrian Plan to make walking easier in unincorporated areas. The plan will outline a big-picture vision for sidewalk infrastructure and crosswalks that connect neighborhoods to key places like schools, job centers, and other important spots so people can walk more safely, comfortably and conveniently. Join the conversation on March 9 at the Land of Sky Regional Council from 4:30-7:30 p.m. And if you can’t make the event, there is a public survey available here.
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation and the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance are co-hosting a community meeting on Charles D. Owen Park. Owen Park in Swannanoa was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene and has been closed since the storm due to damage, and this workshop will allow the community to express their recreation needs and discuss opportunities for the next chapter. It will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 30, in the Owen Middle School gym. Learn more.