The Acceleration Project is accepting applications for EDGE, a financial health coaching program for small business owners supported by the Truist Foundation. Beginning in early September, participants will receive no-cost virtual coaching based on four financial pillars: Save, Spend, Borrow, and Plan. The program includes small-group coaching for up to four owners, one-on-one sessions, peer learning, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to strengthen both personal and business financial skills. Participants may also compete for awards from a $10,000 prize pool. Learn more and apply here.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is accepting submissions for its 15th annual ReStore ReUse Contest through midnight on September 30. Category winners will receive $200 ReStore gift cards, and the Best in Show winner will receive a $500 gift card. Community voting will take place in October for Art, Furniture & Home Décor, and Dwelling categories, with judges selecting Best in Show. Learn more.
Asheville Oktoberfest returns Saturday, October 3, from 1–5 p.m. on Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville’s South Slope Brewery District. Presented by Fields Automotive, the event will feature local breweries, traditional Oktoberfest games, live entertainment, food, and beer samples. The new location places the festival within a neighborhood known for breweries, restaurants, and independent businesses. Attendees are encouraged to explore South Slope before, during, and after the afternoon celebration. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
The Asheville Tourists are also hosting Carolina EGGfest at HomeTrust Park — the only Big Green EGGfest in North and South Carolina — on September 19. Held on the outfield, the event invites tasters to sample grilled and smoked dishes while supplies last, explore vendors, and enjoy the ballpark setting. Grill teams can compete on supplied Big Green Eggs and serve attendees. Lightly used demo Big Green Eggs are available for pre-purchase at discounted prices. Learn more and register here.
The Asheville Tourists have also announced the inaugural Downtown Diamond Dash 5K at HomeTrust Park on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Race-day check-in begins at 7 a.m.; advance pickup is available at the Tourists Box Office from 3–6 p.m. Friday, October 16. Registration includes an official timed bib and a post-race craft beer or Powerade. Registrations completed by September 18, 2026, also include an event T-shirt. Spectators may attend free, with select concessions available. Learn more and register here.
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL will take place Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, 2026, in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The free festival will feature artists, musicians, storytellers, main stage performances, interactive workshops, heritage exhibits, and trail tours focused on Asheville’s architecture, history, and cultural legacy. Asheville Symphony in the Park and The Big Secret are scheduled for Sunday, September 6. Learn more.
Buncombe County is recruiting paid poll workers to support safe, secure, and accessible elections for more than 216,000 registered voters. Nearly 200 workers are needed for 13 early voting sites from Oct. 15-31, 2026. Applicants must be available throughout the early voting period and will receive training before serving morning or afternoon shifts of at least seven hours. Pay ranges from $15 to $17 per hour, depending on role. Learn more and apply here.
The City of Asheville is recruiting volunteers for the Transportation Department’s annual bicycle and pedestrian counts and greenway user surveys, beginning Sept. 15. The data will support future planning, grant applications, implementation of the GAP Plan, and analysis of trends in Asheville’s multimodal transportation system. Volunteers may assist with either effort, and no special skills or previous experience are required. The City notes that volunteer participation is essential to completing this annual data collection work. Learn more and sign up here.
Flat Rock Playhouse presents “Sister Act” from October 2–25, 2026. Based on the 1992 film, the musical comedy follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, who enters protective custody at a convent after witnessing a crime and transforms its struggling choir. The production features disco-, soul-, and gospel-inspired music, high-energy performances, and an uplifting story centered on community and connection. Additional performance information and ticket details are available through the playhouse website. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Historic Biltmore Village will host the inaugural 100-Foot Putt Challenge on September 15 as part of the lead-up to the Biltmore Championship Asheville, the city’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 80 years. The community event will include a daytime Block Party with local businesses, food, drinks, shopping, family-friendly activities, and a DJ set from Kipper Schauer. Attendees may try three 100-foot putts for $5 before the competition. Learn more.
The Laura Jane Musser Fund is offering Rural Initiative and Environmental Initiative grants. Rural Initiative applications are accepted September 1 through October 1, 2026, for communities of 10,000 or fewer, with planning grants up to $5,000 and implementation grants up to $25,000. Environmental Initiative applications are accepted September 8 through October 8, 2026, with planning grants up to $8,000 and implementation grants up to $35,000. Learn more and apply here.
Montford Park Players will present “Romeo and Juliet” at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay Street, in Asheville’s Montford District. Performances run September 4-26 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The production offers a supernatural interpretation, with the Capulets as vampire slayers and the Montagues as vampires. General admission remains free, with premium seating available online. Learn more.
Mountain BizWorks is accepting applications for its seventh Catalyst Cohort from August 24 through September 25, 2026. The no-cost business growth program serves under-resourced entrepreneurs across Western North Carolina whose companies show potential for growth and job creation. Participants receive peer advisory support, one-on-one coaching, resource connections, and guidance in strategy, finance, leadership, operations, and marketing. The program prioritizes owners navigating barriers such as geographic isolation, economic hardship, language access, or educational gaps. Learn more and apply here.
The NC Mountain State Fair will take place from September 11-20. Visitors can enjoy rides, livestock competitions, fair food, live entertainment and other family activities celebrating Western North Carolina traditions. Organizers are also encouraging attendees to plan ahead and inviting participants to enter livestock shows and general-entry competitions. Event information, schedules, and participation details are available online. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Philip DeAngelo Studios & Gallery will present “ROOM FOR ONE MORE,” a group exhibition exploring how original art can fit into overlooked spaces. Artists are creating tall, narrow two-dimensional works and sculptures designed for vertical areas in homes. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 5–7 p.m. at the gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District, with participating artists attending. The exhibition encourages collectors to reconsider existing space through creativity and practical display options. Learn more.
RADish Fest will present 12 hours of live music, painting, comedy, and maker activities at The Grey Eagle on Saturday, Sept. 12. The event will transform the venue into an immersive community gathering featuring local bands, live painters, comedians, interactive art exhibits, local DJs, and additional surprise programming. By bringing visual art and music together in one space, organizers aim to create new experiences and connections among participating artists, performers, and attendees. Learn more.
The Wake Forest University Center for Private Business (CPB) will present “Building Something That Endures: Roy Williams on Teams, Talent, and Leadership” on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Kimmel Arena, UNC Asheville, 227 Campus Drive. The program begins at 5 p.m., with a 4:30 p.m. VIP reception for CPB members and sponsors. Williams will discuss recruiting talent, sustaining culture and leading through transition. Learn more and register here.
New & Noteworthy
AdventHealth Hendersonville recognized ICU nurse Julia Greer as its newest DAISY Award recipient for clinical judgment, collaboration, compassion, and commitment to patient safety. Her nomination highlighted attentive, whole-person care and the impact nurses have on patients and families. The international DAISY Award honors nurses whose expertise and service make a lasting difference. The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999. Learn more.
ArtsAVL released its 2026 Creative Economy Snapshot Reports covering 2025 data from 56 creative industries and 66 occupations across Western North Carolina’s 28 westernmost counties. The reports establish a regional baseline for tracking recovery after Hurricane Helene. In 2025, the creative workforce supported 34,796 jobs, up 1.3% from 2024. Creative industries generated about $3.05 billion in sales, down 2.6%, while gross regional product earnings declined 1.8% to approximately $1.07 billion. Learn more.
Asheville Regional Airport opened a new Ride App and Taxi Pick-up area beginning Tuesday, September 1. Located just south of the rental car center and baggage claim, the lot is about a six-minute walk from the terminal. Passengers may also take any AVL shuttle from terminal curb pickup areas, with real-time tracking available through Passio GO! Ride app and taxi drop-offs remain unchanged at the ticket lobby curb or rental car center. Learn more.
The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains received four national honors from the National Association of Home Builders. The association earned a Grand Award for adding more than 170 members in 2025, the nation’s largest year-over-year numerical membership increase. It also received Association Excellence Awards for educational programming, regional government affairs, and association operations. The recognition highlights the organization’s work supporting the residential construction industry in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties. Learn more.
The City of Asheville released a unified design for the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery Project, which will rebuild public spaces along the Swannanoa River damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. Shaped by community comments, funding estimates, resilient design, engineering analysis, and flood modeling, the plan restores a competition pool, sports courts, and a dog park with improved flood resilience. It also adds a loop trail around the John B. Lewis soccer complex for walking, running and recreation. Learn more.
The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority announced that Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO of Asheville Regional Airport, received the American Association of Airport Executives Distinguished Service Award. Presented during the Authority’s August 14, 2026, board meeting, the honor recognizes career accomplishments and aviation industry service. Bleiweis was also recognized for leadership after Hurricane Helene, when the airport remained operational and supported coordinated federal, state, and local disaster response and recovery efforts across Western North Carolina. Learn more.
Hendersonville City Council appointed Brian Pahle as city manager, succeeding John Connet, who will step down Oct. 1 to join the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Pahle has served the city for 12 years, including nine as deputy or assistant city manager. He will oversee approximately 330 employees and support City Council priorities, planning, operations, and budgeting. Pahle is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, Certified Local Government Budget Officer, and Appalachian State University graduate. Learn more.
Mission Health announced that four registered nurses were named among the 2026 Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to nursing excellence. Mission Hospital honorees are Delena White, Kelly Pace, and Mary Chauvin, while Candi Fox represents Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. Their work includes compassionate patient care, patient safety, nursing education, and service to communities across Western North Carolina, reflecting the broader contributions nurses make throughout the region. Learn more.
Mountain Xpress has released its Best of WNC 2026 Awards, reflecting votes from thousands of residents and visitors across Western North Carolina. The annual ballot invited participants to identify favorite businesses, places, services, people, and community experiences across hundreds of categories. The results provide a broad snapshot of local preferences and interests throughout the region, highlighting organizations and offerings recognized by readers. The complete awards issue is available through the publication’s online edition. Learn more.
The North Carolina Brewers Cup drew 898 entries from 119 independent craft breweries, making it the Southeast’s largest commercial beer competition. Judging took place August 22–23 in Cary and Asheville across 40 categories. Western North Carolina breweries earned six gold medals, including Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company, Diatribe Brewing Company, Mountain Layers Brewing Company, Green Man Brewery, and Buck Bald Brewing NC. Numerous other Asheville-area and mountain breweries also received recognition, demonstrating the region’s broad brewing presence. Learn more.
The NC Center for Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina Asheville received a $1.2 million, three-year federal grant for PATH NC: Promoting Access to Total Health NC. The project will expand statewide access to chronic disease self-management programs for older adults experiencing depression or anxiety and strengthen collaboration between aging, disability, and behavioral health providers. Planned resources include a learning collaborative framework, implementation guide, and toolkit to support broader adoption and knowledge sharing. Learn more.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization announced $53.38 million in federal funding for workforce housing for homeownership across Western North Carolina. The Renew NC program will support projects in 17 HUD-identified most impacted and distressed counties, including Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania. Eligible households may earn up to 80% of area median income. The funding is intended to expand affordable ownership options and help local workers remain in the region during Hurricane Helene recovery. Learn more.
South College is adding competency-based master’s degrees in accounting, human resources, and instructional design and technology. Designed for working professionals, the online programs allow students to advance by demonstrating mastery of course content at their own pace. Students enroll through a six-month subscription model with no fixed assignment due dates. The learning environment includes faculty interaction and opportunities for collaboration. Prospective students can review program details, admission requirements, and application information through the college’s competency-based education website. Learn more.
The University of North Carolina Asheville received a 2026 Gold Level dotCOMM Award in the Website Redesign category for its website migration and redesign project. The Communication & Marketing team consolidated about 6,000 pages across three websites and more than 80 department subdomains into one unified site at unca.edu. The redesign streamlined the digital experience and added career pathway pages, expanded experiential learning showcases, and student success stories for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other audiences. Learn more.
The University of North Carolina Asheville was also featured in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition,” placing it among about 14% of the nation’s 2,600 four-year colleges included. The university also appears in the 2027 Best Colleges: Region by Region for the South and the Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition. Faculty received ratings of 93 for being interesting and 91 for accessibility, reflecting positive student feedback about individual attention and support. Learn more
The University of North Carolina Asheville announced Asheville 2030: Rising to the Challenge, a plan to reach sustainable enrollment of 3,200 students by 2030. The roadmap aligns academics, enrollment, finances, and campus development around student-centered learning, technology-supported solutions, and career readiness. Faculty, staff, students, and university leaders contributed through the University Planning Council and four working groups established by Chancellor Kimberly van Noort in early 2025, each focused on strategies supporting the plan’s four priorities.
WNCSource received a $25,000 Community Foundation of Henderson County grant to launch a Tri-Share Childcare Initiative in Henderson County. The program will divide childcare costs among participating families, employers, and public funding to improve affordability and workforce participation. WNCSource operates 15 childcare centers across four counties and serves more than 500 children and families annually. The statewide initiative has income eligibility requirements, is available in all 100 North Carolina counties, and may support thousands of regional families. Learn more.
Community Input
Buncombe County is developing its first Pedestrian Plan to make walking easier in unincorporated areas outside municipal limits. The plan envisions sidewalks and crosswalks connecting neighborhoods with schools, job centers, and other destinations. Work began in summer 2025, with initial community engagement, surveys, and feedback opportunities starting in fall 2025. Community members and a Steering Committee will guide the plan before a final draft is expected to reach the Board of Commissioners in mid-fall. Learn more.