Chow Chow, an Asheville Culinary Event In its inaugural year, Chow Chow, an Asheville Culinary Event, highlighted the culture of Southern Appalachia through its growers, farmers, chefs, brewers, artists and creators all on display. Photography by Jeremy Hood – The Urban Gastronome
Asheville Beer Week

Asheville Beer Week Another successful week of pouring brews, making friends, and having a good time in Beer City USA is behind us. This year, Beer City Festival teamed up with Asheville Van Life to celebrate the adventurous spirit that is prominent here. More than 30 breweries were present, and there's no doubt many people, local and tourists, … Continued

Downtown After 5 The third Friday of the summer months is full of liveliness on North Lexington thanks to Downtown After 5. A celebration of all things Asheville, this event hosts live music, local brews and some of the city's best cuisine. If you haven't made it out to one yet, be sure to catch it before fall … Continued
The Stoobie Awards: A Foodie’s Paradise

The Stoobie Awards: A Foodie’s Paradise Asheville food blogger Stu Helm held his annual restaurant competition and food extravaganza earlier this year and, as always, it was a hit! To check out all the places Stu deems "the best," Asheville Date Night created a comprehensive list of all the winners. Cheers, y'all!
Blue Spiral 1’s ‘Eat Your ART Out’ 1

Blue Spiral 1’s ‘Eat Your ART Out’ The winter 2019 installment of "Eat Your ART Out!" was a huge success, raising more than $3,700 to support the Asheville Symphony. The evening began with music from Upland Drive. Dinner was filled with solo cello tunes by Franklin Keel. Eat Your ART Out! is a biannual charity dinner hosted by Blue Spiral 1 in downtown Asheville. Photography by Evan … Continued
Home Away from Home 2

Home Away from Home Vacation Your Way and Book a Luxurious Vacation Rental for Your Next Getaway Photography provided by HomeAway When you’re determining where to go for your next trip, it can be difficult to decide among sights to see, food to eat and adventures to have. From wine country to the mountain state, we’ve rounded up a … Continued

Zöe Dental’s Inaugural Smiles for Freedom Smiles for Freedom allows dental professionals to come together and provide free dental services to veterans and members of our armed services. The event served 10 greatly deserving veterans and provided more than $26,600 in free professional dental services and care.

Button & Co. Bagels Grand Opening Internationally acclaimed Asheville restaurateur Katie Button celebrated the opening of her newest venture, Button & Co. Bagels.
2018 Asheville Coffee Expo 2

2018 Asheville Coffee Expo On September 29, locals celebrated all things coffee at the 3rd Annual Asheville Coffee Expo. It was a delicious celebration of coffee, local cafés and sweet treats. Over a dozen local roasters handed out free samples to attendees who then voted for Asheville's Best Cup. This year's Best Cup winner was The Dripolater Coffehouse, located in Black Mountain, NC. 
Asheville Oktoberfest 2018 11

Asheville Oktoberfest 2018 Asheville Oktoberfest brought dozens of breweries from Western North Carolina and beyond to Pack Square Park for a Bavarian-inspired tasting event. In addition to samples of specialty beer, cider, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic craft drinks, it featured live polka music, food vendors and Oktoberfest games, including a stein hoist, pretzel toss and more. Photography courtesy of IMA Photos … Continued

West Asheville Tailgate Market Summer Jam Festival The West Asheville Tailgate Market hosted their Summer Jam Festival on the afternoon of August 21. There was live music, jam tastings, raffle prizes, a bounce house, lawn games and contests for all to enjoy.

Hendersonville Celebrates 100 Years of Street Dances A celebration was held on July 9 as Hendersonville’s Street Dances kicked off their 100th anniversary season. The dances were launched in 1918 as soldiers returned home from World War I and have continued since. They take place Monday evenings from early July through mid August and involve traditional square dancing, clogging and bluegrass music.

2018 ASAP Farm Tour The 2018 Farm Tour was a huge success. More than 1,500 people visited 21 farms across the WNC region. ASAP gives thanks to their farmers, volunteers, visitors, sponsors and the mostly sporadic storm clouds for making the 10th Anniversary Farm Tour so wonderful! 

Tryon Block House Races Jockey Sean McDermott was awarded the Top Jockey award and honored for his efforts in the coveted Block House Race, as well as in the Dr. John Bradshaw Memorial Race, at the 72nd Annual Tryon Block House Races on Saturday, April 14. The event featured five races in front of a packed crowd at the Green Creek Race Track.

VegOut On Saturday, June 9, local nonprofit, Bounty & Soul, hosted their third annual VegOut fundraiser. VegOut took place at the Pisgah Brewing Company and over $20,000 was raised. The funds allow Bounty & Soul to continue providing nourishing foods and health and wellness education to the community and meet the rising needs of those who are food insecure … Continued

Asheville Lifestyle’s 3rd Annual Hats Horses & Hope Derby Party On May 5, we held a Kentucky Derby Fundraiser in support of local crisis intervention and sexual violence prevention non-profit Our VOICE. The event was held at the AC Marriott Hotel in downtown Asheville and over $5,000 was raised.

ASPCA Behavioral Rehab Center Grand Opening The ASPCA opened its 28,000-square foot Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC, on May 10. This facility is the first of its kind, offering a permanent space that is dedicated to the study and rehabilitation of extremely fearful dogs whom are victims of cruelty or neglect. The facility covers 13 acres and offers rehabilitation to … Continued
Asheville Lifestyle's 3rd Annual Hats Horses & Hope Derby Party 5

Asheville Lifestyle’s 3rd Annual Hats Horses & Hope Derby Party Temporary text
Hi-Wire 8K 1

Hi-Wire 8K Hi-Wire Brewing hosted their Inaugural Hi-Wire 8K, which started at their South Slope Tasting Room and finished at the Big Top Brewery in Biltmore Village. Runners reveled in the music and beer festival that followed. Photography by Great American Brewery Runs
Cider Wine & Dine Weekend 3

Cider Wine & Dine Weekend The Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend featured Henderson County wineries and cideries, who partnered together to present a new signature weekend filled with artisan hard cider, local wines, food, educational programs, music, tours and more. Photography by Andy & Lisa Jay
High Water Fest 2

High Water Fest Curated by folk powerhouse couple Shovels & Rope, High Water Fest returned to Charleston’s waterfront with music from renowned acts like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Band of Horses. The diverse lineup drew Ashevillians en masse to this year’s festival; save the dates for next year’s festival, April 13-14, 2019! Photography by Nathan … Continued

Art Affair OpenDoors Asheville held its Ninth Annual Art Affair at the Events Center at Highland Brewing. With 400+ people in attendance, OpenDoors surpassed its fundraising goal with more than $200K donated in support of its mission to break the cycle of poverty with local kids through advocacy and opportunities for education and enrichment. Photography by Reggie … Continued

Condom Couture Fashion Show The sixth annual Condom Couture Fashion Show took place on Saturday, March 10th at The Orange Peel. 16 local designers used condoms to create fashionable, wearable art, promote safe sex, and benefit Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. More than 450 people attended this year’s event, raising more than $68,000 for Planned Parenthood.

Asheville Mardi Gras Parade The Asheville Mardi Gras parade returned in 2018, this time taking over South Slop with a vibrant celebration of music, costumes, and all things quirky. 

2018 Fed Cup The Fed Cup first-round tie between the U.S. and The Netherlands culminated with a U.S. win at the U.S. Cellular Center this spring. A Net Generation Kids' Clinic held ahead of the event brought local kids in touch with tennis stars.  

Gingerbread House Competition The annual Gingerbread House Competition returned to the Omni Grove Park Inn last December with incredible, edible creations on view throughout the month. 
29th Annual Christmas Jam 10

29th Annual Christmas Jam Warren Haynes' epic annual music marathon, Christmas Jam, returned with more riffs and rock than ever before in 2017.  The Jam has raised more than $2 million for the 
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and helped 36 families in need of affordable housing.

Western Carolina Rescue Christmas Gala Western Carolina Rescue Ministries in association with Judd Builders held the first annual nonprofit Christmas Gala. The Gala featured New York Times best-selling author, Ron Hall, author of the book Same Kind of Different As Me, which tells the life-changing experiences in a Rescue Mission. 

6th Annual Home for the Holidays FUNdraiser Town and Mountain Realty believes everyone deserves a place to call home. The 6th Annual Home for the Holidays FUNdraiser focused on the homeless population and those in crisis in our community, supporting five local nonprofits (Homeward Bound of WNC, Caring for Children, Helpmate, Eliada Home, and ABCCM's Transformation Village).
Beaverdam Studio Tour 8

Beaverdam Studio Tour The Inaugural Beaverdam Studio Tour included 24 artists who demonstrated their crafts and chatted with visitors. Visit BeaverDamStudioTour.com for a list of sponsors and info about the artists. Mark your calendar for next year: October 27 + 28, 2018.
15th Annual HardLox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival 9

15th Annual HardLox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival Congregation Beth HaTephila held their annual festival with over 30 Jewish organizations and vendors. An amazing assortment of Jewish food was sold (over 500 pounds of pastrami and corned beef alone!) to the 5,000 attendees, who also enjoyed Jewish music and dancing.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest 21

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Named best Oktoberfest in America by Conde Nast Traveler, Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest is one of the brewery’s most beloved events. Thousands of revelers gathered beneath the big tent at the brewery for steins of beer, a Bavarian feast, live music, dancing, costumes, contests, and more.
Asheville Lifestyle Fall Fashion Show 7

Asheville Lifestyle Fall Fashion Show Asheville Lifestyle Magazine Inaugural Fall Fashion Show took place at Capella on Nine. Attendees, decked in their chicest whites, wiled the night away with champagne and fantastic fashion. The event raised nearly $8,000 for Children First of Buncombe County.
Asheville Lifestyle's Second Annual Curated Home Tour 26

Asheville Lifestyle’s Second Annual Curated Home Tour With our partners at the AHBA, Asheville Lifestyle hosted the Second Annual Curated Home Tour. Six lucky readers won the grand prize day tour and afterwords celebrated at the reception with great food, live music and amazing beer, all at the gorgeous Southcliff reception area!
Council on Aging's Over the Edge 8

Council on Aging’s Over the Edge 48 people rappelled down a downtown highrise with Over the Edge in support of the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, which serves older adults and their caregivers in Buncombe County with the mission to help adults age with choice. Edgers raised $49,697.
Polanco Grand Opening and Mexican Independence Celebration 32

Polanco Grand Opening and Mexican Independence Celebration Downtown's newest restaurant, Polanco, opened with a celebration of Mexican Independence, including dancing, a DJ, a mariachi band and delicious fare and crafted cocktails throughout the weekend.
The Big Crafty 20

The Big Crafty The 19th Big Crafty featured 165 select artists, an indigo-dying activity hosted by the Asheville Area Arts Council, kid's activities hosted by the Asheville Art Museum, music from Chikomo Marimba and a visit from Street Creature Puppets.
Gathering Asheville: Wild Foods Dinner Series 11

Gathering Asheville: Wild Foods Dinner Series In partnership with long-time collaborator Alan Muskat of Asheville's No Taste Like Home foraging tours, Katie Button and her Nightbell team prepared a five-course meal + welcome cocktail for up 16 guests using wild foods gathered locally.
ASAP Farm Tour 2017 4

ASAP Farm Tour 2017 The annual ASAP Farm Tour returned in 2017 with new experiences! Participants were able to visit a number of new farms that have never been on the Tour before, and favorite farms offered new opportunities for kids of all ages.
Folkmoot 12

Folkmoot This international dance festival returned with more acts than ever and dancers from across the globe, including Russia, 
the Netherlands, Argentina and Taiwan. The 10 days festival took over venues across Waynesville and the region for performances 
of all types.
Annual Asheville Triathlon 5

Annual Asheville Triathlon The Annual Asheville Triathlon is a local favorite, multi-sport event for the entire community! The Asheville Triathlon is part of the TRI LOCAL effort to encourage our local community to support and try a triathlon for the first time.
Asheville Art Museum's TIME WARP 2017 Benefit Gala 19

Asheville Art Museum’s TIME WARP 2017 Benefit Gala More than 275 arts supporters joined the Asheville Art Museum for its 2017 Benefit Gala, TIME WARP, at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, which raised more than $190,000, supporting the Museum’s ability to inspire individuals through dynamic experiences in American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Asheville Lifestyle's Derby Party 30

Asheville Lifestyle’s Derby Party Wild horses couldn't drag us away from our Second Annual Derby Party! The shindig, which raised over $8,000 for Our Voice, took place on the rooftop of the Capital Club with breathtaking views, delectable hors d'oeuvres from Travinia, a rousing auction and a viewing of the Kentucky Derby.
Color Me Goodwill 14

Color Me Goodwill The 3rd Annual Color Me Goodwill Fashion show returned to the Orange Peel this spring. Six local designers created collections based on an assigned color, using items sourced from our Goodwill stores.
Greater West Asheville Centennial Lions Charter Night 6

Greater West Asheville Centennial Lions Charter Night The newly founded Greater West Asheville Centennial Lions Charter gathered for Charter Night. The group of varied professionals is excited about the opportunity to serve our community through the Lions' traditions of service and expanding to meet emerging global needs, 
including Vision, Hunger, Environment, Pediatric Cancer and Diabetes.
Memory Gala 9

Memory Gala The Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter hosted its Inaugural Memory Gala this spring. The organization raised nearly $110,000 to fuel Alzheimer's Association mission-related initiatives of care, support and research! For more information on the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org/northcarolina.
Music Video Asheville Awards 9

Music Video Asheville Awards Western North Carolina's stars—musicians, filmmakers and supporting talents & crews—and their friends and families came out for the 10th Music Video Asheville Awards.
Run for the Paws 10

Run for the Paws The 7th Annual Run for the Paws welcomed 500 participants and over 200 dogs to New Belgium Brewing! The event included a 5K, one mile walk and a lawn festival with activities for the whole family. All proceeds benefitted the animals of Brother Wolf.
Loaded Up and Truckin' Food Truck-off + Aural Pleasure Fest 10

Loaded Up and Truckin’ Food Truck-off + Aural Pleasure Fest Oskar Blues' Loaded Up and Truckin' Food Truck-off + Aural Pleasure Fest rang in spring with hot eats and sweet sounds. The food truck festival and competition came with plenty of live music, including indie favorite Dr. Dog.
Cúrate Grand Re-Opening 7

Cúrate Grand Re-Opening cIt's the time of year when vacation gets on the brain. The inescapable urge to get out of town and out of the routine for a little while. This issue, we wanted to focus on two other towns in the Southeast, one of which has a well-deserved reputation as a great place to visit, while the other is quickly developing…