Appalachian Regional Commission has opened applications for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. WORC supports community-led workforce and economic development projects in rural Appalachia and other regions. Projects should address employer needs, help residents secure family-sustaining employment, and support long-term economic growth. Applications are due July 23. Learn more and apply here.
ArtsAVL is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Arts Build Community grant cycle from June 22 through July 20, 2026. Since 2018, the grant has supported public art projects that encourage civic engagement and community participation. Eligible projects must be free, open to the public, accessible, and include community engagement. Public art may include murals, sculpture, digital media, performances, festivals, and other artist-led work. Learn more and apply here.
The Asheville Comedy Festival returns August 6–8 with more than 25 nationally touring comedians from across the United States. Now in its 18th year, the festival has become a respected showcase for emerging comedy talent, with alumni advancing to late-night shows, streaming specials and national tours. The event also includes industry workshops, networking opportunities and showcases designed to introduce audiences to rising performers. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a Member Mixer on August 3 from 4–6 p.m. at Revival Asheville focused on housing and urban development. Speakers Beth Silverman of Lotus Campaign and AJ Jackson of LEO Impact Capital will discuss homelessness, affordable housing, community development, finance and equitable investment. The session begins with housing trivia, includes real-world lessons and best practices, and ends with open Q&A. Learn more and register here.
The Asheville Museum of History is accepting nominations for the 2026 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award through July 30, 2026. The award, presented since 1955 and carrying a $1,000 prize, recognizes eligible works of fiction, nonfiction, drama, or poetry. Nominated works must be first editions published between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and meet Western North Carolina author or subject criteria. Learn more and apply here.
The Asheville Tourists will host a three-event Tourists Fitness series on the HomeTrust Park outfield with local studios ISI Elite Training, Rad Yoga and Pure Barre. The 60-minute beginner sessions are scheduled for Saturday, July 25, Saturday, August 8 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. Gates open at 7:30 a.m.; instruction runs from 8–9 a.m. Tickets are $25 per class or $68 for the full series. Learn more and register here.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is hosting a two-state summit August 25–27 at Biltmore in Asheville, NC, for residents and regional leaders from the 29-county Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. Attendees representing tourism, economic development, outdoor recreation, planning, nonprofits and communities will hear updates, discuss grant programs and next steps, and build connections to advance the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. Learn more and register here.
The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Center from July 16–19, running daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, with children under 12 admitted free, and tickets are available at the door. More than 100 juried artists will showcase craft across 12 media, with demonstrations, education and Emerging Artist Program participants. Learn more.
Habitat for Humanity is teaming up with Lowe’s for a family-friendly pop-up celebration marking Habitat’s 50th anniversary and Lowe’s more than 20-year partnership with the organization. The event is Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lowe’s East Asheville, 89 South Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805. Activities include crafts, Habitat education, a stud wall signing, treats, food trucks and volunteer information. Learn more.
Ingles and Pepsi of WNC present the 94th Asheville Open Tennis Championships, featuring USTA National Junior Level 6 events for boys and girls ages 12–18. Tournament matches run July 24–26, with registration closing Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:59 p.m. EDT. Late entries may be accepted at the tournament director’s discretion if they do not affect seeding. A free USTA account is required to view draws and schedules. Learn more and register here.
Louise Bijesse is releasing a new book, Don’t Follow the Recipe, and will celebrate with live virtual launch events in July plus an in-person book signing and reception in Asheville. Local business owners, professionals and friends are invited to attend the signing on Wednesday, August 19, from 5–7 p.m. at The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Learn more and register here.
Mars Hill University’s Adult and Graduate Studies program will host virtual information sessions for prospective online MBA students on Monday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the 30-credit, 10-course program, online format, admissions, financial aid and student support. The flexible MBA can be completed in under two years, with GMAT and GRE requirements waived. Learn more and register here.
Sugar & Snow Gelato will celebrate its grand re-opening with a free, all-ages community party on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 12–7 p.m. at 146 Roberts Street, Suite 102, in the Wyre Building in Asheville’s upper River Arts District. Guests can tour the new shop, meet the team and enjoy complimentary wine pairings, sorbet, face painting, pet treats and special event menu items.
Twisted Laurel is supporting Meals on Wheels through giving days at its Downtown location on Wednesdays, including July 15, 22 and 29. The restaurant will donate 10% of all sales to help feed seniors in Buncombe County, with a goal of raising at least $1,800 to move one senior off the waitlist. Guests can dine in, order takeout or make a reservation.
The Wake University Center for Private Business will host a Member Social on Tuesday, July 28, at 4 p.m. for members and guests to enjoy free drinks, appetizers and networking. The summer social is designed to help local leaders connect with Center members, sponsors and staff. Scott Fowler, Western NC Market Manager, will lead the event and make introductions among attendees. Learn more and register here.
The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor with ARC support in Appalachia, is accepting applications for projects that expand training and support for dislocated workers, new workforce entrants, incumbent workers and people facing employment barriers. Successful projects should align with long-term regional growth strategies and strengthen economic resilience in distressed communities. Applications are due July 23, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
New & Noteworthy
AdventHealth Hendersonville and Yancey County EMS have launched a Prehospital Transfusion Program to bring lifesaving care closer to patients in rural areas where terrain and travel time can delay treatment. EMS crews can now carry whole blood and begin transfusions before patients reach the hospital. The partnership reflects more than two years of planning with transfusion experts to build a safe, reliable process.Learn more.
Buncombe County Tax Collections warns that scammers are calling taxpayers and falsely claiming property tax bills must be paid by phone because of recent moratorium legislation. The county says this is untrue and advises residents to hang up and report scam calls to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 250-6670. County government will never request credit card or banking information by phone.
The City of Asheville announced the retirement of Planning & Urban Design Director Steph Monson Dahl after 21 years of service. Dahl helped shape Asheville through planning, public engagement and community development, including riverfront and downtown initiatives that secured nearly $50 million in grant funding. She became director in 2023 and will pursue new opportunities after her last day with the City on August 21, 2026. Learn more.
Etsy and the Center for Craft will fund four Western North Carolina organizations through the new $10 million Craft Catalyst Initiative. Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Programs, the North Carolina Glass Center, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual and Toe River Arts will each receive $100,000 in unrestricted grants. The three-year effort supports organizations helping artists build sustainable careers and strengthen local craft economies. Learn more.
Goldhofer AG, the German manufacturer of heavy transport and airport ground support equipment, will establish a North American production facility and U.S. headquarters at Trivium Corporate Center in Hickory. The company plans to invest more than $20 million and create up to 80 jobs by the end of 2030. The first phase includes an 80,000-square-foot production hall, with future expansion anticipated. Learn more.
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority honored Downtown manager Jamie Carpenter and volunteer Jayne Miller during its Partner Celebration on June 23 at Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206. Carpenter received the Debi Smith Heart for Hospitality Award for collaborative service to visitors and tourism partners. Miller, a 30-year Welcome Center volunteer, received the TDA’s first Volunteer of the Year Award. Learn more.
The Industrial Commons in Morganton received a $200,000 grant from The Leon Levine Foundation through the Carolina Career-Connected Learning Challenge. Selected from more than 130 applicants across North and South Carolina, TIC will use the funding to strengthen workforce development for young people through employer partnerships, alumni advising, mentorship and wraparound supports such as transportation and housing stability, while sharing its model across the Carolinas. Learn more.
Ivy Fields Farm, a 33-acre working farm in Western North Carolina, has been named the No. 1 Farm Stay in the United States in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Located minutes from Asheville, the farm offers a renovated cottage and hands-on experiences such as collecting eggs, harvesting seasonal produce and flowers, meeting farm animals and enjoying quiet evenings under the stars. Learn more.
Mission Health has launched its “50 Techs in 50 Days” hiring campaign to recruit professionals for imaging, sterile processing, respiratory therapy, surgical technology and pharmacy roles. The effort follows its “90 Nurses in 90 Days” initiative and supports essential clinical care teams across the system. Learn more.
Q-Hall, Asheville’s first women’s sports bar, will open soon on the South Slope in the former Boomer’s Cigar Bar on Coxe Avenue. Founder JJ Pope created the permanent space after years of organizing women’s sports watch parties and LGBTQ+ community events. Pope is seeking donated sports memorabilia so the walls can highlight Western North Carolina women athletes and help guests feel represented. Learn more.
Reems Creek Nursery announced the location of its future home near I-26 Exit 17, where the new entrance and sign will be visible from the ramp. The company says the site will be easier to access and more convenient for customers. Plans include a flat shopping property, state-of-the-art commercial greenhouse, improved shopping experience and the same knowledgeable team serving Buncombe County and WNC for decades to come. Learn more.
The University of North Carolina Asheville appointed Bruce W. Barker as its next Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance and Chief Operating Officer. Barker joins from Western Carolina University, where he has served as Director of Business Operations and Chief Procurement Officer since 2018. He will oversee budgeting, procurement, risk management and compliance, report to the Chancellor and serve on the University’s senior leadership team.