Celebrated every year in September, National Senior Center Month spotlights how vital these centers are to the health and well-being of communities like Asheville. Senior centers provide support and encouragement to older adults, and offer a place for community members in the prime of life to discover unique interests, talents, and aspirations.
On Monday, May 27, the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee on Veterans Affairs and Buncombe County presented the 2013 Memorial Day ceremony at Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. The ceremony commemorates the sacrifice and service that men and women have given in the name of protecting the nation, and was attended by veterans and [...]
The City of Asheville’s 2022 Events Brochure is now available on Issuu.com. The brochure is more than just a directory highlighting fun things to do. The festivals and events brochure is a tool to assist the community for vendor, exhibitor, marketing, and volunteer opportunities. Looking for tips on planning an event? The online [...]
The City of Asheville’s River Arts District will be the backdrop of two greenway events in August. The City of Asheville is proud to work with community partners, RiverLink, Land of Sky Regional Council and Connect Buncombe as they celebrate greenways for our community. To celebrate our partners’ events, we will declare them to be [...]
The Asheville Police and Fire Departments and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, with the sponsorship support of Target, Inc., will host a local National Night Out (NNO) kick-off event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. NNO is a nationwide, annual crime prevention and community policing event. NNO events are designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community-law enforcement [...]
Harry McDaniels is walking in front of the Asheville Art Museum carrying a stack of Bele Chere schedules to deliver to one of the festival’s information booths. It’s details like that, large and small, that Bele Chere Area Managers have to keep on their radars for three days to make sure the festival’s moving parts [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County are documenting the community’s vision for a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive Pack Square Plaza, a social and economic hub for the region. You have been participating online and by attending community events to give us your ideas. Now check out the results! Ideas generated by the community can be [...]
The Asheville Business Inclusion (ABI) office is excited to announce it will host a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) outreach event on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Maple Crest Apartments Community Room, located at 20 Lee Garden Lane, Asheville, NC 28801 (address corrected). The [...]
City Council member Kim Roney reads a proclamation during Tuesday, October 11 Council meeting, declaring council support for the efforts of the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to restore the name Kuwohi to the mountain presently known as Clingmans Dome. The proclamation stated the City of ᏙᎩᏯᏍᏗ (Asheville) is committed to creating an [...]
Featured artists announced The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville. Featured artists include: BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk [...]
The streets are closed and crowded during Bele Chere, but that can’t stop Asheville Fire and Rescue from being able to get to people if there is a problem that needs its attention. That’s why two pairs of City of Asheville firefighters are roving the festival on bicycles. Bele Chere marks the only regular event [...]
Kick off Event of the child passenger safety awareness week. The event will be held on September 24th, from 10:00 to 14:00 hours, at 800 Brevard Rd Avl. Outlets, next to Sportsman’s Warehouse.
On Saturday, September 11, members of the Asheville Fire Department and their families gathered at the Grove Park Inn to participate in a ceremony commemorating firefighters who served and died in the 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. The ceremony was presided over by Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette, who [...]
The 2021 Asheville Holiday Parade returns to downtown this Saturday, November 20, beginning at 11 a.m. Produced by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the City of Asheville, the parade features more than 75 entries including bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits, businesses and of course Mr. Santa and Mrs. [...]
The 2022 Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, returns to downtown this Saturday, November 19, beginning at 11 a.m. Produced by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the City of Asheville, the parade features more than 75 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits, businesses and of course [...]
The Asheville Downtown Association’s annual Asheville Holiday Parade happens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in downtown Asheville. The parade route runs up Biltmore Avenue to Pack Square, then turns to go down Patton Avenue. Hundreds show up for this festive community event, so please plan ahead. There will be traffic and bus route [...]
Photo by AshevilleMardiGras.org There will be street closings associated with the celebration You don’t have to go to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras — Asheville has its own Mardi Gras Parade! This year’s 10th annual parade kicks off at 3 p.m. Feb. 26 on Wall Street downtown, winding its way onto Battery Park Avenue, then left onto Haywood [...]
The Asheville Mardi Gras Parade returns to the South Slope this Sunday, February 27 This year’s theme: The Great Comeback Carnival Times and Routes: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Line up and float assembly at Rabbit Rabbit (75 Coxe Ave.) 3:05 p.m. Traditional Step Off The parade will [...]
This Sunday, Feb. 23, the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade returns to the South Slope. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Lineup and float assembly will take place in surface parking lots along Asheland Avenue. The parade begins on Hilliard Avenue at Asheland Avenue, down south Coxe Avenue and wraps along the streets of [...]
This Sunday, March 3, the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade returns to the South Slope. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Lineup and float assembly will take place in surface parking lots along Federal Alley. The parade will assemble on Federal Alley, make a quick turnaround Hilliard Avenue and formally begin at the top of Coxe [...]
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie. Join the rest of the nation in getting to know your neighbors and “give crime and drugs a going away party.” National Night Out is a national event celebrated by communities all around the country. The 2019 [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) invites local artists of all mediums to submit pieces to display during a pop-up gallery celebrating Black Legacy Month from Feb 17-28 at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center . Participants should register online at https://bit.ly/APR_Call_for_Artists and drop off submissions between Feb. 13-16. [...]
As Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) update’s the city’s comprehensive plan for public leisure spaces and recreation programs, that’s the question its team is asking at public input events around the city and through a community survey that can be taken from the comfort of home.
Weather Update Due to the chance of thunderstorms predicted to happen during event hours, Tiny Tykes Day (scheduled for 2-5 p.m. on May 7, 2023) has been cancelled. Area families are in for a fun-packed time during Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s annual Tiny Tykes Day at Martin Luther King Jr. Park from 2-5 [...]
A summer tradition for many Ashevillians returns to Pack Square Park on Friday, May 12. The popular Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) begins its 2023 season with a showing of DC League of Super-Pets. Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the free [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation brings free movies under the stars to Pack Square Park A tradition for many mountain families returns to Pack Square Park on Friday, May 13. Asheville Parks & Recreation’s popular Movies in the Park series begins its 2022 season with a showing of Encanto. Community members are invited to bring [...]
Throughout the year, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and its partners share unique stories, rich culture, and opportunities for all community members to reflect on Black history, heritage, and hope. Programming staff are hosting events at community centers in February to celebrate Black History and Legacy Month. “February is a time to recognize, [...]
Throughout the year, Asheville Parks & Recreation and its partners share unique stories, rich culture, and opportunities for all community members to reflect on Black history across the city. During Black History Month, the department invites residents to explore more and discover the achievements, contributions, and journeys of Black heritage.
July may be a popular month to get out of town for a summer vacation, but Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has plenty to experience close to home for little to no cost. Find highlights below and check out these resources for more programs and activities including free games and clubs, exercise and sports, and [...]
As summer break comes to an end, teens can celebrate the start of a new school year with music, games, giveaways, dancing, performances, photo booths, and more courtesy of Asheville Parks & Recreation. Tha After Party: Summer Bash ‘22 takes place from 7-10 p.m. in Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) on Thursday, August 18. [...]
Southside residents and regular Walton Street Park visitors are invited to a free pancake breakfast to share thoughts on design preferences for the park’s facelift. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team members will be on hand with surveys and information during Flapjacks & Feedback on Saturday, November 12, from 10:30 a.m. until [...]
“Like many of you, I look back fondly on fun memories made over the summers of my life meeting new friends at summer day camps, discovering new interests by exploring the green space and waterway at my local neighborhood park, and gaining professional experience working at my community center pool.” So begins the welcome letter [...]
As community members trade hoodies for short sleeves, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a May full of opportunities to prepare Asheville for summer days and nights on the horizon. From outdoor thrills and sports leagues to festivals and weekly meetups, Asheville’s recreation experts have something for everyone. Find highlights below and check [...]
As the magic of the holidays comes to the mountains, Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has plenty of fun, festive celebrations to make the season merry and bright for the young and young-at-heart during Holly Jolly Holidays from December 2-16. Space is limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended even if an event [...]
The magic of the holidays comes to the mountains this month and Asheville Parks & Recreation has plenty of fun, festive celebrations to make the season merry and bright for the young and young-at-heart during Holly Jolly Holidays from December 3-15. In addition to these warm and cozy indoor events, City parks offer [...]
What neighborhood traffic issues are on your mind, Asheville? The City’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee invites everyone to come to a solution-based community discussion about just that. The Neighborhood Advisory Committee invites everyone to attend the first of two Neighborhood Forums planned for this year. The forums will provide an opportunity for neighborhoods to discuss and find [...]
Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 19, the City of Asheville will begin a series of monthly informal, open house/community meeting opportunities to meet with businesses and residents who are interested in producing special events within Asheville city limits. Whether the event is held on public or private property, indoors or outside, the objective is to help guide [...]
Monday, May 28 saw the commemoration of Memorial Day in a ceremony held on Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park and presented by The City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee on Veterans Affairs and Buncombe County. The ceremony commemorates the sacrifice and service that men and women have given in the name of protecting the nation, [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. May 27 at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage, Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. The ceremony will feature short readings by Brothers Like These veterans that will recount their real-life experiences in service. Major General Rick Devereaux, US Air [...]
The City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs will host the annual Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony on the Roger McGuire Green stage in Pack Square Park starting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2016. Featured will be the award winning Fort Bragg North Carolina Ground Forces Band with musical performances before and after as [...]
With ample opportunities for community members 50 years of age and better, the schedule for Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts includes six weeks of competitions, demonstrations, and fellowship to exercise the mind and body.
Asheville band The Broadcast will be an Xpand Fest headliner. Finding a parking place on Asheville’s popular South Slope is almost as coveted as that first sip of the latest local brew. Once you’ve landed, however, folks can browse from microbrewery to barbecue joint — even chancing on the occasional speakeasy-type dive. The cachet of the South [...]
Asheville’s two public swimming pools will operate on Saturday and Sunday only after the first weekend in August Beginning August 6, regular operating hours for both pools are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3 per person.
A guide to special events, links to the matchups, parking information and more The Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Woman’s Basketball Tournament returns to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on March 7-11. Tickets are still available and there are lots of special events planned to coincide with the tournament, such as the Downtown Dribble, Hometown Heroes Night and Teddy Bear [...]
With summer vacations winding down, long periods of daylight, and ripening apples, figs, and peaches, August is a great month to explore, connect, discover in the North Carolina mountains. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has hundreds of leisure time and active living opportunities each week in addition to parks, greenways, playgrounds, and unique [...]
#2: Art booths abound If you want to duck out of the sun and see some great examples of handcraft and art, there are nearly 150 chances to do so at Bele Chere. That’s how many artists and craftspeople set up for the festival this weekend. From paintings to metal works to woodcarving to eclectic and inventive [...]
Passing a stopped school bus can be a costly mistake. A motorist convicted for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina can face a fine of up to $200. The result is also 5 points on your license. A significant increase in your car insurance often follows. The penalties for the Class I Misdemeanor of passing [...]
Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton Street) is becoming known for fun events that explore Hispanic and Latino heritage. From the quirky Cinco de Star War to monthly Latin cuisine classes with Chef Martina Valdez, the center has successfully struck a balance between creating authentic, welcoming spaces for Hispanic and Latino families that are [...]
In recognition of Black History Month this February, Asheville Parks and Recreation is producing a number of programs at community centers across the city. All events are free and open to the public. Feb. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.: Community Movie Night screening of “Selma” Location: Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St. Contact: 828-259-5483 or [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation invites the community to National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carrier Park. The annual day of learning and encouragement is designed to expose women and girls to a variety of activities that will [...]
From the WNC Nature Center. This is always a fun time to come out and see the critters: The Western North Carolina Nature Center celebrates winter with its popular “Holiday Tails” event on Saturday December 1st from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. The event will feature games, crafts, special animal presentations and a special visit from [...]
You're invited to celebrate impactful community members Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Arthur R. Edington Center
After years of neighborhood input, planning, and construction, Asheville’s Southside neighborhood has a brand new gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, more community rooms for meetings and classes, outdoor basketball court, and spacious open areas to study and socialize at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, located on 285 Livingston Street. Southside families and community members [...]
Does your child's favorite plush critter seem to have a cold? Have you ever wondered what happens at the WNC Nature Center at night? Or behind the scenes? Check out these events coming soon at the WNC Nature Center!
The Winter Lights Downtown display in Pack Square Park West features a sequence of 7 colors shining on 8 trees. The City of Asheville launched an exciting new holiday light display this season called Winter Lights Downtown. The seasonally bright display is centered around the Vance Monument and Hoss Haley fountain area of Pack Square Park, [...]
Meeting Information: Friday, Sept 23 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Asheville Housing Authority Board Room 165 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
The public is invited to learn more about the Pack Square Plaza Visioning Project and to provide input that helps create a shared vision for the future of the area. The public is invited to help shape the future of Western North Carolina’s most central civic space by attending one or more special engagement events for [...]
The next meeting of the Community Reparations Commission will take place 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall at 87 Haywood Street. The Commission meeting agenda is posted at this link. The Community Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward [...]
The next scheduled meeting for the Community Reparations Commission is Monday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. This schedule change is due to the MLK Holiday. The meeting will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall at 87 Haywood Street at 6:00 p.m. The Commission meeting agenda will be posted at this link You [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County hosted the first In Person Memorial Day Ceremony since 2019 The rain stayed away and the community of Asheville turned out Monday to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country The 1 hour ceremony took place at the Roger McGuire Green. Attending [...]
Pardon our Delay! Due to weather conditions this weekend, the kick off for Art in the Heart will be delayed. But don't worry, you'll still get a chance to see all the exciting art and local artists participating in the program. Please keep checking our website, as we will update it with the new schedule.
The City of Asheville is thrilled to announce the participating artist list for Art in the Heart! For more information on the artists and their projects, visit Art in the Heart project on the City’s website.
The City of Asheville and the Bele Chere entertainment selection committee have announced the lineup of the 2011 Bele Chere Festival, to be held July 29-31 in downtown Asheville. 42 acts, more than half of whom are local or regional acts, will perform on four stages over the three-day event. Here is a selection from the press [...]
Asheville City Manager, Debra Campbell, is pleased to announce that Ben Woody, who has served as the Interim Assistant City Manager since June, has accepted the position of Assistant City Manager. Ben will carry out administrative duties while also assisting the City Manager with the direction and coordination of activities of assigned City department directors, as [...]
The next meeting of the Asheville City Council will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The meeting will be held in City Hall, 70 Court Plaza on the second floor. The Council meeting agenda is posted at this link. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.10 this will be an in-person meeting [...]
The next meeting of the Asheville City Council will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, located on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza. The Council meeting agenda is posted at this link. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § [...]
Due to a number of incidents impacting public safety, the City of Asheville is taking targeted steps to address the rise of crime especially in downtown Asheville. There are complex circumstances contributing to the safety issues that Asheville is currently seeing downtown and it will take a community response to address these complexities. Multiple City [...]
In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, which is on a Saturday this year, City of Asheville offices will be closed July 3. ART bus service will operate on a reduced holiday schedule July 4. The Fourth of July holiday is one of six holidays throughout the calendar year that ART offers bus service. For [...]
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce projects that have received funding from the BCTDA Tourism Product Development Fund. Funding was announced at the Tourism Development Authority Board meeting on October 26. All four of the city’s applications received funding, with the top three priorities receiving funding at 100% of the requested amount. [...]
The City of Asheville, North Carolina, seeks to contract with a non-profit organization to lead the development, management, and execution of a single event or series of events and engagements designed to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday in 2023. The RFP is being issued to identify qualified non-profit organizations with the capacity to execute a celebration to [...]
Come Enjoy Juneteenth festival: Freedom festival. This event is free and open to the public.
The next meeting of the Asheville City Council, scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, will mark the return to Council Chamber for the governing body. The meeting will be held in City Hall, 70 Court Plaza on the second floor. The meetings were moved in 2020 to facilitate sessions under new COVID-19 protocols. City Council continued to meet, [...]
The Public Works Stormwater Division will close Hill Street from Montford Ave. down to 135 Hill St ( at the church and school) to perform stormwater culvert replacements before a paving project. This nightly closure is scheduled to take place on May 7 through May 13, 2023. (weather dependent) Work will be carried out from 7:00 p.m. [...]
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced the City of Asheville has been awarded $4.2 million from the Low-and No-Emission Program to invest in purchasing new transit buses for the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) fleet. The $4.2 million will allow the City of Asheville to purchase six hybrid replacement buses and three replacement [...]
National Public Works week is underway! As part of a week dedicated to recognizing the City of Asheville Public Works Department staff who make our community run every day, staff was invited to take part in a “Rodeo”. No cows were harmed in the making of this Rodeo – it’s more a skills challenge. Staff were invited [...]
National Public Works week is underway! We want to take a moment to recognize the City of Asheville Public Works Department staff who make our community run every day. From Streets to Sanitation, Fleet Management to Stormwater, our Public Works teams are #ReadyAndResilient Please join us all week in recognizing and thanking our teams for the work that goes [...]
ART buses to run on holiday schedule City of Asheville government will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day. City facilities remain closed to the public at this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though some parks have reopened. During this public health emergency, City employees have continued their work, some in the field, such as in [...]
The City of Asheville will once again honor our local Veterans with a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. Due to health precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public is invited to participate virtually. The Veterans Day ceremony can be viewed online on the City of Asheville YouTube channel. The program will [...]
The City of Asheville’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee is looking to spotlight special neighborhood volunteers. If you know someone who stands out for doing good, please nominate them for a quarterly Neighborhood Volunteer Spotlight
Art in the Heart is a way to unite, heal, and strengthen the community. The goal is to use art to spark conversation and ideas on how to make Pack Square Plaza –a central gathering place and hub of activity for the region– a place that reflects Asheville’s diverse community. The program [...]
The City of Asheville is joining with community partners for a weekend full of Earth Day events and family-friendly activities. The City of Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Equinox, GreenWorks, New Belgium Brewing, Organic Grower’s School, Mountain True and RiverLink are hosting Asheville Earth Week on April 21, 22, and 23. With multiple events at different [...]
The City of Asheville offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, May 30, a federally designated holiday that honors military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Here is a roundup of other City services affected by this holiday, as well as [...]
ART bus service suspended on Thanksgiving Day as well Asheville City government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a roundup of City service holiday schedules. ART bus service ART bus service will be suspended Nov. 22, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving is one [...]
In observance of Veterans Day, the City of Asheville offices will be closed Friday, November 11, 2022. The City of Asheville and partner agencies will honor our local Veterans during a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. The in-person ceremony will take place Friday, November 11, 2022, 11 a.m. at Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville.
City of Asheville offices will be closed Monday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. Some City services will be impacted.
The City of Asheville parking availability signs and the “Find Parking” feature on the Asheville app are up and running, just in time for the SoCon tournament in downtown Asheville this weekend. Signs mounted on the outside of City maintained parking garages now accurately display the number of parking spaces [...]
The City’s Transportation Department is gearing up for its Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count to take place again this year. Each year, the counts are held the week after Labor Day. Counts are taken on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This year, the dates are Sept 12th – 14th & 16th. The hours are on weekday mornings [...]
The City of Asheville is pleased to team up with Asheville Greenworks and other organizations in multiple efforts to keep Asheville green and clean. Register to be a part of the team.
The City of Asheville will put on a fireworks display downtown for the Fourth of July! However, for this year, there will be no accompanying festival activities. While there will be no food or drink vendors at the park, people are welcome to bring their own picnic or order take-out from a favorite restaurant. There will [...]
The City of Asheville will hold a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. This event is to pay solemn tribute to those who heroically sacrificed their own lives to save thousands of others, and to remember those who helped in the rescue-recovery efforts that followed [...]
The City of Asheville will hold a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the City Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. This event is to pay solemn tribute to those who heroically sacrificed their own lives to save thousands of others, and to remember those who helped in the rescue-recovery efforts that followed [...]
The public is invited to attend the City's 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Asheville will soon be accepting proposals from qualified, nonprofit organizations based in Asheville and Buncombe County who wish to establish strategic event partnerships with the City for calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Downtown After 5 is an example of an event conducted under a strategic event partnership, one in which the City [...]
The Information Sharing and Truth Telling Speaker Series is the first phase of the City of Asheville’s process to deliver community reparations for Black Asheville. The series will include local and national speakers who share information about past policies, present trends and disparities, and future initiatives. The community will have opportunities to participate. Please join [...]
On June 18, Asheville City offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Technically on June 19, it marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally told they were free. These enslaved people learned they were free two years after [...]
Resource information Find information page about climate resilience initiative here. The Climate Resilience Resource Guide is posted on that page. Here is a direct link. Find information about the 100% renewable energy initiative here. Original post: Interested in local energy and climate issues? Come to the City of [...]
Representatives from the City of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation and Capital Projects departments will present updates on the Phase II improvements to Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park at upcoming community events. Community members can view project renderings and discuss planned improvements with staff members. As defined by City Council during its March [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 3:00 p.m. May 30, 2022 at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. The ceremony will feature short readings by Brothers And Sisters Like These Veterans Writing Group who write to heal the wounds of war. Pastor Spencer [...]
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. May 29, 2023 at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. The ceremony will feature a short reading by Jim Hernandez, USAF, Vietnam, Pilot. Lt. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin (Ret.), USMC, Secretary of the NC Department of Military and [...]
This year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will be held as a virtual ceremony, because of the need for physical distance with the State of Emergency posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The keynote speaker will be Anne Adkins, a Gold Star Mother who lost her son Matthew during his active duty in Iraq. The ceremony, planned in [...]
Because of the continued need for physical distance posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will again be held as a virtual ceremony. John Mason The keynote speaker will be USMC Veteran John Mason, who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for Valor during his time in Vietnam 1968 [...]
The Public Works Streets Division will have a contractor paving College Street from the S. Charlotte Street intersection into the traffic circle beginning on the evening of Sunday, April 23. The work will take place primarily between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. for minimal traffic disturbances and will last approximately 4 nights. There will be a [...]
The City of Asheville requests input from the community regarding the College Patton Bike Lane Project. The primary objective of this project is to increase multimodal connectivity, which includes expanding dedicated bicycle infrastructure throughout the city’s urban core. The City would like input from the community on the most recent draft [...]
The City of Asheville has partnered with local organizations to host neighborhood cleanups over the next few weeks to keep litter off our streets and out of our streams. We invite you to lend a hand and enjoy physical and mental health benefits such as feeling a sense of accomplishment, getting exercise, enjoying the fresh air, meeting [...]
The City of Asheville requests input from past and current Southside residents on the Nasty Branch Greenway historic sign drafts. Input will be collected through a survey that will close on April 1, 2023. Additionally, those who would prefer to give input by phone can reach out to Hayley [...]
The first public workshop to gather input on the Comprehensive Plan update will be held October 10 at The Collider, located at 1 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. (The Collider is on the top floor of the Wells Fargo building at Pritchard Park. You can find parking at the Rankin, Civic Center, or Wall Street parking [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation invites community members to celebrate the expansion of Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr., Southside Community Center (285 Livingston Street) during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 28. Brief remarks from Mayor Esther Manheimer, Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt, and a student from the after school program begin promptly at [...]
Located in Asheville’s Southside neighborhood, Walton Street Park (570 Oakland Rd.) has served as the backdrop for many community events, birthday parties, and family celebrations since it opened in 1939. In 1948, Walton Street Pool opened in the southwest corner of the park. Since April, the City of Asheville and local nonprofit Southside [...]
In 2018, the City of Asheville began researching and documenting historic resources specifically related to African American heritage in Asheville. During the first phase of architectural survey (inventory), it was determined that Walton Street Park is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, since the determination of eligibility for listing in [...]
All community members are invited to celebrate older athletes and artists during the opening ceremony for this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts (ABSGSA) on Thursday, March 30, from 2-5 p.m. at Carrier Park. There will be music, refreshments, brief remarks, and giveaways throughout the day. The ceremony is free and allows [...]
ASHEVILLE – Members of the Asheville community, city leaders and staff on Sunday gathered to observe the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony was led by the Asheville Fire Department and was held in the Ferguson Auditorium of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Officials say the total number of people killed in [...]
Have some fun in the sun! Pop into one of City of Asheville Parks and Recreation's Pop Up Free Water Events
The next meeting of the Community Reparations Commission will take place 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2022. Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall at 87 Haywood Street.
The next meeting of the Community Reparations Commission will take place 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2022 at: The Buncombe County Government Building 200 College St First Floor Conference Room The Commission meeting agenda will be posted as available. The Community Reparations Commission is empowered to make short, medium, and long-term recommendations that will make significant progress toward repairing [...]
Since March of 2022, the Community Reparations Commission has been working to establish short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for consideration by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County Government. On Saturday, Oct. 7, a Community Reparations Summit will be held, providing an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the impact focus areas of [...]
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee invites all of Asheville to gather for a day filled with neighborly interaction, learning, and fun for the whole family at Festival of Neighborhoods. This event is aimed at bringing together neighbors from all corners of Asheville with the primary goal of strengthening the bond between residents, neighborhood associations, and local [...]
Appalachian-infused Shakespeare comes to 68 Haywood this month with “The Ballad of R & J,” a musical play brought to Asheville by the American Myth Center during the month of June. As you may have guessed, it’s based on Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” star-crossed love story. American Myth Center Director Aaron Snook sets the [...]
The Office of Sustainability invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. There are many ways to make small changes with big impact to the health and quality of our environment. Below are a few examples and a super fun opportunity to join in the fun. Earth Day is this Friday and it's not too late to schedule your earth action!
Earth Day is just around the corner! The Department of Sustainability invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. There are many ways to make small changes with big impact to the health and quality of our environment. Below are a few examples [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s [...]
The City of Asheville, in partnership with the River Arts District businesses and artists and LEAF Community Arts, wants to inclusively bring families in the community together through art. During this summer, families in Asheville are invited to visit the Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab in the River Arts District. Family-friendly art events will be held [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) brings ghoulish greetings with its annual Festival of Frights starting on October 21. The series of events includes a toddler costume party, nighttime skating, creepy climbing, and trips through a haunted castle, a greenhouse of horror, and a trail of treats. While Ashevillians can stop in for a spell at [...]
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee invites all of Asheville to gather for a day filled with neighborly interaction, learning, and fun for the whole family at the Festival of Neighbohoods - Sept. 30 . This event is aimed at bringing together neighbors from all corners of Asheville with the primary goal of strengthening the bond between residents, neighborhood associations, and local organizations to create a harmonious and thriving community.
This year’s Bele Chere festival has more opportunities than ever to make sure your discarded containers get recycled. On top of the city’s own bins and bins provided by a contractor, there also 70 new recycling stands provided by a grant by Coca-Cola for Bele Chere 2010. There are also new recycling cans next to [...]
Sanitation schedule shifts, ART buses to run on holiday schedule Asheville City government offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Trash and recycling collection Asheville Sanitation will be closed July 4, as the local landfill and transfer stations will be closed. Residents whose collection day is Thursday will have their trash and [...]
Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each November to provide a platform for Native people in the United States to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways and concepts of life. As part of this reminder to study the history of the nation and highlight the great diversity Native people [...]
Thanks to comfortable temperatures and ample options for outdoor adventures, U.S. News & World Report recently named Asheville one of the top destinations in the world to visit in spring. Coming as no surprise to those who live here, April is a great time to explore the city. The outdoor experts at [...]
ASHEVILLE – The 2011 edition of the African-Caribbean “Goombay!” festival once again drew hundreds of people to the Eagle/Market Streets area, the historic heart of Asheville’s black community. Each year for three days, Goombay fills Eagle and Market – also called The Block – with marching bands, African-America dancers, stilt walkers, as well as gospel, reggae [...]
Halloween can be a fun holiday for kids, but a worrisome one for parents. Here you’ll find safety tips from the Asheville Police Department that will help make Halloween a good night for all. Plus a list of City-related Halloween events. City Halloween happenings Oct 25-26 Haunted Castle on the Hill, 7-10 p.m. at Stephens [...]
On Saturday, October 27 the WNC Nature Center will host their annual Howl-O-Ween event from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event features games, crafts, special animal education moments, food vendors and two costume contests. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in costume and to take part in one of the two [...]
The 2019 Fed Cup brings international professional tennis competition returns to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center on Feb. 9-10 for the USA vs. Australia World Group First Round. The U.S. Tennis Association and United States Fed Cup Captain Kathy Rinaldi have announced that No. 17 Madison Keys, No. 23 [...]
Halloween is over – and your jack-o-lantern has served its purpose with it’s spooky glow. Don’t trash it – compost it! Asheville Greenworks and the City of Asheville have partnered with Wicked Weed West for a Pumpkin Compost Drop Off Event at Wicked Weed West on November 5 and 6. Did you know the [...]
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop at home! Show some love to your neighborhood by organizing your friends, coworkers, or other group for a litter cleanup April 15-29, 2023. The Spring Litter Sweep is sponsored by the City of Asheville, Asheville GreenWorks, and NCDOT. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, [...]
Is that a chill in the air or something more? Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) casts a spell on the city with kooky, spooky, and scary events throughout October.
As a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19, the City of Asheville will join with cities and towns across the country tonight, Jan. 19, with a special lighting of Asheville City Hall and the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. The Presidential Inaugural Committee has invited cities and towns around the country to join [...]
The beverage booths on the streets of Bele Chere probably don’t need to offer much more incentives to attract patrons. They do, however, have the added bonus of being completely staffed by volunteers from area nonprofits and groups that support nonprofits, who then share in the revenue while getting added community exposure. For three days [...]
Are you ready to celebrate Halloween and have a good scare? We hope that you and your family have fun, trick-or-treating and wearing a costume. That’s why we would like to share with you a few recommendations that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal Drug Administration have for your safety, and [...]
This weekend, a group of local music lovers will shut themselves in an Asheville hotel suite and spend three days listening to some 600 musical submissions for the 2011 Bele Chere Festival. The ritual takes place every year at the end of February and results in the entertainment lineup for the festival, held this year [...]
Following the news that Malvern Hills Pool will not open following safety concerns with its drainage and suction system, Asheville Parks & Recreation has planned a series of free water-based programming to take place throughout the summer titled Malvern Thrills. The department’s Rec n Roll mobile recreation van will roll [...]
Out Of This World fun returns to downtown Asheville Sunday, February 19. Times and Routes 12:00 p.m. Line up and float assembly begins on Southside Avenue between Biltmore and Short Coxe Avenue 3:05 p.m. Traditional Step Off The parade will enter Coxe Ave. at the intersection of Southside. The route takes the parade north on [...]
The annual Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day ceremony held May 30 on Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park was a chance for residents and visitors to reflect upon and remember service men and women who had given their lives in the name of protecting the nation. This year, the event also marked a special milestone, as [...]
The City of Asheville will host an Open House/Kick Off event to form a supportive business group for minority, women, and small businesses at 9 a.m. on October 6 at the Edington Center located at 133 Livingston Street. This meeting will be informal and will touch on ideas for the group as well as survey [...]
The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with Asheville GreenWorks, has launched a new initiative to plant trees at all seventy-four city owned recreation facilities over the course of the next three years. The initiative is aimed at celebrating how trees enhance our environment and our community. Trees [...]
Within the boundaries of Bele Chere, there are approximately 210 trash barrels and 120 recycling bins. Still, without regular rounds by the City of Asheville’s sanitation crews, those containers would be piled beyond capacity. Crew leader Booby Austin says teams of two crew members hit each container every 45 minutes on Friday, the slowest day of [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s colorful van full of games, art projects, and fun treasures to stoke the imagination pulls into public parks and local neighborhoods throughout the summer, allowing the youngest community members to explore, connect, and discover. Rec n Roll hosts Imagination Monday with free open play, Theme Friday with activities tied [...]
Register now for the 2019 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Asheville, presented by the Asheville Fire Department. The event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, in downtown Asheville. Participating firefighters will run the event in full turnout gear. The 5K Run & Walk begins outside the Asheville Fire Depatment, 100 Court Plaza. To register, go to
Register now for the 2022 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Asheville, presented by the Asheville Fire Department. The event will take place on Saturday, September 3, in downtown Asheville. Participating firefighters will run the event in full turnout gear. Registration will remain open until 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 3. The 5K Run & [...]
Registration open for Midnight Madness basketball tournament. City announces a grand prize of $500 for players 16 and older
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, in partnership with the City of Asheville, has planned the 2023 Juneteenth Celebration with the intended outcomes of a diverse celebration that fosters broad participation, fosters community awareness and appreciation, and celebrates the liberation of enslaved people. Dating back to 1865, it was on [...]
The 2020 Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Woman’s Basketball Tournament Presented by General Shale returns to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville March 5 – 9. Tickets are still available and there are lots of special events planned to coincide with the tournament, such as the
Ashevillians looking to beat the heat are in luck! Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) plans to bring free family-friendly foam parties, inflatable water slides, and other water activities to public parks to welcome summer’s arrival. “Asheville Parks & Recreation knows summer fun can get expensive,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) challenges community members to make 2023 a record breaking year for Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts. The weeks-long festival celebrates the transformative ability of sports and the arts to foster friendship and wellness. There is a $10 fee to participate and online registration opens Feb. 6 at [...]
If tracking your progress motivates you, register for Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s free Fit 50 Challenge. The city-wide celebration has community members completing 50 miles between Feb. 1-April 1 by walking, running, or rolling. Top finishers by total mileage receive prizes including an Apple Watch and AirPods. The first [...]
As Stephens-Lee Community Center prepares to become the Haunted Castle on the Hill for Festival of Frights, some classes have been cancelled or relocated. Purchase your tickets for Haunted Castle on the Hill to experience one of the area’s longest-running haunted houses. [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) Facility Supervisor Angel Redmond and Asheville Police Department (APD) Sgt. Craig Loveland have known each other for years and currently collaborate on the City of Asheville’s PAL program. PAL stands for Police Athletic League, a national organization that exists to aid in prevention of juvenile crime and violence by [...]
A year after the launch of the Test Drive Program, it’s time to celebrate the accomplishments of new startups and invite more potential businesses into the fold. Mountain BizWorks and the City of Asheville invites everyone to a social mixer and information session for the 2019 Test Drive Program. What is Test Drive? In an innovative partnership between Mountain BizWorks and the [...]
How do you pack up a three-day festival in about six hours? After some 30 years of wrapping the Bele Chere festival, City of Asheville and festival staff have the system down to a sort of frenzied science. Multiple city departments, festival vendors and private companies all interact to make Bele Chere disappear overnight. With [...]
Since pedestrians are still walking around the festival area after Bele Chere closes, officers from the Asheville Police Department stand guard at the festival barricades, keeping the streets closed to traffic. By about 6:30, when pedestrian traffic has thinned enough, festival officials put out a call to APD officers and festival staff that vendor vehicles [...]
The 2012 Bele Chere Festival is just around the corner, taking place in downtown Asheville July 27-29. As excitement builds for the big weekend, we are presenting “Bele Chere: Top 10 Things to Know.” See more information about Bele Chere 2012 at belecherefestival.com. No. 8: You don’t have to drive You think we would throw a major event [...]
The 2012 Bele Chere Festival is just around the corner, taking place in downtown Asheville July 27-29. As excitement builds for the big weekend, we are kicking off “Bele Chere: Top 10 Things to Know.” Check back for more as we get closer and closer to the big event! See more information about Bele Chere 2012 [...]
A new line up of Art in the Heart artworks and experiences will be in Pack Square Plaza for November and December 2022. A final schedule for January-March artists will be released subsequently. To learn more about the artists and their projects, please visit ashevillenc.gov/artintheheart. Images and videos of completed projects have been, and will [...]
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce a new event production contract with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County to provide a week-long celebration of Juneteenth for the community titled, “Celebrating the History and Legacy of Juneteenth.” The 2023 celebration will focus on educating individuals about Juneteenth, spotlighting non-majority businesses, providing spaces [...]
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza. The event runs [...]
December 13, Shangri-La Industries and Step Up, with the support of the City of Asheville, broke ground on the former Ramada, providing 113 units of permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness in Asheville. [...]
It’s one of the big no-no’s of Bele Chere: Dogs simply aren’t allowed (excepting those competing in the Purina Air Dog competition.) The heat, the crowds, the noise – it all makes for an inhospitable atmosphere for dogs. But what happens to the dogs that try to get in on Bele Chere festivities? They typically wind [...]
Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s annual Tiny Tykes Triathlon for youngsters ages 3-6 years-old returns to Pack Square Park on Sunday, August 6, at 9:15 a.m. Advance registration is required and costs $10 for Asheville residents or $12 for those residing outside of city limits. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends are [...]
Little ones ages 3-6 years old are invited to bike, sprint, and splash during Asheville Parks & Recreation’s annual Tiny Tykes Triathlon in Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) on Sunday, August 7. Advance registration is required and costs $10 for Asheville residents or $12 for those residing outside [...]
From rescue vehicles and public works equipment to utility tractors and construction machines, community members have an excellent opportunity to “pull back the curtain” and learn about the equipment and skills required to maintain our cities and towns, foodways, and public safety systems when Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) brings Truck City [...]
Mountain families have a chance to get an up-close look at big trucks, small trucks, transit buses, construction vehicles, and more when Asheville Parks & Recreation’s Truck City AVL returns to Asheville Outlets on April 9 from 1-4 p.m. Kids and adults can explore, touch, and ask questions about [...]
In a Oct. 30 press conference at the U.S. Cellular Center, the U.S. Tennis Association just announced that Asheville has once again been chosen as a site for U.S. Tennis Association 2019 first round Fed Cup Feb. 9-10. Tickets for U.S. Tennis Association 2019 first round Fed Cup in Asheville go on sale to the general public [...]
In its third round of awards from the Neighborhood Matching Grants program, a number of projects received funding from the City of Asheville that expand access to recreation and preserve culture. The Grace neighborhood in North Asheville received $5,000 towards the construction of Candace Pickens Playground, a unique project involving Grace Community [...]
Volunteer efforts are crucial to pulling off an event like Bele Chere. Fortunately, the City of Asheville has a large population of repeat volunteers that step forward to pitch in every year. “We have a very loyal volunteer base,” says the festival’s volunteer coordinator Stacey Witkowski. “We have people that have been with for 15 years [...]
Nature has a huge impact on health and wellness. Multiple studies point to cortisol, stress, and anxiety levels decreasing in a calm, green environment. If you’re looking for an alternative to a party highlighted by brews on St. Patrick’s Day, check out this volunteer opportunity from Asheville Parks & Recreation. Community members are [...]
On May 10, the WNC Nature Center will host its first Brews & Bears event of the 2019 season. Due to the popularity of this after-hours event, there will be four events in the series: May 10, June 14, July 12, and August 9. The events will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be [...]
