As we near the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, many community partners are organizing gatherings to mark this milestone. To help connect our community, the Explore Asheville Event Calendar now includes a dedicated “Helene Milestone Events” category for commemorative events during the weeks surrounding the anniversary.

Whether your event offers space for reflection, celebrates resilience, or brings people together, we invite you to share it. When submitting your event, select “Helene Milestone Events” to help others find these meaningful opportunities to observe the anniversary together.

Need help submitting an event to the calendar? Email Partnership Coordinator Shelby Pearsall for assistance.

Explore Asheville is working with partners collaboratively to inspire meetings and large groups to be part of the comeback—our Business Development team has booked 45 meetings and large events that will take place from now through mid-September. Destinations International's event impact calculator, which measures net new money coming into a community from meetings and events, estimates that these events will bring nearly $7.4 million in direct spending to our community. Upcoming large events (300+ attendees) include: 

• Highland Football Club 2025 Riverside Summer Shootout: Boys’ Weekend | August 15–17 | 1000 attendees
• Highland Football Club 2025 Riverside Summer Shootout: Girls’ Weekend | August 22–24 | 1800 attendees
• Beer City Cup Soccer Tournament | August 30 | 1800 attendees
• Perfect Game Fall Kick Off 2025 | August 30–31 | 300 attendees
• Blue Ridge Classic Volleyball Tournament | September 5–6 | 300 attendees
• 2025 Blue Ridge Relay | September 5–6 | 1900 attendees
• North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants Fall Conference | September 8–10 | 350 attendees

Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), and the Asheville Tourists are offering discounted tickets to the travel and hospitality community for the August 28 game against the Hub City Spartanburgers. Tickets are $5 per person (regular price $10.50 + fees), and you can extend the special pricing to friends and family. 

Ticket details:

• Use code 828NIGHT for up to 20 tickets online
• Need 20+ tickets for your team? Call 828-378-1031 for easy ordering

Connect with industry peers and enjoy a fun night out at the ballpark—secure your tickets before they're gone! 

Join us for Heroes of Helene: Honoring Recovery & Resilience Together, Thursday, September 25, 4–7 p.m., at Highland Brewing to honor the frontline heroes whose bravery and commitment helped guide the region through one of its most challenging times. This free, family-friendly event will feature music, local food, heartfelt tributes, and activities to reconnect as a community. All attendees receive a $10 meal ticket and $5 beer ticket at the entrance (while supplies last).

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help make this celebration special. Interested in volunteering? Contact Tommy Dennison at the Asheville Chamber at tdennison@ashevillechamber.org.

Hosted by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Explore Asheville, Highland Brewing, the City of Asheville, and Buncombe County.

We're so grateful for the 300+ industry partners, community leaders, and colleagues who joined us for the 2025 Summer Social! DJ Lil Meow Meow kept the vibes going strong in Golden Hour and The Roof, while attendees enjoyed an incredible variety of experiences. Guests got a first-hand look at the newly opened RAD Rendezvous art gallery and retail space, and tapped into their creativity with Mitch Capp's The Doodle Dude and the North Carolina Glass Center's mobile glass blowing unit. They also participated in Sauna House's special raffle and enjoyed delicious food and drinks by The Radical's talented staff!

Click below to check out the photos captured by local photographer Carol Spagnuola and Explore Asheville intern Aakash Karvir.

Join travel and hospitality partners, community leaders, and colleagues for the BCTDA Annual Meeting, September 8, 3–6 p.m., at The Wortham Center! After a challenging year, we'll recognize the significant progress we've made together and explore new efforts to drive the rebound for our creative economy.

We'll also celebrate this year's William A.V. Cecil Award recipients, whose commitment and dedication supported Asheville and Buncombe County through unprecedented times. Stay after for networking with industry colleagues while enjoying seasonal bites from Catering by Corey!

Suggested $20 registration donation supports Explore Asheville's Workforce program, which works with local high school students to inspire, train, and educate future hospitality professionals.

Global Empowerment Mission has two programs open for Hurricane Helene recovery assistance. Applications close August 15—just two days from now. We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements below and share with your network.

Small Business & Artisan Grant Program
Up to $10,000 for farmers, small business owners, and local artisans impacted by Hurricane Helene. Funds can cover equipment replacement, relocation, physical repairs, and more.

Eligibility requirements:

• Businesses physically impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
• Small, independently operated and locally-owned businesses
• Must provide basic documentation showing business activity before the disaster

Rental Assistance Program
Up to three months of rent support for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Assistance funds can help cover move-in costs or prevent eviction.

Eligibility requirements:

• Displacement due to physical damage to primary residence from Hurricane Helene OR at risk of losing housing due to loss of income or employment caused by the storm
• Behind on rent and facing eviction due to storm-related hardship
• Starting a new lease and need help with the first, last, and/or security deposit

For more information and to apply, contact programs@globalempowermentmisson.org or click below.

The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase are offering $4 million in grants to independent restaurants and bars nationwide in 2025:

The Asheville Visitor Guide is a go-to resource for helping guests make the most of their stay—from maps and attractions to local dining and event listings. Make sure you’ve got plenty on hand by placing your restock order now. The next delivery will arrive the first week of September.