AVL Biz + Culture Round-Up – June 26: Meetups, Marketing & Music

Welcome to AVL BIZ Weekly, your local cheat sheet for what’s happening in Asheville’s small business and creative scenes.

Each week, I send out hand-picked events, marketing ideas that actually work, and a little local flavor to keep things fun.

My name's Jason and I'm writing this (connect with me here).

On Deck

• 📅 5 local business & networking events

• 💡 Two quick marketing tips to boost your summer reach

• 🌟 3 fun local happenings for culture lovers

• 🎶 Bands on the Horizon: 10+ hot upcoming shows

• 🤝 CTA: Share your events—let’s build this community

• 🙋 Want your biz featured in front of a few really smart AVL business owners? Email me for details

Hi Asheville small biz heroes,

Between festival buzz, networking sprints, and killer marketing tips you can use today, we’ve got your week covered.

Upcoming Events

• 🗓️ AABA: Golden Hour Club Networking | Thu, Jun 26 · 3:30 PM @ local pub.
  Skip the boring PowerPoint—this one’s all about casual mid‑afternoon connection with other biz owners.

• 🗓️ Java&Script: Code Poets | Thursday, June 26 · 8:00 PM @ The S&W Building, 56 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC

  Whether you're a beginner or seasoned dev, join Asheville’s JavaScript enthusiasts for an evening of coding conversations, tech insights, and networking. RSVP now to meet fellow developers, share ideas, and get inspired in a creative tech space.

• 🗓️ National Speakers Association NSA‑WNC Meeting | Thu, Jun 26 @ 216 Asheland Ave.
  Sharpen your public speaking chops and grow your network with fellow communicators. Perfect for folks pitching, presenting, or teaching.

• 🗓️ Coaches Helping Coaches | Tuesday, July 1 · 9:30 PM @ Whole Foods Market, 4 S Tunnel Rd #100, Asheville, NC

  Held every 1st Tuesday of the month, this in-person gathering brings local coaches together to support each other, share tools, and grow their practices through honest conversations. Come connect, give and receive guidance, and build lasting relationships with like-minded professionals.

Hosting something cool?

📬 Hit reply and tell me what you think. Or share an event!

Marketing Quickies

I’m a marketer and educator at heart. Here I’ll share interesting links that you can apply to your business to get more leads, make your life easier, hire better, and grow your business.

• Put local SEO on autopilot: Ensure your Google Business Profile is up‑to‑date. Post hours, location, photos so summer tourists find the right BBQ or boutique. Bonus: ask happy customers for Google reviews. Instant summer foot traffic.

  • Posts with local SEO see 20% more engagement

• Heat‑wave content = engagement: Build an Instagram story or Reel showing how your business helps beat the heat. Treats, early-morning services, breathy A/C escape rooms. Seasonal relevance = shareability.

  🆘 If this marketing stuff makes your head spin, or need help getting more local customers, shoot me a message. This is what I do 🙂

Fun Stuff Around AVL

• 🗓️ Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival | Friday–Sunday, June 27–29 · Various Times @ Multiple Venues

  Celebrate bold expression and world-class talent at Asheville’s premier burlesque festival, featuring glamour, humor, and artistry across three show-stopping events. Don’t miss this unapologetically fabulous weekend—grab your tickets and enjoy the tease.

  • Geektastic – Fri. 7–11 PM @ Grey Eagle

  • Just a Peak – Sat. 8–10 PM @ Wortham Center

  • Burlesque Brunch – Sun. 11:15 AM–2:15 PM @ Grey Eagle

• 🗓️ "Art From the Garden" Opening Reception | Friday, June 27 · 5:00–6:30 PM @ Black Mountain Center for the Arts

  Enjoy a vibrant showcase of garden-inspired art at this local opening reception featuring regional creatives. Stop by to meet the artists, sip some refreshments, and let nature’s beauty spark your imagination.

• 🗓️ Chef J Chong Pop-up at Pop Bubble Tea | Sunday, June 29 · 12:00–3:00 PM @ 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC

  Savor the bold flavors of Chef J Chong’s signature cuisine in a fun and casual tea shop setting. Come early—these pop-ups always sell out fast!

• 🗓️ Sound Bath Meditation | Wednesday, June 25 · Time TBA @ Restoration Hotel, 68 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC

  Relax, reset, and release stress with this immersive meditation experience using sound and vibration. Let the calming tones wash over you—no experience needed, just show up and breathe.

• 🗓️ Walk in Montford Historic Area | Monday, June 30 · 10:00 PM @ Asheville Visitor Center, 36 Montford Ave

  Explore one of Asheville’s most charming historic neighborhoods on foot with a friendly group of fellow locals. Get some steps in, breathe the summer air, and uncover hidden gems in Montford.

• 🗓️ Concert in Biltmore Town Square | Saturday, June 28 · 5:30 PM @ Biltmore Park, 30 Town Square Blvd, Asheville

  Wind down your week with great tunes, good company, and lively vibes in the heart of Biltmore Park. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and enjoy the music under the open sky.

Bands on the Horizon

Top picks for live music this month:

• Billy Woods – Jun 25 @ Eulogy

• This Will Destroy You – Jun 26 @ Eulogy

• Blondshell – Jun 26 @ The Orange Peel

• Stephen Kellogg – Jun 28 @ The Grey Eagle

• Band of Horses – Jun 29 @ The Orange Peel

…and more mid‑summer highlights:

• Gary Clark Jr. w/ Joy Oladokun – Jul 7 @ Asheville Yards

• Iron & Wine & I’m With Her – Jul 12 @ Asheville Yards

• Greensky Bluegrass – Jul 17 @ Asheville Yards

• Lil Darkie – Jul 11 @ Eulogy

• The Head and The Heart with Wild Rivers – Jul 22 @ Asheville Yards

That’s all for this week!

Go make something awesome happen this week, Asheville. I’ll see you next Thursday!

Email me here and tell me what you think, or let me know about an event you’re hosting.

Until next week,

-Jason

Jason De Los Santos
Pixelated Stories Digital Marketing
(828) 585-4293