AVL Biz Weekly – Beach Babes Comedy, Local Whiskey, and a Marketing Move You’ll Actually Use

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

• 🧠 Boost your mental clarity in 30 minutes (free wellness session, Jul 9)

• 🍃 Greenway Walking Tour in the River Arts District

• 🥃 Whiskey tasting + networking at Oak & Grist

• 🎭 All-female standup comedy show at The Orange Peel

• 🧭 Plus: A Google Maps hack to help locals actually find your business

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

This week’s energy?

Less “rise and grind” and more “rise, reclaim your time, and let automation do the grinding.”

Whether you’re a solopreneur trying to escape your inbox or a growing team juggling service calls and client follow-ups, this week’s AVL BIZ is stacked with practical marketing tips and a full slate of Asheville events that’ll make you glad you didn’t move to Charlotte.

Let’s sharpen the sales pitch and have a little fun while we’re at it.

Upcoming Business Events

 Skim for the vibe that fits you. These aren’t your average chamber mixers.

• 🗓️ Master Your Mind, Elevate Your Performance, and Boost Your Energy Level | Wednesday, July 9 · 7:00 – 7:30 PM @ Hendersonville, NC

  A fast, focused 30-minute session for professionals looking to enhance mental clarity, increase daily energy, and sharpen performance. Led by a mindset and wellness expert, this virtual-friendly event offers science-backed strategies to help you show up at your best every day.

• 🗓️ NC Landscape Contractor Pro Day | Friday, July 11 · 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM @ 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759

  A must-attend for landscape professionals! This full-day event is packed with expert-led sessions, vendor exhibits, and industry networking tailored for North Carolina contractors. Come connect with peers, explore new products, and stay ahead of green industry trends.

• 🗓️ WTS SC City of Asheville Wilma Dykeman Greenway Walking Tour | Friday, July 11 · 5:00 – 8:00 PM @ 229 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28801

  Explore the scenic Wilma Dykeman Greenway with fellow professionals and city planners. This guided walking tour in the River Arts District highlights local infrastructure, sustainability efforts, and transportation planning in action—all while enjoying an engaging outdoor evening stroll.

• 🗓️ Drupal Camp Asheville 2025 | Friday to Sunday, July 11–13 @ Asheville, NC

  Drupal developers, designers, and enthusiasts unite! This annual camp brings workshops, keynotes, and collaborative sessions to the mountains of North Carolina. Whether you're a beginner or a core contributor, it's a great space to learn, connect, and contribute to the open-source CMS community.

• 🗓️ Agents Helping Agents Club | Wednesday, July 16 · 9:30 – 11:00 AM @ 216 Asheland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

  Join a supportive circle of real estate professionals at this morning meetup designed to help agents help each other grow. Whether you're navigating your first listings or managing a growing portfolio, this event offers insight, collaboration, and local networking opportunities in a casual, encouraging atmosphere.

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.

• 1. People Buy From People. So Let Them See You

  This is your permission slip to start showing your face in your marketing (and no, you don’t need to dance on TikTok). A 30-second video introducing yourself or answering FAQs can go way further than a 1,000-word blog post no one asked for.

  💡 Pro tip: Record it on your phone. Don’t overthink it. “Done” is better than “perfect.” 

• 2. Test This Offer Style in Your Next Email or Ad

  “Most folks wait until something breaks before they call us. But smart homeowners get ahead of it. That’s why we’re offering [insert seasonal service here] for $XX through July 31.”

  That structure works in almost any industry: cleaning, HVAC, landscaping, web design because it taps into urgency + peace of mind.

  📩 Want to try it? Reply with your business details and I’ll help you tailor one.

  🆘 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

• 🗓️ Scenic AVL #8: Beaver Lake to Reynolds Mountain | Thursday, July 10 · 5:30 PM @ 22 Midland Drive, Asheville, NC

  Join the Asheville Hiking Group for a refreshing weekday hike through the Beaver Lake area, winding your way up to the scenic overlooks of Reynolds Mountain. This is a fantastic way to stretch your legs after work, soak up the beauty of Asheville’s green spaces, and meet other nature lovers. Whether you're an avid hiker or just starting out, the pace is friendly and the company is even better..

• 🗓️ Live Music in The Meadow @ Highland Brewing | Thursday, July 10 · 5:30 PM @ 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200, Asheville, NC

  Unwind with a drink in hand as the sun sets over Highland Brewing’s outdoor Meadow stage. Bring friends (or make new ones!) while enjoying a rotating lineup of local musicians, food trucks, and cold pints. Whether you’re dancing in the grass or lounging on a blanket, this is summer in Asheville at its finest.

• 🗓️ Oak and Grist Distilling Co. Meetup | Friday, July 11 · 3:00 PM @ 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain, NC

  Take a scenic trip to Black Mountain and enjoy a mellow afternoon at Oak and Grist, a craft distillery known for its grain-to-glass spirits and Appalachian-inspired recipes. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just curious, this event is a great way to explore local flavors, chat with the makers, and hang out with fellow craft beverage fans.

• 🗓️ Beach Babes Standup Comedy Show | Friday, July 11 · Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM @ The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC

  Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs at The Orange Peel as the Beach Babes take the stage. This all-female stand-up show brings sass, wit, and hilarious perspectives to one of Asheville’s most iconic venues. Perfect for a night out with friends, date night, or anyone who appreciates clever, sharp comedy. Ages 18+.

• 🗓️Hike to the Mysterious Rock Structure on Bull Mountain | Saturday, July 12 · 11:00 AM @ 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC

  Adventure awaits! Join a friendly crew for a moderately challenging hike from the Folk Art Center to the mysterious rock structure hidden on Bull Mountain. This outing combines fresh mountain air, physical activity, and just the right amount of curiosity and folklore. Perfect for those who love a good trail with a side of mystery—and maybe some cool photos too.

• 🗓️Live Music at Antler Hill Village – Biltmore Estate | Saturday, July 12 · 5:00 PM @ 1 Approach Rd, Asheville, NC

  Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Antler Hill Village offers an enchanting evening of live music on the Biltmore Estate grounds. Bring a blanket, your Biltmore pass (or purchase a day ticket), and relax on the lawn with smooth tunes and scenic views. It’s the perfect blend of culture and calm in Asheville’s most iconic location.

• 🗓️ Potluck in the Park | Saturday, July 12 · 7:00 PM @ 345 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC

  Looking for a relaxing way to connect with others without the pressure of loud crowds or small talk? Join this warm, welcoming potluck hosted by Asheville Introverts at beautiful Montford Park. Bring your favorite dish (homemade or store-bought—no pressure!) and enjoy a quiet evening of meaningful conversation, shared food, and a peaceful setting under the stars.

• 🗓️ Forestry Camp Meetup | Tuesday, July 15 · 5:30 PM @ 10 Shady Oak Dr, Asheville, NC

  Kick back and sip local brews with the Asheville Beer Drinkers group at the atmospheric Forestry Camp Taproom by Burial Beer Co. Set in a historic Civilian Conservation Corps building, the taproom offers a unique blend of history, modern craft beer, and a cozy ambiance. This meetup is perfect for casual conversations, beer tasting, and connecting with fellow beverage enthusiasts.

• 🗓️TEAM TRIVIA NIGHT @ Juicy Lucy’s | Tuesday, July 15 · 7:30 PM @ 620 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC

  Trivia lovers, this one’s for you! Every other Tuesday, Juicy Lucy’s Burger Bar & Grill transforms into a friendly battlefield of wits and random facts. Bring a team or join one on the spot—either way, you’ll enjoy laughs, great food, and the chance to claim victory (and maybe a prize).

Bands on the Horizon

Top picks for live music this month:

• Bands on the Horizon

  • Brody Hunt & The Handfulls – Jul 5 @ The Grey Eagle patio

  • The Broken Hearts (Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) – Jul 5 @ The Orange Peel

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

  • Melissa Quinn Fox – Jul 11 @ The Grey Eagle patio

  • Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band & Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – Jul 11 @ Asheville Yards

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

  • Sam Bush – Jul 12 @ Pisgah Brewing, Black Mountain

  • Carbon Harry – Jul 12 @ The Grey Eagle patio

  • Snõõper – Jul 13 @ Eulogy

…and more mid‑summer highlights:

• The Gaslight Anthem – Jul 16 @ The Orange Peel

• Greensky Bluegrass – Jul 17 @ Asheville Yards

• Red NOT Chili Peppers (tribute) – Jul 17 @ The Orange Peel

• Abacab: Genesis tribute – Jul 18 @ The Orange Peel

• FLIPTURN – Jul 18 @ Asheville Yards

• The Silver Doors – Jul 19 @ The Orange Peel

• The Budos Band – Jul 19 @ Hatch Amphitheater

• Sunny Sweeney – Jul 20 @ The Grey Eagle

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

• American Aquarium – Jul 27 @ The Orange Peel

• Silversun Pickups – Jul 29 @ The Orange Peel

That’s it for this week!

What should I include next week?

-Jason

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