AVL Biz Weekly – Ticket Clock Ticking: WNC Summit + 15 Can’t-Miss Events

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

Each Wednesday, 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

• Early-Bird Alert: Last chance to snag discounted tickets to the Asheville Business Summit before 8/9 (I’m on the ABS crew and this is going to be a killer event!)

• Biz Mixers & Meetups: AI lunch-and-learn at Goodwill, healthcare pros over ginger beer, and purpose-driven networking with Propel AVL

• Play-Hard Breaks: Ice-cream fika, dodgeball flashbacks, karaoke courage, and an introvert-friendly Beaver Lake stroll

• Live-Tunes Lineup: Reggae legend Barrington Levy, Postmodern Jukebox vibes, and a mountain of local indie acts

• Marketing Quickies: Swipe-file hacks, Google Business Profile wins, 30-second testimonial blitz, and an email autoresponder high-five

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

Hey WNC friends,

Been keeping this under wraps, but I’ve been working with the crew behind the Asheville Business Summit…and, folks, it’s finally go-time.

Picture one power-packed day of workshops, networking, and mountain-fresh inspiration. Early-bird tickets disappear after Saturday, August 9, so snag yours now at WNCSummit.com before the price hops higher than a goat on a Blue Ridge cliff.

📅 Business Events (Aug 7–Aug 13)

• 📅 Goodwill BAC Asheville Meeting – Thu, Aug 7 · 11:30 AM @ Goodwill Career Center, 1616 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC

  Join local business leaders for lunch, networking, and an engaging discussion on AI in the workplace. Nick Breen, creator of AIMentor, will present how organizations can adopt and use AI tools responsibly.

• 📅 WNC Healthcare Professionals Meetup – Thu, Aug 7 · 6–8 PM @ Ginger's Revenge, 895 Broadway · Asheville, NC

  My friend Katie Reph runs this excellent group for healthcare and wellness professionals across WNC. Open to clinicians, practice managers, wellness coaches, and others in the field.

• 📅 Toastmasters Public Speaking & Leadership – Mon, Aug 11 · 6:15–7:45 PM @ 19 Eagle St Asheville, NC

  Practice public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Great for professionals looking to build confidence and communication.

• 📅 Flourish: Women’s Networking in Asheville – Tue, Aug 12 · 6 PM @ Forestry Camp 10 Shady Oak Dr Asheville, NC

  A monthly meetup for women entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals. Expect warm vibes, real talk, and valuable connections.

• 📅 Propel AVL: Networking & Personal Growth – Tue, Aug 12 · 6–8 PM @ Twisted Laurel 130 College St · Asheville, NC

  Connect with like-minded young professionals focused on purpose-driven leadership, personal development, and growth. Hosted monthly by Propel AVL.

• 📅 AI Hacks & Hops: AI in Banking – A Policy Perspective – Wed, Aug 13· 5:30–7:30 PM @ One World West Asheville, 520 Haywood rd. · Asheville , NC

  Join a casual, AI-curious crowd for brews and a talk on how banks are using AI to improve service, fight fraud, and manage risk. This month's session features Loren on the policy and tech shifts shaping the future of finance.

Hosting something cool?

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

💡 Marketing Quickies

1. Google Business Profile = Free Billboard – Post a fresh photo or 150-character update every Monday. Shops that do this weekly get up to 17% more calls and directions clicks (according to Google’s own data). Schedule it alongside your Insta post. Ttwo birds, one tap.

2. 30-Second Testimonial Blitz – Queue up your phone, ask a happy customer three rapid-fire questions (“What problem did we solve?” “Why us?” “Favorite part?”). Edit on CapCut, add captions, and you’ve got social proof for Reels, TikTok, and your homepage all before your latte cools.

3. Email Autoresponder High-Five – Add a P.S. line to your “Thanks for subscribing” email that offers a quick win (e.g., a free checklist or template). Welcome emails average 4-6× higher open rates. Make that prime real estate work harder.

🎉 Fun Stuff Around AVL

• 📅 Fika Ice Cream Meetup – Asheville Fika – Thursday, Aug 7 · 2:00–4:00 PM @ The Hop Ice Cream Shop (640 Merrimon Ave)

  Cool off with fellow Fika folks over dairy-free, vegan, or classic ice cream. Coffee & espresso also available. Summer connection made sweet!

• 📅 Dodgeball Open Play (Ages 21+) – Thu, Aug 7 · 7–9:45 PM @ Asheville Sports Club

  If you don’t have PTSD from rubber balls slamming into your face in gym class, join a fast-paced, no-pressure outdoor dodgeball game downtown. Rules explained at 7 PM—no experience needed. Food, drinks, and fun guaranteed.

• 📅 Karaoke Night – Center for Spiritual Living Asheville – Friday, Aug 8 · 7:00–9:00 PM @ Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

  Unleash your inner rockstar (or cheer from the sidelines)! Everybody’s welcome at this fun-filled karaoke night — also no experience needed.

• 📅 Trombatore Non‑Intensive Hike (Asheville Hiking Group) – Sat, Aug 9 · 9–11 AM @ Trombatore & Bearwallow Trailheads (Hendersonville, NC)

  A gentle ~5‑mile out‑and‑back hike with ~1,220 ft elevation gain. Slower pace (2.2–2.5 mph), forest immersion, and scenic ending at Blue Ridge Pastures. Perfect for those wanting nature, connection, and manageable terrain.

• 📅 Plein Air Painting in the Gardens – Sat, Aug 9 · 9–11 AM @ NC Arboretum

  Relax and get creative outdoors with artist Erika Busse. Learn to paint Appalachian-inspired art surrounded by nature.

• 📅 Yoga & Mingle in Montford – Mindful Singles Meetup – Sat, Aug 9 · 10 AM–12 PM @ Montford Park (Grassy Area)

  Stretch, breathe, and connect with mindful singles in a relaxed, low-pressure yoga session followed by casual mingling and conversation.

• 📅 Beaver Lake Evening Walks – Asheville Introverts – Sat, Aug 9 · 7:30–9 PM @ Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, Asheville, NC

  An introvert-friendly evening walk through the bird sanctuary boardwalk loop and two-mile lakeside trail. Low-key, relaxing, and perfect for connecting without the noise.

• 📅 Show Us Your Skills at WELL PLAYED – Women 50+ Game Night Tue, Aug 12 · 6–8 PM @ Well Played Board Game Café

  An intriguing downtown spot offering a nearly endless library of board games, plus food and drinks. Hosted by Beth J. and the “Not Dead Yet” group for women in their 50s.

• 📅 Team Trivia Night – Enjoy Your Life Asheville – Tue, Aug 12 · 7:30–9:30 PM @ Juicy Lucy's Burger Bar & Grill

  Test your trivia chops, share a few laughs, and connect with new folks over burgers and brews. Laid-back vibes and light conversation every other Tuesday.

• 📅 Asheville Stitchers Meetup @ Ginger’s Revenge – Wed, Aug 13 · 5:30–7:30 PM @ Ginger’s Revenge

  Bring your knitting, crochet, or any portable craft and connect with a friendly, creative crew. Enjoy cool vibes and delicious ginger beer (non-alcoholic options too) in this welcoming space for all makers.

• 📅 Community Breathwork Session – Awakening Asheville – Wed, Aug 13 · 6:30–7:30 PM @ The Restoration Hotel Asheville

  Breathe deep, let go, and reset. This donation-based breathwork experience is open to all, no experience needed. Just bring your breath, an open heart, and a willingness to reconnect.

🎧 Bands on the Horizon (Jul 31–Aug 10)

Bands on the Horizon (Aug 7–Aug 21, 2025)

• Electric Blue Yonder w/ Randy Steele – Aug 7 @ Grey Eagle patio (local set; patio show)

• Cowboy Judy & Lillie Syracuse – Aug 7 @ Grey Eagle (Americana duo; all ages)

• Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party – Aug 8 @ The Orange Peel (Y2K dance party)

• Scott Miller – Aug 8 @ Grey Eagle patio stage (indie‑rock)

• Barrington Levy w/ Brandon Rootz – Aug 8 @ Asheville Music Hall (reggae legend)

• Ashley Heath & Her Heathens – Aug 8 @ Jack of the Wood (roots rock/Americana)

• Quasi Quasar – Aug 8 @ Highland Brewing Co. (psychedelic rock local)

• Duende Libre – Aug 8 @ White Horse, Black Mountain (Latin world fusion)

• East Forest – Aug 9 @ The Orange Peel (ambient/meditative music; full seated

• Sam Wolfe – Aug 9 @ Asheville Music Hall (singer-songwriter set)

• Sal Landers – Aug 9 @ Jack of the Wood (solo folk blues

• Abrevity / Rhinestone Pickup Truck / Puppy Chain – Aug 9 @ Fleetwood’s (local indie acts)

• Justin Cody Fox – Aug 9 @ Highland Brewing Co. (Americana)

• Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Duo – Aug 10 @ Asheville Music Hall (bluegrass/roots virtuosos)

• Midnight Cowgirls – Aug 10 @ Eulogy (country‑rock band

• Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Aug 12 @ The Orange Peel (vintage pop/jazz reinterpretations)

• Ovadya – Aug 13 @ Pulp (Asheville Guitar Bar Presents) (indie‑folk)

• The Jesus Casino + Impending Joy + Sunbearer – Aug 14 @ The Orange Peel (indie rock triple‑bill)

• Leah Lawson / DoomFolk StarterKit / DJ Chels – Aug 14 @ Fleetwood’s (eclectic roots/electronic set)

• Chlo! And the Cardinals – Aug 14 @ White Horse, Black Mountain

• Dizgo & Natalie Brooke – Aug 15 @ Asheville Music Hall (funk/R&B)

• Coyote Rodeo – Aug 15 @ Jack of the Wood (Americana trio)

• Emerson Bruno & the Undercurrents / Paprika / Floral Hygienists – Aug 15 @ Fleetwood’s (local indie/rock)

• Adam & the Testifiers – Aug 15 @ Highland Brewing Co. (garage rock/hits)

• Virginia & the Slims – Aug 15 @ White Horse, Black Mountain (country‑rock)

• Magoo with Suns of Stars – Aug 21 @ Asheville Music Hall (local psych‑rock)

• Willa Mae / Aunt Ant – Aug 21 @ Fleetwood’s (roots/blues)

That’s all for this week!

🎯 Got a win you’re proud of? A weird niche you’re thriving in? A tiny business doing big things? Tell me; I might feature it.

Until next week,

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