Asheville in Bloom: Revitalized Parks, Arts Galore, and More Local Happenings

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

It is a crisp and sunny morning in Asheville, with highs expected to reach 70 degrees today—perfect weather to get out and explore everything happening around our vibrant city. We start with a celebration that’s been years in the making: Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park have officially reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation. Yesterday’s ribbon-cutting brought together long-time residents, city leaders, and local families, all eager to see a beloved space revitalized. Bright new turf, improved accessibility, and a freshly rebuilt six-lane walking track mean these historic parks are truly a space for everyone, with extended hours from dawn till 10 p.m. every day. Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley called it a testament to what happens when a city invests in its people, and neighbors are excited to reclaim their home turf for walking, running, and gathering with friends.

Spring events are popping up all over downtown. The "Downtown in Bloom" campaign is transforming streets and storefronts into a living tapestry of color, so take a stroll and soak up the creativity. Tonight, the Asheville Art Museum hosts a special concert, “Cellicious: Wonderful Works for Cello and Piano,” starting at 6:30. While you’re there, check out “Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene,” an exhibit honoring artists affected by last year’s storm and the resilience of Appalachia’s creative community. For those seeking outdoor therapy, consider a little forest bathing or even goat yoga—yes, that’s right, sun salutations among baby goats on area farms.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Asheville Herb Festival next weekend, the largest event of its kind in North America. And if you’re hungry for more, the Asheville Bread Festival returns later this month, bringing together bakers and bread lovers from all over.

Sports fans, UNC Asheville men’s tennis is in action today in the Big South Conference semifinals after a strong season. And don’t forget, the Asheville Tourists have home games this week at McCormick Field, so grab the family for a classic ballpark evening. Meanwhile, keep an eye on local headlines: Asheville’s water rates are set to rise in July, with a 7.5 percent increase for residents. Post-Hurricane Helene recovery continues, with many businesses in Clyde looking to elevate their properties, and funding for permanent repairs is still in the works.

Finally, if you’re traveling soon, remember the REAL ID deadline for air travel is fast approaching—lines at the DMV are growing, so plan ahead. That’s a wrap on today’s news and happenings.

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.