Asheville Local Frequency: Airport Upgrades, Crash Closure, and Weekend Fun

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Friday, June 27, 2025.

Let’s jump into what’s making news and what you can look forward to around Asheville today.

First, a major update for those hitting the skies. Asheville Regional Airport just welcomed travelers into its brand new North Concourse for the very first time this week. Passengers are calling it spacious, modern, and a real boost for our city’s gateway. After years of dealing with congestion and outdated spaces, locals and visitors alike say this new terminal feels like Asheville is stepping up its travel game in a big way. If you’re flying today, expect a smoother, more comfortable start to your journey.

There are reminders of real-life challenges as well. Yesterday afternoon, a serious crash on I-40 East near Exit 44 led to a fiery scene and tragic loss of life. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the incident closed all eastbound lanes for hours. Authorities have now reopened the highway and remind everyone to stay alert and patient on the roads as summer travel picks up.

In lighter and brighter local news, Chimney Rock State Park is officially reopening today after months of repairs. With a new temporary bridge in place and improved paved access, it’s a great moment for fans of hiking and scenic views. Families and adventure seekers, this could be your weekend’s perfect day trip.

For those looking to stay closer to town, Asheville has plenty on tap this Friday. At Biltmore Park, the free Concerts in the Park series returns at 6:30 this evening. Local favorites Mission Accomplished, a classic rock cover band made up of health care professionals, will be playing outside by the Hickory Tavern. Bring a blanket, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe chat with a neighbor you haven’t met yet.

If you want to showcase your own talents, check out Open Mic Night at Coffee, Art, Music type Place, or C.A.M.P., at 1 Kenilworth Knolls Suite 1 from 6 to 8. It’s a welcoming, creative space where budding local artists get a chance to shine, and a $5 cover supports outreach to young musicians.

And tonight, The Grey Eagle hosts the Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival’s opening night with “Geektastic” – a playful spin on pop culture, bringing in burlesque performers from all across the country. That gets started at 8, and promises a fun, offbeat start to the weekend.

Other quick community notes: After a lengthy closure, the popular gas station in Biltmore Village is reopening soon with upgrades. At the DMV, credential services are back up and running after a brief outage. And for anyone interested in local wildlife, it took two months but a dedicated rescue team safely aided a Canada goose near Asheville this week.

That’s your Friday roundup. However you spend your day, stay safe, have fun, and explore what makes Asheville unique. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.