Heatwave Hits Asheville, Solstice Celebrations, and Juneteenth Festival Downtown

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We are waking up to the start of a serious heat wave this weekend, with temperatures in Asheville expected to climb into the 90s over the next several days. Stay hydrated, take it slow if you are spending time outdoors, and remember to check in on neighbors who might need extra help during extreme heat. City parks and splash pads will be popular spots for families and anyone looking to cool off.

The summer solstice arrives today and Asheville is ready to celebrate. If you are looking to start your day with a little wellness and movement, head over to The Wyre River Arts for a free Summer Solstice Wellness Retreat running from ten to two. The event includes a complimentary yoga class, a relaxing sound bath, and plenty of space to stretch out, making it a perfect way to welcome the longest day of the year and connect with your inner sunshine.

As we near the end of Juneteenth week, the festivities in Asheville are hitting their stride. Since the city officially recognized Juneteenth as a holiday, local organizations and the city government have come together to put on a vibrant celebration. Tonight, Pack Square will be buzzing as the annual Juneteenth event takes over downtown from five to nine. Expect live music from headliner Southern Avenue with DJ Phantom Pantone keeping the energy high, plus dancing, delicious local food, and artisan crafts all on hand. The celebration is free thanks to support from local sponsors and promises to highlight Asheville’s diversity, history, and community spirit.

Travelers heading out of town for summer adventures have a new option today as Allegiant launches nonstop flights from Asheville Regional Airport to Washington, D.C. The new route offers a direct connection to the nation’s capital, just in time for the summer travel rush. With the Fourth of July around the corner, travel experts predict a record-breaking number of North Carolina residents hitting the roads and skies.

In other headlines, Asheville police have made arrests in a drug-related operation, helping to keep our community safer. And the Biltmore Village business community is celebrating a major reopening, paying tribute to those affected by recent storms and showing true resilience.

As always, check your road conditions if you are headed west—experts are raising concerns about the potential for more landslides on I-40 after heavy rain earlier this month. And stay tuned throughout the weekend for updates on these stories and more.

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