Rallies, Festivals, and Springtime Fun: Your Asheville Weekend Agenda

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, April 5, 2025.

It’s a beautiful spring day here in Asheville, and there’s no shortage of exciting events to dive into! Starting things off downtown, the Nationwide Day of Action rally will take place at Pack Square Park Amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organized by local groups like Good Trouble WNC, the NC Poor People’s Campaign, and Indivisible AVL, the rally will feature speakers on topics such as veterans' rights, immigration, climate, and healthcare, with musical performances by the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus and Womansong of Asheville. It’s a great opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and connect with the community.

For arts and culture enthusiasts, the Connect Beyond Festival kicks off today, running all weekend long. Described as Asheville’s version of SXSW, this festival brings a mix of panels, film screenings, and workshops to downtown venues like the Third Room on Wall Street. From discussions on Asheville’s future in the climate movement to Q&As with authors and filmmakers, this event is packed with thought-provoking sessions. If you’re into music, don’t miss tonight’s Wind Down with DJ Mad Mike Martinez. Day passes start at just $25, and there’s something for everyone interested in art, storytelling, and social change.

Music lovers are also in for a treat with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings performing tonight at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and their signature acoustic blend is sure to make for an unforgettable evening. Tickets range from $60 to $95.

Meanwhile, over at McCormick Field, the Asheville Tourists are back in action. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just love the ballpark atmosphere, head over for a game, grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and cheer on the home team.

For those looking to get active, Asheville on Bikes’ Spring Out 2025 is rolling today. This family-friendly cycling event offers routes for all skill levels and highlights the importance of creating safer streets for everyone. It's a perfect way to explore Asheville on two wheels.

To wrap things up, why not stop by the North Asheville Tailgate Market? Happening today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., it’s the place to find fresh, local produce and unique artisan goods. And if flowers are your thing, don’t forget to admire the kickoff of Asheville’s “Downtown in Bloom” campaign, with vibrant floral displays popping up throughout the city.

That’s all for today’s lineup, Asheville. Whether you’re rallying for change, catching a game, rocking out to local music, or simply soaking up the beauty of spring, there’s plenty to enjoy in our creative mountain town.

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