WNC Times | Local News, Sports, and Events in Asheville

Marge Farrington•May 6, 2026

News

The ‘Poppyseed’ Predator: Invasive Tick Threatens WNC Livestock, Pets, and Wildlife

WNC -- May 6, 2026: As the 2026 spring grazing season hits its peak, a silent and nearly invisible predator is tightening its grip across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Asian Longhorned Tick (ALT), an invasive species first identified in North Carolina in 2018, has officially reached endemic status, creating a crisis that bridges the gap between commercial pastures, wilderness areas, and residential backyards.

$125K Boost: Swannanoa Valley Nonprofits Tackle Key Needs

WNC -- Nonprofits serving the Black Mountain and Swannanoa Valley communities are set to receive a significant boost, with $125,000 in new grant fun...

Asheville Faces $18 Million Crossroads: Home Repairs or New Apartments?

Asheville -- May 6, 2026: Following the recent conclusion of the partial federal government shutdown, a significant wave of disaster recovery resources has been "unlocked" for Western North Carolina. This restoration of federal activity has brought Asheville City Council to a critical decision point this Tuesday, May 12: how to balance $18.2 million in federal funds between long-term housing development and the immediate repair needs of local homeowners.

Shelter Dogs Lose Greenway Access: Yancey County Humane Society Seeking New Walking Trails

Yancey County -- May 5, 2026: A few "bad apples" have created a significant hurdle for the dogs at the Yancey County Humane Society (YCHS). In a Facebook post shared yesterday, the shelter announced that they are no longer permitted to walk their dogs on the greenway trail surrounding the local high school football stadium.

The Big Soak: Two Rounds of Rain Offer Relief to Parched Western North Carolina

WNC -- May 6, 2026: t is a sound many Western North Carolina residents have been longing for: the steady rhythm of rain hitting the roof. After a grueling dry spell that has left our mountains in an Extreme Drought (D3), a significant weather system is finally moving through the region today, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Sports

Marge Farrington•May 5, 2026

Sports

Weaverville’s Karlyn Pickens Selected No. 1 Overall in 2026 AUSL Draft

Weaverville -- May 5, 2026: Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. Her selection by the Carolina Blaze on Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the culmination of a journey that began on local fields in Western North Carolina.

Asheville Tourists to Honor Local Service Workers at 4th Annual Travel & Hospitality Night

HomeTrust Park hosts its 4th annual Travel and Hospitality Night on May 5, offering local industry professionals a discounted evening of baseball. This event is a special thank you to those who keep Asheville's tourism thriving, with tickets just $5 including all fees.

May 4, 2026

WNC College Sports: The Final Push

WNC -- May 1, 2026: It is a historic and high-stakes weekend for our local college athletes as they head into post-season play and critical conference matchups.

May 1, 2026

From Rabbit Ears to Paywalls: Is Our Sunday Tradition Being Sold Off?

NFL -- For decades, football has been our "secular holiday." It was the bridge between generations—the one thing you could talk about with your neighbor or your grandson without it turning into a debate. It was our town square. But as we look toward the 2026 season, that square is starting to feel like it’s being fenced off.

April 23, 2026

Mountain Soccer on the Rise: A Regional Roundup

WNC -- April 20, 2026: Western North Carolina is currently experiencing a "soccer gold rush." From historic trophy wins to the growth of professional women's sports, here is what you need to know about the teams making waves in our backyard.

April 20, 2026

Business

Marge Farrington•May 4, 2026

Business

Honoring Resilience: Small Business Week Spotlight on WNC

North Carolina -- May 4, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina. This week-long celebration honors the more than one million small businesses that form the backbone of the state's economy, with a particular focus this year on the grit and resiliency of entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Asheville and North Carolina Breweries Shine at 2026 World Beer Cup

Asheville -- April 30, 2026: Asheville's reputation as a premier brewing destination received significant international validation this week, as local breweries secured prestigious medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Diatribe Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing were honored at the globally renowned competition, underscoring the city's brewing prowess on a world stage.

April 30, 2026

Hendersonville Business Growth: Legacy Markets Expands and HiViz LED Invests Millions

Hendersonville Business News -- April 30, 2026: The Hendersonville business landscape is seeing significant movement this week, marked by a major acq...

April 30, 2026

Asheville's Tourism Evolves: Beyond Craft Beer & Mountains

Asheville's tourism sector is undergoing a significant evolution, moving beyond its established reputation for craft beer and mountain scenery. The region is adapting to new visitor demands and economic pressures, including recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024, by emphasizing experiential and diversified offerings.

April 29, 2026

Asheville Shops Innovate: Navigating Economic Shifts

April 25, 2026: Independent businesses across Asheville are creatively adapting to rising costs and evolving consumer habits through a mix of diversification, enhanced physical presence, and community engagement. "These strategies have fostered a remarkable resilience as the region continues its long-term economic and infrastructure recovery following the historic impact of Hurricane Helene in late 2024."

Entertainment

Marge Farrington•May 5, 2026

Entertainment

Braden Rumfelt Voted Out of American Idol Season 24

American Idol -- May 5, 2026: The lights dimmed on Braden Rumfelt’s American Idol journey during Monday night’s high-stakes episode, but the North Carolina native left the stage having reached an incredible milestone as a Top 5 finalist.

WNC Let’s Go to the Movies: April 25 – April 30, 2026

WNC -- Spring is in full swing across the Blue Ridge, but the real heat is happening inside our local theaters this week. From the high-energy debut ...

Lend a Hand to Our Local Misfits at the Boho Hippie Festival

Maggie Valley -- Ready to soak up some sun and good vibes for a great cause? Misfit Mountain is officially recruiting volunteers for the 2026 Boho Hippie Festival! Located right in our backyard at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, this event is a vital way for this 501(c)3 rescue to connect with the community.

April 21, 2026

Braden Rumfelt Hits the Top 7: The Murphy Native Keeps Moving

American Idol -- April 21, 2026: The lights on the American Idol stage are a long way from Murphy, but Braden Rumfelt is looking more at home there every week

April 21, 2026

Remembering Patrick Muldoon (1968–2026)

Entertainment News -- April 20, 2026: The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of Patrick Muldoon, the charismatic actor and producer who c...

April 20, 2026

Lifestyle

Marge Farrington•May 5, 2026

Lifestyle

Forest Bathing Trend: Hendersonville Finds Peace in Nature

Hendersonville, North Carolina, is increasingly becoming a hub for residents and visitors seeking tranquility through forest bathing, a low-impact wellness practice known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese. This mindful immersion in forested environments offers a unique approach to reducing stress and improving overall well-being, drawing participants to the region's abundant natural landscapes.

Hendersonville Farmers Market Opens Today

The Hendersonville Farmers Market is officially set to return for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2nd, promising fresh local produce and artisan goods to the community. Shoppers can expect over 40 local vendors every Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Maple Street.

May 2, 2026

Bearfootin’ Bear Reveal Returns May 6th

Hendersonville -- April 30, 2026: The beloved Bearfootin’ Art Walk kicks off its 2026 season with the annual Bear Reveal on May 6th, one of Downtown Hendersonville’s most anticipated traditions.

April 30, 2026

Speaking Out for Our Shelters: A Local Crisis with a National Reach

WNC -- April 25, 2026: Across the United States, animal shelters are facing a quiet but critical crisis of overcapacity, and Western North Carolina is feeling the weight. At wnctimes, we believe in the power of local journalism to tackle these issues head-on.

96th Annual Ramp Convention: Eating for a Cause

Spring in Western North Carolina means more than just blooming wildflowers; it marks the return of the Annual Ramp Convention. Sunday, May 3rd, join us at American Legion Post 47 for a celebration that is as much about honoring our veterans as it is about enjoying the legendary "little stinker."

Outdoors