Asheville Weekend Buzzing with GRINDfest, Fly Fishing, and Art Events

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Friday, May 23, 2025. Asheville is buzzing with activity as we head into Memorial Day weekend. If you're looking for something to do today, GRINDfest 2025 kicks off at 11 a.m. at the AB-Tech Conference Center with the "Taste of Black Asheville Brunch" featuring keynote speaker Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett, who will be celebrating the launch of her new book, "The Diversity Illusion." For outdoor enthusiasts, the Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival opens at noon at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. More than 75 vendors will be displaying the latest in fly fishing gear, and visitors can enjoy expert fly-tying demonstrations, casting contests, and aquatic workshops throughout the day. Nature lovers might want to head to The North Carolina Arboretum for a Southern Appalachian Entomology course with Shane Myers from noon to 4 p.m., where you can learn about regional insects and their life cycles. In local news, residents should prepare for severe weather as storms are expected to hit western North Carolina starting at 11 p.m. tonight. Be sure to secure any outdoor items and stay updated on weather alerts throughout the evening. The local art scene continues to thrive with acclaimed artist Rosalie Haizlett scheduled to host an artist talk and watercolor class at The North Carolina Arboretum tomorrow, May 24, featuring 40 original paintings from her exhibit. In legal news, a 35-year-old Asheville man was sentenced to 28½ years in prison yesterday for fentanyl and meth-related charges. Political engagement remains strong in our community, with thousands of Asheville residents having joined the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement in Pack Square, protesting President Trump's policies and cuts to federal programs. The Asheville Art Museum's panel discussion "How Do We See Ourselves in Each Other?" is coming up on June 2 as part of their ongoing exhibition series, providing another opportunity for community dialogue and reflection. As we move into the holiday weekend, expect busy streets and packed venues throughout the area. Remember to plan ahead and consider using public transportation to navigate the city more easily during these festive days. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.