Asheville's Colorful Saturday: RADFest, Craft Brews, and Collegiate Sports

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, November 8, 2025. Asheville wakes up to a day packed with creativity, community spirit, and a touch of seasonal chill. While the temperature swings promise a brisk start to the weekend, it’s not stopping hundreds of locals and visitors from exploring some of the city’s biggest fall happenings. At the heart of it all is RADFest 2.0, transforming the River Arts District into a bustling festival of open studios, pop-up art markets, and live music. From 10 am to 5 pm, you can wander through over nine studios at Pink Dog Creative and more than a hundred outdoor stalls, where Asheville’s artists share everything from jewelry and photography to painting and textiles. Many of these creators are returning to their studios after last year’s hurricane, making today a true celebration of resilience and artistic community. Plus, family activities, food trucks, and hands-on demonstrations promise something for everyone. If you’re a fan of local flavor, Highland Brewing’s Cold Mountain Weekend continues today. This beloved tradition is now in its twenty-ninth year and is especially poignant following the recent passing of founder Oscar Wong. From noon to eleven, the brewery is pouring special releases like Coconut Cold Mountain and barrel-aged ales, accompanied by live music and winter-themed activities. Lines start early, as regulars and newcomers alike gather to toast the holidays and celebrate the enduring legacy of Asheville’s craft brewing scene. Sports fans can catch the UNC Asheville Bulldogs volleyball team in action this afternoon at 2 pm, hosting Gardner-Webb in their final home match of the season. After a hard-fought contest against Winthrop last night, the Bulldogs are ready for a spirited showdown at the Justice Center. Show up in blue and white to cheer on the team and enjoy some collegiate energy. Tonight, music lovers have their pick: One World Brewing West hosts a doubleheader with Jesse Velvet and Big Fur, kicking off at 9 pm. If you missed TobyMac’s big show last night, there’s still plenty of live music around town, plus theatre performances and local book signings to explore. For those feeling hands-on, glassblowing workshops and open art markets in the River Arts District will let you craft your own keepsake today. If you’re hunting for antique treasures, the Uncommon Market pop-up continues its outdoor run, welcoming collectors and curiosity seekers alike. A quick city update: the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a shell gas station break-in. If you have any tips, call Detective William Small. Finally, mark your calendars for later this month when the famous Danish Dambo Trolls arrive at the Arboretum as part of a new tourism package—a perfect excuse for a staycation or an outdoor adventure. That wraps up a vibrant Saturday in Asheville, full of community, creativity, and celebration. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.