Asheville's Spirit Shines: Protests, Crafts, and Fall Festivities

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Sunday, October 19th, 2025. Yesterday, downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park was alive with energy as thousands gathered for the No Kings rally, joining voices across Western North Carolina to protest what many see as threats to democracy. Demonstrators filled the square with signs, music, and even costumes, giving the evening a festival vibe as the crowd took to the street with a candlelight march. This grassroots energy reflects what’s brewing all over the mountains right now, where community engagement and creativity continue to define Asheville’s spirit. Today promises plenty to experience around town. If you’re looking to support local makers, the Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands wraps up this evening at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. Discover handcrafted pottery, textiles, and jewelry while meeting some of the region’s acclaimed artisans. For art lovers, the Asheville Art Museum offers a public “Discovering Art in Asheville” tour at 3 p.m., your perfect Sunday stop for inspiration before dinner. As the sun sets, make your way to the Third Room on Wall Street. At 7 p.m. they’re hosting a night of rock and funk with Third Room, a sure way to end your weekend on a high note. Or, if you’re in the mood for some early Halloween flare, the Crow and Quill is putting on a Spooktacular Variety Show. Expect burlesque, belly dance, and plenty of spirited surprises. Doors open at 7:30 for an evening that promises both treats and thrills. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s Battle of the Bands at the Grey Eagle will have New Belgium Brewing coworkers showcasing their musical chops, raising funds for River Arts District Artists Foundation. And don’t forget the River Arts District Farmers Market every Wednesday at New Belgium, where you’ll find produce, crafts, and community energy as strong as ever. In local news making waves, there are renewed calls for accountability at Mission Hospital. State health officials have recommended, once again, immediate jeopardy status for the hospital, the most severe sanction due to concerns over patient safety. Mission stands by the corrective action plans it has recently rolled out, but for many in Asheville relying on the hospital’s services, these headlines are a real-world reminder of how vital healthcare transparency and quality remain for the region. On the weather front, expect a pleasant day ahead with highs in the mid-60s, great for autumn walks or checking out the colorful wooden heart art installations along the River Arts District footbridge. The forecast looks promising for the early part of the week, so keep those hiking boots handy. From passionate protests to pumpkin-spiced weekend adventures, Asheville’s heartbeat is strong and steady. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.