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🌱 Patch AM: Will Asheville really get that new 2,500-seat performing arts center?

Be sure to catch Floating Action on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Greetings Asheville! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Asheville really get that new 2,500-seat performing arts center?
  • How a kitchen fire sidelined a favorite Asheville barbecue joint
  • Why national travel editors say Asheville belongs on your 2026 bucket list

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring "The Nutcracker" and More and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Davidson J.!

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as cool, with a high of 57 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Sunday: Low clouds breaking, temps: high: 55, low: 23.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 52 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Answer Man: What's the latest on Auggie the Dachshund lawbreaker? Update on performing arts center plan? • Asheville Watchdog (avlwatchdog.org) — Asheville officials have waived a $200 graffiti fine against north Asheville resident Virginia Harding over her chalk drawings of Auggie the dachshund, but warned that future sidewalk art could bring steeper penalties while they review the ordinance. At the same time, the city is advancing plans with ATG Entertainment for a new 2,500-seat downtown performing arts center that would house the Asheville Symphony, though a site hasn’t yet been chosen and the timeline has slipped slightly.
   

2. Asheville restaurant closes due to fire, expected to reopen in spring (citizen-times.com) — A well-loved Asheville spot, Black Bear BBQ on Fairview Road, is closed indefinitely after a kitchen fire caused significant damage and water flooding throughout the restaurant. No injuries were reported, and Asheville Fire Department crews quickly contained the blaze. Owners say they plan to rebuild and hope to reopen in spring 2026, asking the community for patience and support.
   

3. 25 Unforgettable Places to Go in 2026: Asheville, North Carolina (matadornetwork.com) — Asheville is being highlighted as a must‑visit destination for 2026, with its tourism industry rebounding strongly after a devastating flood. Locals will recognize shout‑outs to downtown restaurants, the dense brewery scene, Pisgah National Forest trails, and distinctive lodging options that showcase the city’s mix of outdoor adventure, creative food, wellness, and artsy mountain character.
   

4. NC Supreme Court upholds felony conviction in Asheville 'Cat Man' case (citizen-times.com) — North Carolina’s Supreme Court has upheld felony animal cruelty and obstruction of justice convictions against Scott Everett Ford in the high-profile case involving Claude “Alex” McPherson, Asheville’s beloved “Cat Man.” Justices found there was enough evidence Ford knew McPherson’s cat was in the stroller he hit and that he improperly disposed of business records. Ford is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence once the court’s mandate issues.
   

5. 20 new officers graduate from A-B Tech's Law Enforcement Training Program (wlos.com) — Newly trained law enforcement officers from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College are heading into local agencies after 20 graduates completed A-B Tech’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program this week. The class earned the program’s highest GPA since 2012, and leaders say the graduates’ dedication and readiness will strengthen public safety across Asheville and the wider region.
   

📸 Around Asheville

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📸 A Man and His Dog —Davidson J. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Asheville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 20
  • Floating Action
    Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave, Asheville
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This has got to be one of the most painful posts I’ve ever made.
    Greg Biffle, a 19x NASCAR Cup Series winner and 20+ year pilot (helicopter and fixed wing), his wife, Cristina, daughter Emma, 14, and son, Ryder, 5,… (Nextdoor Knoll Ridge Drive)
  • I just read about a tragedy that occurred today in Statesville.
    Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and his two children were killed in an airplane crash. Many of you may remember that after Helene, … (Nextdoor Kenilworth)
  • Whole Foods posted a job opening for Grocery Team Member (Stocker, Inventory, Floor Service, Customer Service) - Full Time in Asheville. Apply here.
  • PrideStaff posted a job opening for Custodian/Housekeeper in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

Ok Asheville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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