Asheville Anew: Resilience Meets Revival in 2025

Asheville’s revival is a model of resilience, with 2025 marking a chapter of new openings, collaborative art, and numerous opportunities for personal growth.

While parts of the region continue to heal from Hurricane Helene, Asheville is rising more vibrant and determined as ever, earning recognition as a top destination this year by Forbes Travel Guide and The New York Times.

From immersive workshops with master artisans to transformative healing experiences in the heart of nature, Asheville invites travelers to reconnect — both with themselves and with the community’s ongoing recovery. Whether rediscovering its charm or experiencing it for the first time, 2025 offers a chance to engage with the essence of Asheville, a place where creativity, mindfulness, and collaboration define its past, present and future.

SPORTS EVENTS | From celebrity tennis matches to college basketball tournaments, Asheville continues to grow as a premier host city for major sports events this year and beyond.
 

• Celebrity Tennis Match is All Aces for the Asheville Region – Harrah’s Cherokee Center will host Stars Servin’ Up Love , a celebrity tennis event benefiting Western North Carolina. Featuring tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Jessica Pegula, as well as celebrities such as Pete Wentz and Michael Kosta, 100 percent of net proceeds will support the Always Asheville Fund and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. The event will offer exciting on-court action, live DJ sets, and opportunities for community engagement. (Feb. 2)
   
• Women’s Gymnastics Competition Returns – The She Can Fly Invitational returns to Asheville this month with world champion gymnast Shilese Jones. The invitational features gymnastic events for pre-college athletes, levels 1-10 and Xcel. (Jan. 17-19)
   
• SoCon Week Brings College Basketball and Wrestling to Asheville – In March, Asheville hosts the Southern Conference’s inaugural SoCon Week, featuring basketball championships (March 6-10) and wrestling championships (March 7-8). A portion of ticket sales will support the Always Asheville Fund, benefiting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses.
   
• Big South Outdoor Track & Field Championships –  The University of North Carolina Asheville will host the Big South Track & Field Outdoor Championships for college men and women this May. The sporting event will take place at UNCA’s newly renovated Olympic-level Karl Straus Track & Field facility. (May 12-14)
   
• North Carolina Indoor Archery Championships – Warren Wilson College, in Swannanoa, will host this year’s State Indoor Championships for Junior Olympic Archery at the campus’ Devries Athletic Center. (Jan. 31 – Feb. 2)

LAY OF THE LAND | Returning to Asheville, with Heart

The New Year opens a new chapter for Asheville’s revival. The city’s beloved attractions, restaurants, and luxury accommodations are open – and new openings are adding even more creativity and soul to the city’s culture. While some areas need more time, thoughtful planning ensures an inspiring and relaxing stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• The Recovery from Above – Asheville’s recovery is well underway, with power fully restored and potable water widely available across the region. Visitors will find the region’s iconic attractions, breweries, restaurants, and businesses are ready to offer the warmth that has always drawn people here.
   
• Neighborhoods and Towns: As of Nov. 18, travel and transportation officials cleared Buncombe County, Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville as safe for travel. While the town of Swannanoa remains closed to visitors, nearby areas are open and thriving.
   
• Getting Here – The Asheville Regional Airport is fully open, and critical highways are accessible. The only residual closure is a portion of I-40, connecting Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, which is expected to reopen early spring.
   
• Airport Expansion: The Asheville Regional Airport’s historic $400 million expansion remains on track, with a portion of its new concourse slated to open in June. Upgrades include new gates, boarding bridges, restrooms, and concession areas. 
   
• Venturing Outdoors – Nature lovers can explore the region’s parks and trails, including Bent Creek, DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some trails are still undergoing maintenance.
   
• Easy Orienting: We’ve compiled this guide to popular hikes near Asheville that are open and ready for exploration.
   
• Voluntourism – For those inspired to make a difference during their visit, there are numerous ways to lend a hand to the region’s recovery effort safely, from river cleanups to food distribution services. Check out our list of voluntourism activities to find a meaningful way to get involved. Tip: Wrap up a volunteer project at a local brewery or cafe. 

For more of the most up-to-date insights and happenings, visit ExploreAsheville.com.