Free drinks, fine art: Explore open studios at the RAD Sip & Stroll

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The artists of the River Arts District are teaming up with the breweries of Asheville for a massive open studio event this weekend.

The RAD Sip & Stroll will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9 all over the RAD, with open-air art markets and open studios presenting the work of hundreds of artists to the Asheville community.

While enjoying the artwork on display, adult visitors are also invited to partake in a variety of free beverages provided by local breweries.

What you might see at Sip & Stroll

“We’ve got Hi-Wire, New Belgium, Highland, Green Man, Wicked Weed, Ginger’s Revenge. We have Bebop Bottle Shop that we got wine from as well, and then also Devil’s Foot donated some non-alcoholic beverages,” listed Carol Spagnuola, a RAD photographer and RADA connections chair. “Every studio in the River Arts district will have free beer, free drinks, wine, whatever they provide. Essentially, people can sip and stroll inside the studios, so they can get a drink, they can walk around, they can buy art.”

There will be several art markets scattered around the RAD during the event, including outside Pine Gate Renewables, Wedge Brewing Company, The Wyre River Arts apartment complex and Olde London Road English Pub.

Drinks will not be the only available refreshments in the RAD this Saturday. Several food trucks and restaurants will also be open for business, including Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill.

“We have Sunshine Sammies coming, which is like the best ice cream sandwich on the planet,” Spagnuola said. “Plus, we have so many restaurants here in the River Arts District. That’s where the bingo card comes into play.”

According to Spagnuola, the bingo card is a “really cool purple card that’s kind of like a fun map of the River Arts District.” The interactive bingo cards are meant to make the RAD and all of its studios and businesses easy and entertaining to navigate.

Cards are available at studios or at the RADA Foundation booth. Bingo players who complete a row vertically, horizontally or diagonally can receive a free RADA poster at the RADA Welcome Center at RAD Rendezvous, 87 Roberts St.

However, even if you don’t complete a full bingo row, you will still receive a prize of sorts.

“The prize is that you came here, you supported the artist and you get to leave here feeling really good about yourself,” Spagnuola smiled.

There are several RAD events coming up as the district prepares to commemorate one year of resiliency and recovery from Hurricane Helene. For more information about Sip & Stroll and everything coming up next, visit www.riverartsdistrict.com.