Happy Memorial Day, Asheville . Lest we forget while we’re lounging in the pool with a beer in-hand, the reason for today’s holiday is to remember + honor U.S. military veterans who died while serving their country.

Want to impress your neighbors while you’re on the grill tonight? Here are some cool facts about Memorial Day 🇺🇲 –

Memorial Day used to be called “Decoration Day,” back when it was established post-Civil War.
The date of Memorial Day was moved from its specific, traditional date of May 30 to the last Monday in May when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968. Basically to create three-day weekends. Thank you.
Memorial Day became an official U.S. federal holiday in 1971.

And if you’re looking for ways to celebrate today, here’s what’s going on in Asheville 🎆 –

Memorial Day Program | Western N.C. State Veterans Cemetery | 962 Old US Hwy 70, Black Mountain | 10 a.m. | Retired Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, Mr. Kevin Rumley will keynote this powerful ceremony. Hosted by Buncombe County Veterans Council and Charles George VAMC.
Intentional Swine Memorial Day Cookout | All Souls Pizza| 175 Clingman Ave. | 1-4 p.m. | Free admission (cash bar + pizza for sale)
Hickory Nut Gap Memorial Day Cookout | Sovereign Remedies | 29 N. Market St. | 12-5 p.m. | Whole hog roast with Hickory Nut Gap, Oskar Blues beer + George Dickel Whiskey.
Memorial Day Keg Hunt | Hi-Wire Brewing | 197 Hilliard Ave. | 1-6 p.m. | $20/person | 10 Teams of 6 will be sent on a mission of following a series of clues leading them to the final "secret" destination, where there will be free Hi-Wire Beer, Food, + Live Music. Benefitting Blue Ridge Roller Girls.
Savannah Smith and Southern Soul | Ben’s Tune Up | 195 Hilliard Ave. | 6 p.m. | Free
The Jauntee | Wicked Weed Funkatorium | 147 Coxe Ave. | 4-7 p.m. | Free
Brother Oliver | Hillman Beer | 25 Sweeten Creek Rd. | 5:30 p.m. | Presented by Future Chord.

Bonus: Here is our guide to swimming holes + pools, hiking in WNC, floating the French Broad, Chihuly at Biltmore for your day-off adventures. Plus, our list of breweries + drink specials.