Happy Wednesday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: The Southern Highland Craft Guild, founded in 1930, is headquartered at the Folk Art Center in Asheville

In today’s edition:

  • Regattas

  • Start of new 2026 markets

  • Longform improv

  • Pollinator Festival

  • Pisgah Palooza

  • A Life Reimagined

  • Emergency Preparedness Fair

  • Nature Journaling

  • Fun Facts & More

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

Asheville Sailing Club - Regattas and Fun Sails

Sponsored By: Asheville Sailing Club

If you ever wondered what it would be like to race in a sailboat- on a lake, well, this is what we do at Asheville Sailing Club!

REGATTAS:

Twice a month, 2nd Saturdays and 4th Sundays we have sailing races. A dozen rig their boats for a 1PM start time. The PRO (Principal Race Officer) who officiates describes the course setting for a triangular race around the set buoys. Crews are chosen before the meeting and our safety boat is ever ready.

All races are timed with a 10-minute prep window before the race begins. Flags and horns monitor the race with a 5 minute, 4, 1, 0, START! Always exciting to see the race begin in sync. But things change soon!

In a valley surrounded by mountains, winds on Lake Julian tend to be unpredictable.  Lots of zig zag happening to make a mark. That is what is so fun about it.  We usually have 3-4 races and end at 4PM. In between each race the sailors dock, come to the pavilion to refresh with food and beverages then head out again. We always have a great potluck spread!

FUN SAILS:

Our fun sails are held every 3rd Saturday. Casual, social sailing with no pressure, maybe enjoy some fun sailing games. Just time to socialize, sail and enjoy the beauty of the mountains in the distance. Come join us!

Check us out at  www.ashevillesailing.org

🛍️ Uncommon Market Asheville

Uncommon Market Asheville

The Uncommon Market finally kicks off this year! If you’re looking for some new Sunday plans, this event brings together a curated mix of local makers, vintage finds, handmade goods, and small-batch products in a setting that feels more like a community hangout than a traditional market.

What makes it stand out is the variety. You’ll find everything from clothing and home goods to art and one-of-a-kind pieces you probably weren’t planning on buying but will be glad you did. Add in food trucks, music, and a steady flow of people makes it a can’t miss visit.

It’s casual, local, and a great excuse to spend a few hours outside wandering.

📍 Where: Foundy, 1 Foundy Street, Asheville
📅 When: Sunday, April 26th | 10am - 4pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

🎭 Longform Improv Jam

Joyride Improv

A fun, slightly unpredictable night out. The Longform Improv Jam invites performers to jump in and create scenes on the spot, which means no two shows are ever the same. It’s light, interactive, and a good option if you’re looking for some good laughs!

📍 Where: Enka / Candler Library
📅 When: Thursday, April 23rd | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
💲 Price: Free

🌸 Spring Fling 2026

Peace Gardens and Market

A relaxed way to welcome the season. Spring Fling at Peace Gardens brings together local vendors, plants, and a mix of garden-inspired goods. It’s a nice spot to browse, pick up something for your home or garden, and ease into a spring afternoon.

📍 Where: Peace Gardens and Market, 47 Bryant St, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, April 25th | 10am - 5pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

🐝 Swannanoa Pollinator Festival

A meaningful event that highlights the role pollinators play in our local ecosystem. The Swannanoa Pollinator Festival features educational booths, family-friendly activities, and resources for anyone interested in supporting bees, butterflies, and other essential species.

📍 Where: Grovemont Park, 251 Stonewall Ave
📅 When: Saturday, April 25th | 10am - 5pm
💲 Price: Free

🌱 Planting Futures: Back to OUR Roots

A meaningful night that blends community, storytelling, and a shared purpose. Planting Futures: Back to OUR Roots is a farm-to-table style event supporting early childhood education through Verner Center, with an evening built around connection and impact. Enjoy local food, drinks, and stories that highlight both the organization’s legacy and its future.

📍 Where: La Esperanza, 17 Westside Dr, Asheville
📅 When: Thursday, April 23rd | 5:30pm - 8:30pm
💲 Price: Ticketed

🍻 Pisgah Brewing 21st Birthday: Pisgah Palooza

Tom Farr Photography

Black Mountain is celebrating a big one this weekend. Pisgah Brewing’s 21st birthday, known as Pisgah Palooza, brings live music, local energy, and a full evening on the outdoor stage. Expect a lineup featuring touring acts like Sqwerv alongside regional bands, with a mix of jam, funk, and psychedelic sounds. Doors open at 5 PM with music starting shortly after.

You’ll feel the classic Pisgah vibe right when you arrive. Good beer, good music, and a crowd that builds as the night goes on.

📍 Where: Pisgah Brewing Company, Black Mountain
📅 When: April 25 | Doors 5 PM
💲 Price: $11 Ticketed

🎥 A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story

A powerful local story told on the big screen. A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story is a new documentary exploring the life of George Masa, a Japanese immigrant photographer whose work helped shape the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The screening includes a chance to hear from Asheville filmmaker Paul Bonesteel, adding context to a story that blends history, mystery, and a deep connection to the mountains. It’s a thoughtful pick for anyone interested in the region’s past and the people who helped preserve it.

📍 Where: Fine Arts Theatre, Downtown Asheville
📅 When: Wednesday, April 29th | 6:30 PM
💲 Price: Free (registration required)

Other fun notes…

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe - are just like what grandma used to make, using pantry ingredients to create delicious, crispy, pan-fried patties.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Pinterest (Portuguese) | A COLORS SHOW. “Easy, earthy, and endlessly replayable. The perfect soundtrack for a sunny Buncombe afternoon.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. OpenDoors - Their mission is to strengthen community by eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps for students through education.

🙏 Positive News: 6,500 Volunteers in North Carolina Build 10,000 Beds in 24 Hours for Kids Who Don’t Have One of Their Own. Read Article

Taking a pause doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.

As always, we read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. If there’s something you’d like to see more of locally, let us know. Thanks for being part of the Buncombe County Digest community.

Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our readers in Buncombe County? Drop us a line here → [email protected]

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