Happy Wednesday, Buncombe County!
💡 Buncombe Fact: The arrival of the Western North Carolina Railroad in the 1870s-1890s transformed Black Mountain from an isolated settlement into a bustling, accessible tourist destination.
In today’s edition:
Asheville Sailing Club
Fringe Arts Festival
Celebrate National Craft Month
19th Annual Shamrock 5K
Pi Day
Native Common Grasses
A Celtic Harp Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Fun Facts & More
Let’s get to it.
— Sean Kolina
⛵ What is Asheville’s Best Kept Secret? Asheville Sailing Club in Arden!
Sponsored By: Asheville Sailing Club
Believe it or not, we have been here since the mid-60’s enjoying sailing, social activities and lots of fun on the lake. ASC’s Sailing Marina is located on Lake Julian in the northeast corner of the park, hosting a clubhouse, pavilion, eco-friendly docks and, of course, sailboats!
SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE, so take advantage of our sailing classes for both youth and adults beginning in April learning on our fleet of sailboats. We offer “Couples” discounts. Regattas are scheduled every other week for the more experienced sailors. Every 3rd Saturday we host “FUN SAILS” with casual sailing and games. We have our social during and after the races where we all contribute food and beverages, stories and laughter! Some of you learned to sail years ago, so here is your opportunity to re-engage with our club! We welcome you to join as a single or a family for a nominal annual fee.
Time to feel the wind in your face, see the beauty of the mountains nearby and learn a skill that stays with you through time! JOIN US!
🎭 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Fringe Arts Festival
If you love Asheville’s creative spirit, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is one of the most unique events of the year. This citywide celebration of independent art brings together theater, dance, comedy, music, storytelling, and experimental performances in venues across town. What makes Fringe special is its anything‑goes spirit—local performers, touring artists, and bold creative projects all share the stage, often in intimate settings where audiences feel part of the show.
Expect everything from immersive theater to quirky one‑person performances and late‑night comedy sets. If you’re looking for something different than the typical night out, this is your chance to experience Asheville’s wonderfully weird, wildly creative side.
📍 Where: Multiple venues across Asheville, NC
📅 When: March 15–22, 2026
💲 Price: Varies by show (typically $10–$25)
🎨 Muse Art Bar: Celebrate National Craft Month
Muse Art Bar
March is National Craft Month, which makes it the perfect time to try something creative. At Muse Art Bar, guests can choose from a menu of art experiences including painting, collage, and other hands-on mediums while enjoying drinks in a relaxed studio setting. The space is designed as a welcoming creative hangout where people can gather, create, and connect, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just curious to try something new.
📍 Where: Muse Art Bar, 120 Coxe Ave Ste 1C, Asheville
📅 When: Various sessions throughout March
💲 Price: Ticketed
🏃 Asheville Catholic School’s 19th Annual Shamrock 5K & Fun Run
Shamrock 5K & Fun Run
Lace up your running shoes and bring a little Irish spirit with you. Asheville Catholic School’s annual Shamrock 5K and Fun Run returns for its 19th year, welcoming runners, walkers, and families for a festive morning. Expect plenty of green attire, community energy, and a race that’s just as fun for casual participants as it is for competitive runners.
📍 Where: Asheville Catholic School
📅 When: Saturday, March 14th | 8am - 11am
💲 Price: Registration required
🥧 Pi Day at Plant Bar
Math lovers and dessert fans can agree on at least one thing: Pi Day is a pretty good excuse to eat pie. Plant Bar is celebrating the unofficial holiday with sweet treats, festive specials, and a relaxed community vibe. Whether you’re there for the math joke, the pastry, or just an excuse to gather with friends, it’s a playful way to highlight 3/14. Expect plenty of pie-inspired goodness!
📍 Where: Plant Bar, 919 Haywood Road
📅 When: Saturday, March 14 | 8am - 10pm
💲 Price: Purchase treats onsite
🌾 Getting to Know Our Native Common Grasses with Dr. Nancy Adamson
Western North Carolina’s landscapes are filled with native plants that quietly support pollinators and wildlife. In this educational talk, pollinator conservationist Dr. Nancy Adamson explores the role native grasses play in healthy ecosystems and how they can be incorporated into local gardens and landscapes. It’s a resourceful event for anyone interested in conservation, gardening, or simply understanding the natural systems that shape our mountain environment.
📍 Where: Asheville Botanical Gardens
📅 When: Saturday, March 14th | 10am - 12pm
💲 Price: $26.25 to $35.00
🎶 A Celtic Harp Celebration in Black Mountain
O’Carolan’s Best
If you are easing into St. Patrick’s week, this afternoon concert leans into the musical side of Irish tradition. O’Carolan’s Best celebrates the work of legendary Irish harper Turlough O’Carolan, performed by acclaimed Celtic instrumentalists Sue Richards (harp) and Robin Bullock (guitar). Expect an intimate performance blending haunting Gaelic melodies with the elegant Baroque-inspired tunes that made O’Carolan one of Ireland’s most beloved composers.
📍 Where: Black Mountain Center for the Arts
📅 When: Sunday, March 15th | 2pm - 3:30pm
💲 Price: $23.69
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Around Buncombe County
🍀 Jack of the Wood St. Patrick’s Celebration
Traditional Irish pub celebration with live Celtic music, Guinness on tap, and a lively downtown crowd on St. Patrick’s Day.
🥔 Village Pub Corned Beef & Cabbage Night
West Asheville’s neighborhood pub celebrates with hearty Irish classics, cold pints, and a relaxed local vibe.
🍺 Highland Brewing St. Patrick’s Party
Green beer specials, Irish-style brews, and festive music make this East Asheville brewery a lively stop for St. Patrick’s Day.
🥃 O’Henry’s Pub Irish Whiskey & Stout Night
This longtime Asheville pub leans into the holiday with Irish whiskey pours, Guinness specials, and classic pub fare.
🥧 Pack’s Tavern St. Patrick’s Dinner Specials
Expect corned beef and cabbage, Irish comfort dishes, and a full bar ready for the downtown St. Patrick’s crowd.
🍻 The Bier Garden St. Patrick’s Day Bash
Downtown beer hall pours Irish favorites and themed drink specials while the crowd celebrates well into the evening.
🥬 Creekside Taphouse St. Patrick’s Day Food & Drink Specials
Arden’s neighborhood sports bar celebrates with Irish comfort food, drink specials, and plenty of TVs for the day’s games.
🍎 Bold Rock Hard Cider St. Patrick’s Taproom Party
Green cider cocktails and festive pours bring a cider-lover twist to St. Patrick’s celebrations.
Other fun notes…
😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Corned Beef and Hash - This will surely put everyone in a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day mood.
🎵 Who we are listening to: Call Me - St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Another foot-tapping jam that inspires anyone left in their seats to move to the music.
💛 Local Nonprofits. GreenWorks - Inspires, equips, and mobilizes communities to create an equitable, climate-resilient future.
🙏 Positive News: Once in a decade Superbloom carpets Death Valley in beautiful, colorful life. Read Article
✨ You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
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