Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: Over half of Montreat’s 4,000 acres are protected by a conservation easement, offering miles of hiking trails.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

Sometimes the best weekends are the ones that let you feel curious again. The Asheville Museum of Science is celebrating National Museum Day with a full day of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and family-friendly programming designed to make science feel a little more fun.

What makes this one stand out is that it works for just about everyone. Kids can dive into experiments and activities, while adults get the rare chance to wander through a museum learning interesting facts they knew nothing about.

Whether you’re bringing kids or just want to explore through something more engaging than another errand run, it’s an easy and worthwhile downtown stop.

📍 Where: Asheville Museum of Science
📅 When: Friday, May 15th - Sunday May 17th | 10am - 6pm
💲 Price: $11.50 general admission, free for ages 2 and under

Event Details

A little futuristic, a little relaxing, and very Asheville. Drones in The Garden blends ambient drone music with the calm setting of Haiku AVL’s garden space for an evening built around a beautiful atmosphere. Expect layered soundscapes, low lighting, and a crowd that’s there to unwind rather than rush through another Friday night. It’s less concert, more immersive experience.

📍 Where: Haiku AVL, 26 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, May 15th | 6:30pm
💲 Price: $17

Event Details

One of East Asheville’s most community-driven races is back. The Haw Creek Hustle includes both a fun run and timed 5K, with the route centered around Charlie Bullman Park and the surrounding Haw Creek neighborhood. It’s competitive if you want it to be, but the bigger vibe is neighbors, fresh air, and a morning built around getting outside and spending time together.

📍 Where: Charlie Bullman Park, 719 New Haw Creek Rd, Asheville
📅 When: Saturday, May 16th | Fun Run 8:30 AM, 5K 9 AM
💲 Price: Registration required

Register Here

A quieter, more reflective kind of spring event. Spring Into Ikebana at the Arboretum showcases the Japanese art of floral arrangement through carefully designed installations focused on balance, texture, and simplicity. This will be an experience that is full of beauty and a sense of calm.

📍 Where: North Carolina Arboretum
📅 When: Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th | 9am –5pm
💲 Price: Included with Arboretum parking fee ($25 per vehicle)

Learn More

A strong pick if you like wandering through local art without the pressure of a formal gallery setting. The Spring Arts Festival & Makers Market brings together student artists, makers, food vendors, and community booths for a colorful afternoon built around creativity and local talent. Expect live performances, handmade goods, and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer than planned.

📍 Where: ArtSpace Charter School, 2030 US-70, Swannanoa
📅 When: Saturday, May 16th | 10am - 2pm
💲 Price: Free to attend

More Info

A brewery and stand-up comedy pairing continues to be one of Asheville’s more reliable combinations. Big Dog Comedy brings a lineup of regional comics to Green Man Brewery for a night that’s casual, lively, and full of laughs.

📍 Where: Green Man Brewery
📅 When: Friday, May 15th | 8pm - 10pm
💲 Price: $15

Get Tickets

A thoughtful gathering built around connection and community. Solo Agers Supporting One Another is designed for adults navigating aging independently and looking to build stronger social support systems along the way. The event focuses on conversation, shared experiences, and practical ways to create a meaningful community. It’s welcoming, honest, and a good reminder that connection matters at every stage of life.

📍 Where: 216 Asheland Avenue - AmeriHealth Caritas Wellness Center
📅 When: Monday, May 18th | 10:30am –12pm
💲 Price: Free

More Info

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Applesauce Pancakes - Soft and fluffy applesauce pancakes is the best way to start the day.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Andrea Bocelli — Solamente Una Vez. “This was my parents’ special song, even though they didn’t understand Spanish—they heard the emotion and knew it was a beautiful love song. I get tears now when I hear it.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. Helpmate - They work with our community to eliminate abuse and fear by providing safety, shelter, and support for victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.

🙏 Positive News Around the World: Dancer with ALS Performs on Stage Again Through Digital Avatar. Read Article

✨ You’re allowed to appreciate where you are while still hoping for more.

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.

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