Happy Thursday, Buncombe County!

💡 Buncombe Fact: On January 1st, 1801, Asheville’s first post office was established and its first postmaster was Jeremiah Cleveland.

In today’s edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Sean Kolina

One of Asheville’s most anticipated race weekends is back, and it brings a noticeable energy with it. The New Belgium Asheville Marathon and Half winds runners through a scenic mix of city streets, river paths, and mountain backdrops, turning a typical Saturday into something a little more lively across town.

What makes this event stand out isn’t just the course. It’s the atmosphere. Expect cheering crowds, live music along parts of the route, and a shared sense of accomplishment from runners and spectators alike. Even if you’re not lacing up your shoes, it’s a great excuse to get outside, support participants, and enjoy the buzz that comes with a city-wide event.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or just navigating around it, this is one of those weekends where Asheville feels especially alive.

📍 Where: Multiple venues across Asheville, NC
📅 When: Saturday, March 21st | 7:30am - 2pm
💲 Price: $83 - $163 for runners.

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If you prefer hiking over running, this one is probably more your speed and it comes with a story behind it. The Rim Hike to Weatherford Heights traces historic boundary lines originally surveyed in 1906, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure and local history.

It’s a full day outing with scenic ridge views, steady elevation changes, and moments that make you appreciate just how layered this region really is. It’s equal parts workout and walk through time, guided by folks who know the landscape well.

📍 Where: Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center
📅 When: Saturday, March 21st | 8am – 3:30pm
💲 Price: $50

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This isn’t your typical art event. Greenhouse AVL blends tattoo, hair, and visual art into one creative, community-driven space, and their spring party leans fully into that energy. This year’s event also marks their 5-year anniversary, celebrating how far this Montford-based studio has come as a hub for art and connection. It’s a great excuse to get out, meet people, and experience a different side of Asheville’s creative scene.

📍 Where: Greehouse - 15 Zillicoa St, Asheville
📅 When: Friday, March 20th | 5pm - 8pm
💲 Price: Free

More Info

This guided movement and dance ritual invites participants to celebrate the Spring Equinox through embodied exploration, music, and intention. As day and night come into balance, the gathering offers space to move, release winter’s heaviness, and welcome the energy of renewal. Through somatic movement and simple ritual, attendees will be guided to connect with their bodies, the changing season, and the seeds they wish to plant for the months ahead. No dance experience is necessary, just a willingness to move and explore!

📍 Where: Asia House. 119 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC
📅 When: Thursday, March 19th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
💲 Price: $30

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Calling all Pokémon fans. PokéKon‑Fest is bringing a full day of gaming, collectibles, and community fun to downtown Asheville. Get involved in Pokémon tournaments, trading card meetups, cosplay, vendors, and plenty of chances to connect with fellow fans of all ages. Whether you grew up with the original games or your kids are discovering the world of Pikachu for the first time, it’s a colorful, high‑energy event that blends nostalgia with modern fandom. Even casual visitors will find plenty to browse between vendors, games, and photo‑worthy cosplay moments.

📍 Where: Holiday Inn Asheville – Biltmore West
📅 When: Saturday, March 21st | 10am–5pm
💲 Price: $12.73

Get Tickets

Grammy‑nominated folk musician John McCutcheon brings his signature mix of music and storytelling to the stage. Known for his warm voice, masterful multi‑instrumental talent, and engaging stage presence, McCutcheon blends traditional folk tunes with original songs and stories that celebrate community, history, and everyday life.

📍 Where: Diana Wortham Theatre
📅 When: Saturday, March 21st | 8:00 PM
💲 Price: Ticketed (varies)

Get Tickets

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters celebrate a century of basketball brilliance with their exciting 100 Year Tour. Known for gravity‑defying dunks, trick shots, and hilarious on‑court antics, the Globetrotters combine elite athletic skill with family‑friendly comedy. It’s a high‑energy spectacle that blends sports and entertainment for fans of all ages. Perfect timing with March Madness about to begin.

📍 Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center
📅 When: Saturday, March 21st | 5:00 PM
💲 Price: Roughly $50

Get Tickets

😋 Weekly Appalachian inspired recipe: Molasses Cake - rich, moist, and warmly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

🎵 Who we are listening to: Mariella - Leon Bridges. “I heard this last night in a bar in Glasgow, Scotland. I'm 76 and I love it. Good music smashes age barriers.”

💛 Local Nonprofits. LEAF Global Arts - Since 2004, they’ve had over 88K youth participants in more than 620 Global Arts Education programs

🙏 Positive News: Japan’s Yogurt Delivery Ladies Serve as a Support Net for Country’s Aging Population. A smiling face, a nutritious snack, and something for them to look forward to. Read Article

✨ You can't get to a place that you don't believe exists.

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