How it works

Buncombe County’s rating

• Overall difficulty index | 71
• Cost index | 76.3
• Competition index | 60
• Scarcity index | 61.6
• Economic instability index | 85.8

• East Asheville Tailgate Market | Friday, Aug. 23 | 3-6 p.m. | Groce United Methodist Church | Free | Browse offerings from 30+ local vendors to find tasty cheeses, fresh veggies, flaky baked goods, and more.
• Gravestone: A Wild West Murder Mystery | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | $30 | Pop on your cowboy hat and use your detective skills to solve this murder mystery.

• Goldenrod Ink Plant Pigment Workshop | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12-2:30 p.m. | The Canopy at Art Garden AVL | $55 | Instructor Annie Kyla will guide you in brewing a vibrant yellow ink from foraged flowers — then use the ink to paint and draw.
• Rock the House Fundraiser | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage | Free | Sip on drinks, feast on Mountain Man BBQ, and dance to live music while raising money for Asheville Habitat for Humanity’s 20th Women Build house.

• 5th Annual 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville | $5-$20 | Search through the selection of records, 45s, CDs, and collectibles from 30+ vendors.
• Board Game Swap Meet | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 2-4 p.m. | Well Played Board Game Cafe | Free | It’s out with the old and in with the new — make room for new games by trading with other gamers.
• Blue Ridge Pride Drag Pageant | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Eulogy | $22 | Contestants will compete in performance, costume, and question rounds for the coveted title of Ms./Mr./Mx. Blue Ridge Pride.

• All Day Darling is opening a second location in the Oakley neighborhood, with construction beginning early next year. The menu will feature breakfast, lunch, and expanded dinner and bar options. On Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., you can head to the Montford location to celebrate the expansion with special barbecue plates.

• As part of the National Park Services Save America’s Treasures grant program, the Basilica of St. Lawrence was awarded $750,000 for repairs to tension rings, walls, and masonry. Learn about the history of the iconic landmark. (WLOS)

• The outdoor climbing wall at the former Climbmax Gym at 43 Wall St. is being removed after nearly 30 years. The City of Asheville said in an Instagram post that the wall is being brought down to “ensure optimal marketability of the space for prospective tenants.” The wall will be auctioned in September.

• Botanist & Barrel co-founder Lyndon Smith earned a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list, which highlights the people changing the wine space for the better. Check out the feature on the “mad fermentation scientist” and grab a bottle of DeFi wine from the shop at 32 Broadway St., Ste. 110.

• St. Louis-based cookie shop Alibi Cookies opened up an Asheville location at 33 Town Square Blvd. in Biltmore Park Town Square. You can build your own pack of fresh-baked treats or even craft your own cookie shake.

• Let’s get down to business. Asheville Entrepreneurship Week is coming up, running Monday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 14. Check out the schedule of events, including a keynote address from John Lowe, former CEO of Jeni’s Ice Cream.

• A special soloist will take the spotlight at the Asheville Symphony’s Symphony in the Park performance on Saturday, Sept. 7. Michael Maliakel, who just came off a three-year run as Aladdin on Broadway, will make a guest appearance. You can still grab tickets for preferred seating.

• The 15th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll will sprout up on Saturday, Sept. 14, beginning at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School. Fifteen neighborhood gardens will be open to the public, showcasing native plants, art, and water features. Maps and garden resources will be available at the school from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Age 55+? Want to find a rewarding new venture post-retirement? Here are several opportunities to volunteer in our community. (Perks include feeling accomplished, fit, and connected.)*

• Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*

• Ever dreamed of living in a treehouse as a kid? This one-of-a-kind treehouse home is your chance to make it happen. The floating, fully furnished space features hardwood floors, tongue and groove ceiling accents, and year-round views from the back porch. See inside.*

• These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*^†

What are the levels?

• Certified: 40-49 points
• Silver: 50-59 points
• Gold: 60-79 points
• Platinum: 80+ points

Local LEED-certified projects