There’s a hands-on printmaking workshop on the books. | Photo via Rebecca Hecht
Fresh off the heels of this month’s successful Illuminate Asheville event, the Merchants of Downtown Asheville (MODA) are giving you another chance to connect with local makers. And this time, you get to learn their craft. MODA’s Maker’s March series runs all month long, letting you sign up for free or affordable skill shares, workshops, and classes from downtown artists.
This merchant-led group has been advocating for downtown arts and retail businesses since the storm, creating special events to encourage both locals and visitors to shop and participate.
Here are a few of the upcoming events where you can let your creativity run wild:
Pro tip: Sign up early (even if it’s free) — spaces are limited.
Start the special month by attending a gel plate printing demo by ceramicist, painter, and printmaker Betsy Kendrick this Sunday, March 2, at Horse and Hero.
The following weekend, craft a whimsical lantern in a workshop with the Street Creature Puppet Collective at the new music venue and immersive art studio, Third Room.
Comedy at Catawba: Asheville Cat Ladies | 7 p.m. | Catawba Brewing | $19+ | Hear from the femme comedians of Asheville as part of the Eyes Up Here Comedy 10-year anniversary weekend.
Friday, Feb. 28
Bite Nite: Perogies | 5:30-7:45 p.m. | Botanist & Barrel | $6+ | Sip rare pours and dine on small plates of Polish potato dumplings.
For the Love of AVL & BBQ | 7-10 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse | Free | Enjoy live music from the “What Is” duo while you chow down on barbecue.
Listen to This: Stories and More on Stage | 7:30-10 p.m. | Story Parlor | $15+ | Listen to true stories on the theme, “When the Planets Aligned” — plus, there will be music and stand-up.
Saturday, March 1
Bareroot Plant Sale | 10 a.m. | Erwin High School | $1+ | Shop native plants at wholesale prices to support stream bank restoration following flooding from Helene.
Saturday Morning Cartoon Party | 1-3 p.m. | The Whale - West Asheville | $5 | Feel like a kid again, spending Saturday with cartoons and all-you-can-eat cereal — but this time with a grown-up beverage.
Sunday, March 2
Sound Bath + Gentle Flow | 7-8:30 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga | $20+ | Participate in this gentle flow before falling into a peaceful state of relaxation with the sounds of flutes and strings.
Zoso | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $28+ | There’s gonna be a “Whole Lotta Love” at this Led Zeppelin Tribute.
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
Local job boards are a total game-changer — for both job seekers and businesses. Instead of sifting through endless listings, they focus on quality over quantity, connecting employers with candidates who actually want to work in the area. That means fewer relocation headaches and better retention.
For big and small businesses, it’s a smart way to connect with candidates who understand the local community and culture. Plus, hiring locally usually means a faster, smoother hiring process. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to fill one, AVLtoday Job Board keeps things simple, practical, and close to home.
At its Tuesday, Feb. 25 meeting, Asheville City Council unanimously approved Pine Line Apartments, a 126-unit complex off Brevard Road. All units are deemed affordable, serving people and families at or below 60% Area Median Income. Stay tuned for a construction start date. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
State
The NC House unanimously passed a $500 million Helene recovery bill on Tuesday evening, Feb. 25. See what is in the bill, including funding for repaired homes, private roads, clearing storm debris, and aiding farmers. Next, the bill will go to the NC Senate. (WUNC)
Festival
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority awarded $75,000 to local festivals and events aimed at revitalizing the region. Of the 21 events that received funding — including Connect Beyond Festival, Blue Ridge Pride, and RADFest — 33% are inaugural.
Community
Buncombe County will close the Community Care Station at Bethel United Methodist on Wednesday, March 5, due to low use. See more adjustments to community care operations, including showers and laundry service.
Arts
The winning photographs from the George Masa Foundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize are on display through Wednesday, April 30 at the NC Arboretum’s Baker Exhibit Center. Of the 30 winning photographs awarded for showcasing storytelling and environmental awareness, three come from WNC-based kids.
Weather
With the help of a whole pot of coffee per day, Ray Russell of Ray’s Weather provides some of the most reliable weather forecasting to WNC — and it’s made him a beloved personality, especially in his home of Boone. Learn how Ray went from forecasting as a hobby to managing a team. (The Assembly)
Show
The Mall R.A.T.S. are dancing to the beat of their own drum. The collective, which brings creative pop-ups to unused mall spaces, is hosting Dance Day on Saturday, March 8. The showcase will host performances from a variety of kids and adult dance schools, with info available about workshops + summer camps.
Number
$17,500. That’s how much we’re looking to raise to support our staff and mission here at AVLtoday — and our fundraising ends tomorrow. If you love the free community resource you’re reading right now (we sure do), support us today with a one-time donation. See how close we are to our goal.
Shop
Rep local biz and sustainable seafood with new merch from The Lobster Trap featuring their rebranded logo. Pro tip: stop by on a Tuesday to snag $2 house oysters too.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Number
$2,101. That’s the record-breaking price that car insurance premiums are projected to reach in 2025. Read: It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. Review Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save (maybe up to $1,300 a year).*
Category
Holiday
Mardi on, Asheville
We have a need. A need for beads. | Photo via Donna Sorrow
Let the good times roll with these Mardi Gras events happening throughout Asheville this weekend.
Friday, Feb. 28
Hustle Souls & Firecracker Jazz Band | Friday, Feb. 28 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Asheville Music Hall | Kick off the Mardi Gras weekend celebrations with some Jazz.
Saturday, March 1
Royal Procession| Saturday, March 1 | 6-9 p.m. | Multiple locations | Party with Mardi Gras royals the night before the parade at Green Man Brewery and Eulogy in the South Slope.
Bayou Diesel - Mardi Gras Dance | Saturday, March 1 | 8 p.m. | Cork and Keg Bar | Immerse yourself in the spirit of Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco-style music and dances while enjoying jambalaya.
Empire Strikes Brass | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $21+ | Catch the captivating local brass band at their 11th annual, all-ages holiday show.
Sunday, March 2
Asheville Mardi Gras Parade | 3:05 p.m. | South Slope | Free | Dress in your most colorful threads for the theme “Animalia” then head to any of the three after-parties happening throughout the South Slope.
The Buy
The Buy
Your two new best friends to speed up blow drys: a really good hairbrush and Kenra Platinum’s time-saving blow dry spray. The Wet Brush hairbrush features a vented design for faster airflow plus heat-resistant bristles, while the 4.7-star rated Kenra spray detangles, smooths, and decreases blow-dry time by 50%.
To know me is to know my love for popcorn. I have a Whirley Pop that lives perpetually on my stove (no microwaved stuff here), a cabinet full of popcorn seasonings, and a special popcorn bowl. Since I’ve established my credentials here, let me put you on to Poppy’s new flavor — cappuccino. It’s the brand’s famous salted caramel popcorn with a bold coffee kick. And it sounds even more delicious with a few chocolate candies mixed in.
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