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Outside the ordinary at Asheville Fringe
Explore the dance, theater, puppetry, and music that defy definition. | Photo via Asheville Fringe
The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival returns this Sunday, March 15 for its 24th year, bringing more than 70 experimental, immersive, theatrical, musical, and interdisciplinary performances to stages across the Land of the Sky.
The packed schedule includes early performances, double features, and free events that make it possible to “fringe binge” multiple shows in a day. Highlights include Keith Alessi’s “Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life,” which has had consecutive sold-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway.
And with about 60% of artists hailing from WNC, expect plenty of regionally-inspired works, such as “The Appalachian Circus StrongMx” and “The Mothman Cometh.”
Celebrations begin at this Sunday’s kickoff party at the One World West. The out-of-the-box art culminates on Sunday, March 22.
Events
Events
Friday, March 13
“Androcles And The Lion” | Friday, March 13-Sunday, March 15 | 2:30-4 p.m. | Asheville Community Theatre
Presented by Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Expo connects homeowners with trusted local builders, designers, and home service professionals. | Photos provided by Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
We love Asheville, but we know location isn’t the only thing that makes a home. The WNC Build & Remodel Expo returns Saturday, March 21-Sunday, March 22 to help you bring your home ideas to life, from small projects and renovations to complete new builds.
The Expo is hosted by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the WNC Agricultural Center, bringing our region’s most trusted builders, remodelers, designers, and home professionals under one roof.
Tickets are $10 and grant access to both days of the Expo, including:
Expert-led programs | The Build Better Stage hosts educational sessions and demos
Designer Showcase | Get interior inspiration from featured designers
First-time homeowners and expert DIYers alike will find the info and inspiration they need to get started. Plus, bring the whole family for kids’ activities and the Pawrade of Homes.
Just weeks after Costco withdrew plans for an Enka location, Mayor Manheimer told WLOS that the wholesale retailers are “officially re-engaged in the project” after a successful meeting with the sellers of the property. Turns out, $1.50 hot dogs could be in our future after all.
Development
Asheville City Council unanimously approved rezonings for two apartment projects, adding 269 units to the housing supply: 180 market-rate apartments on Sardis Road at a former plastics factory site, and 89 affordable units in the Emma neighborhood on North Louisiana Avenue. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Closed
Twisted Crepe announced that the restaurant has closed at its downtown Asheville home, with hopes to reopen in a new location. For updates on the crêperie’s future, follow along on Facebook. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Show
TEDxAsheville is here to teach you to embrace the mess. On Friday, March 20, 12 speakers and performers will share how they make meaning from chaos. Grab a ticket to the all-day event, which includes lunch, networking, and a Q&A with speakers.
Eat
Xico is bringing wood-fired, Mexican flavors to brunch. The recently opened restaurant will begin dishing out plates like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and tres leches French toast this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find more weekend wonders in our brunch guide.
The Word
Kaleidoscope. That’s what you call a large, colorful gathering of butterflies. And in that case, the Asheville Butterfly Trail is well on its way to kaleidoscope status, adding a fifth station in downtown Weaverville, near the clock tower.
Take home a print as a Makers March memento. | Photo via MODA
Maker’s March is back, bringing another round of hands-on workshops that spotlight Asheville’s vibrant creative community. Small business advocacy group Merchants of Downtown Asheville has four interactive events planned for the month. Here’s how you can tap into your crafty side:
Forever Hug | Saturday, March 14 | 1 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville Ballroom | $44 | Create a custom hoodie using painted handprints and at this event centered on love, remembrance, and connection — ticket cost includes the hoodie.
Salt Watercolor Workshop | Tuesday, March 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Noir Collective AVL | $10 | Join Sara Bell in this beginner class, creating textural landscapes with markers and salt water.
Letterpress Demo | Saturday, March 22 | 12-4 p.m. | Horse + Hero | Free | Drop by the shop to make your own print with artist Jessica White.
South Lexington Block Party | Saturday, March 29 | 3-5 p.m. | Lexington Glassworks | Free | Enjoy glassblowing demos, open studio at Sew AVL, and sweets from Sunshine Sammies.
The Buy
Our secret to dinner party compliments galore + unforgettable family feasts: artisan sourdough, pastries, and pasta from Wildgrain. Standout offerings include slow-fermented olive oil ciabatta, fresh rigatoni, lemon ginger biscuits, sourdough dinner rolls, and pepperoni pizza buns. Is your mouth watering yet? Our readers get $30 off their first order and free croissants for life.
Today is Pi Day, aka the day we use an infinite number as an excuse (not that you need one) to dish on dessert. Baked Pie Company, New Stock, and The Hop are all supplying superb treats. And if you need to crush your sugar rush, UNC Asheville’s math club is hosting a 3.14-mile fun run on Sunday, March 15 at 3:14 p.m.
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