Calendar of Events

Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!

Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.

From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.

You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.

Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.

So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.

Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

For over 32 years, the Frostbite Races have motivated runners and walkers to stay active throughout the colder winter months. Participants brave the chilly temperatures to compete in a series of races, including a challenging 10K, a scenic 5K, or 1-mile fun run. Flurry the Penguin is always encouraging runners and walkers with high fives. The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo add to the excitement with local vendors, wellness services, live music, and kid’s activities. The Frostbite Races have become a beloved tradition in Fletcher, NC, bringing the community together for a day of fitness and fun.

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Depending on location, heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Helene impacted soils throughout WNC. Many gardeners have questions about how to address everything from sediment and rock deposition to potential contamination. Michael Rayburn, Urban Ag Extension Agent in Buncombe County will walk us through the process of determining how to move forward with addressing soil health post Helene.

The presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.

Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Western North Carolina, roses are usually ‘hard pruned’ in the late winter or early spring. Dead or damaged canes are removed, and the plant is shaped for optimal growth and blooms. Many rose growers are uncertain of how to correctly prune their roses. This program unravels the mystery of pruning and will help you have healthy and happy roses.

This will be an in-person program at the Extension office at the address above. Portions of this program may be held outside; please dress appropriately for the weather. The classroom size is limited so register to reserve your seat!

Registration: The talk is free but registration via Eventbrite is required. Please click on the link below to register. If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Six Hours on the Ridge is back for its 8th year!  Are you up for the challenge?  This annual race features the 6 mile JFA trail with just over 800 feet of elevation gain and fast rolling single track making it the perfect setting for this endurance event. Riders will ride as many laps as they are able within the 6 hour time window.

This race has sold out the past two years so don’t delay sign up today!

THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

This is an in-person program, held at The
Learning Garden.
Time:
Session #1 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.*
Session #2 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule.

Program: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Presenters – EMG volunteers
Alan Wagner – Sharpening pruners and loppers
James Wade – Sharpening shovels
John Fieselman – Sharpening chainsaws

Description: Sharp gardening tools are key to successful pruning. This workshop will teach you how to clean and sharpen your tools.

Bring 1-2 tools that you will sharpen during the workshop. Pruners, loppers, or shovels, only. No handsaws, large shears, or pole pruners.

This workshop will also include a separate demonstration on sharpening chainsaws. This demonstration is intended for experienced chainsaw users. This is a demo only, so leave all chainsaws at home.

Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required.
Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden.
Time:
Session #1 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.*
Session #2 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.*
* New this year, Saturday Seminars are being offered twice on the same day. The content of both sessions will be the same. Select the session that best fits your schedule.

Program: Tool Sharpening Workshop
Presenters – EMG volunteers
Alan Wagner – Sharpening pruners and loppers
James Wade – Sharpening shovels
John Fieselman – Sharpening chainsaws

Description: Sharp gardening tools are key to successful pruning. This workshop will teach you how to clean and sharpen your tools.

Bring 1-2 tools that you will sharpen during the workshop. Pruners, loppers, or shovels, only. No handsaws, large shears, or pole pruners.

This workshop will also include a separate demonstration on sharpening chainsaws. This demonstration is intended for experienced chainsaw users. This is a demo only, so leave all chainsaws at home.

Registration: The workshop is free but registration using Eventbrite is required.
Check the Events Calendar on the website for information on how to register via Eventbrite. https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/upcoming-events/
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Double the deliciousness – Asheville Restaurant Week returns January 21-27 & February 17-23!

For many, the delicious culinary creations of local restaurants are a big part of what makes Asheville special. Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene. Show your favorite restaurants some love or try someplace new!

Check back for additional menus/special offerings.

Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, February 27 from 9am-3pm

Food Connection and Loving Food Resources are collaborating to bring you a one-of-a-kind fundraiser! Brunk Auction House will be offering their appraisal services for $15/item or $40 for 3 items!

Choose the hour time slot that works best for you and bring in family heirlooms, high-valued finds, and other antiques to be appraised by the professionals! All proceeds from tickets sales go to Food Connection and Loving Food Resources and participants may have the option to consign their items through the auction house and make some money themselves!

BRUNK AUCTIONS – 117 Tunnel Rd, Asheville

Brunk is a private auction house specializing in the sale of fine art, jewelry, Asian art, antique furniture, coins, and countless other areas of collecting – ranging from Contemporary Art to Antiquities. Excellence in connoisseurship is the hallmark of our specialist staff. Consistent and thoughtful client service is the foundation of our 40 years in business.

The 2025 McDowell County Republican Convention will take place on Saturday, March 1,
2025, at the historic Marion Train Depot (45 Depot Street, Marion, NC).
This event is your chance to actively engage in the political process here at home, across the
state, and even nationally. Gather with like-minded conservatives and join the movement to
make a tangible impact on elections. Mark your calendar and join us!