ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A gem show, a plant swap and the Harlem Globetrotters are just a few of the events coming through Asheville this weekend. Check out our activity guide for more.
Friday, March 20
Attend the 34th M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Land of the Sky Shrine Club, 39 Spring Cove Road
Gem lovers, fossil hunters and crystal enthusiasts mark your calendars: the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association will host its latest trade show this weekend in Swannanoa. The M.A.G.M.A. Gem Show is free and open to the public, mineral hobbyists and the crystal curious alike.
Hike Collier Cove Nature Preserve – 194 Rhododendron Dr., Arden
Collier Cove Nature Preserve is a Buncombe County park perched on an Arden mountaintop. Trails on the preserve may not be long, but they are about as steep as they get. Read more about the challenging hike in our hiking guide.
Saturday, March 21
Cheer on runners at the Asheville Marathon – 7:30 a.m., Pack Square Park
The Asheville Marathon and Half will be held this weekend, bringing runners from all over the United States and several countries from around the world to Asheville for 26.2 miles of fun. Spectators are encouraged to join in, too. The marathoners will run through downtown Asheville, the center hub for spectators, twice: The starting line at Pack Square Park and again when runners hit mile 10. Read more in our race preview.
Participate in Asheville Fringe Fest – Downtown Asheville
The 24th Asheville Fringe Arts Festival will continue through this weekend. The festival is interdisciplinary, featuring music, theater, performance art, puppetry and spoken word, to name a few Fringe-y arts. Learn more about the festival and find shows to attend in our story.
Watch The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour – 5 p.m., Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St.…