Subscribe | Get featured

It’s Friday, Harrisonburg! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Philanthropy’s $110M surge, a 424-unit rezoning fight, and a bonfire botany workshop + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Harrisonburg protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Philanthropy’s expanding community impact: The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg-Rockingham recently topped $110 million in charitable assets, crediting local support and partnerships, and since 1998 it has returned nearly $97 million to the community — see what’s behind the growth.

Growth debate reaches crossroads: Rockingham County supervisors approved rezoning for a 44 acre housing complex southeast of Harrisonburg, allowing up to 424 units, as neighbors raise overcrowding concerns along Routes 33, 253, and 280 — read what the board approved.

Shenandoah Valley history spotlight: Harrisonburg’s VA250 commemoration began March 2 with exhibits and demonstrations highlighting local ties to America’s founding, plus a new Harrisonburg History Trail with brochures at major historic sites — see what’s planned across the area.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Make your yard pollinator-friendly
• Paint a charming seasonal design
• Shop fair trade rugs in Harrisonburg
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Refresh your walls: Stroll through OASIS Fine Art & Craft for locally made finds, from cozy watercolor landscapes to handmade jewelry and quirky prints that feel like Harrisonburg. It’s an easy, no-pressure browse. You might bump into a neighbor debating which piece goes over the sofa, which is half the fun.

Seafood night, sorted: Finnigan’s Cove pairs easygoing neighborhood vibes with oysters, steamed shrimp, and crab legs, backed by a full bar. For weeks that need ocean energy in Harrisonburg, the shore comes to you, no fuss, just fresh flavors and a relaxed crowd.

Deck glow-up time: If your backyard wants more hangout room, Valley Roofing & Exteriors builds clean, durable decks and porches with Fiberon boards, sleek aluminum or cable railings, and covered porch options, turning weeknights into a mini getaway. That way, you’re ready before pollen takes over.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌿 Bonfire Botany Workshop @ Aristocat Cafe + Tea House | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – Whether your last houseplant survived or we don’t talk about that, this hands-on workshop has you building a staghorn fern terrarium, no green thumb required. Bonfire Botany keeps it step by step, foolproof, and fun. Every piece ends up one of a kind, yours included.

🍦 Waffles and Ice Cream @ Smiley’s Ice Cream (Bridgewater) | Saturday (3/14) at 7:30 AM – Saturday morning calls for waffles that behave like dessert. Choose homemade regular or double chocolate chip, with a gluten-free option, then pile on whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries, mini chocolate chips, syrup, butter, and yogurt parfaits. We’ll call it balance, you call it breakfast.

☘ 5th Annual YFB Shamrock Showcase @ UREC | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – Skip the errands and watch Harrisonburg turn into hoops central as YFB’s Shamrock Showcase packs JMU, EMU, and Horizons Edge with real competition, college-level shine, and smooth operations. Cameras are rolling, so perfect your bleacher face, and enjoy a tournament that sells out fast.

🐝 Let’s Talk Bees @ Rocking R Ace Hardware | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Curious about backyard hives or already fluent in bee-speak? This one-hour, no-nonsense Q&A brings new and veteran beekeepers together to swap tips on gear, honey, swarms, and neighbor diplomacy. Bring your questions, your patience, and maybe a calm hat.

🏂 Massanutten Meltdown @ Massanutten Ski Slopes (McGaheysville) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Nothing caps ski season like watching grown adults pond-skim in helmets, take a rail jam lap, and call it cardio. Live DJ, three bands, and a Base Camp tap takeover seal it. Meet the snowmakers, ogle the groomers, and NUTT alumni ski free, family discounted.

🎤 Cotton Patch Gospel @ Community Mennonite Church | Saturday (3/14) at 6:30 PM – Whether you grew up humming Harry Chapin or just enjoy a lean story well told, Cotton Patch Gospel shows up as a one-man musical with Phillip Kaufmann doing the heavy lifting. All heart, no fluff, and your free-will offering supports Patchwork Pantry, MCC, and WhyHunger.

👧 Celebrating Girls for 114 Years @ Weyers Cave Community Center | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – Birthday math says 114 candles require backup, so this Girl-led bash brings founder lore, Kim’s Game, a wooden scout, and an oyster-to-pearl necklace, plus snacks. Bring a birthday party item for Food Pantry boxes, and register at theSassyDoxies.com. $12 per participant includes a patch.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Finally Fridays @ CrossKeys Vineyards (Mt Crawford)
• 3/13 Big City Band @ Massanutten Ski Lodge (McGaheysville) – 9:00 PM
• 3/14 Saint Patrick’s Shenanigans @ The Cracked Pillar (Bridgewater) – 11:00 AM
• 3/14 Cotton Patch Gospel @ Community Mennonite Church – 6:30 PM
• 3/14 Winter Roots Concert 2026 @ Wilson Hall – 7:00 PM
• 3/15 Josh Davidson @ CrossKeys Vineyards (Mt Crawford)
• 3/17 Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration @ The Cracked Pillar (Bridgewater) – 5:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Harrisonburg report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 56°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 3%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 5 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Southwest wind 8 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

This house is wild

This charming 3-bed, 1-bath, 1,421-square-foot Harrisonburg haven sits minutes from Route 33 shopping, Kroger, Walmart, and Valley Mall, with quick I-81 access. A bright living room flows to a kitchen with crisp white cabinets. A versatile bonus room with a big closet flexes as an office or fourth bedroom. Outside, a covered patio overlooks a large, level, fenced backyard.

Take a peek inside →

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂

P.S. Did someone forward this to you? Click here to subscribe (it’s free)!