Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
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What’s going on in your worlds, Asheville? We’ve got some sweet weekend action that you can get in on. As always, let us know if we missed something you’re excited about!
All Weekend
Asheville Beer Week
Happening through the weekend at spots across town, the 5th annual Beer Week is a celebration of beer in our favorite Beer City. Upcoming Beer Week events include Bhramari’s Rusty Buffalo Beer Release, Bold Rock Cider’s birthday, and Rage Yoga. Individual event tickets are on sale now.
Friday
Livermush Festival
Marion, NC
The beloved tradition of feasting on livermush continues in Marion, NC. This family friendly festival serves up livermush of all shapes and sizes. The pork and cornmeal concoction is steeped in history. Enjoy your livermush sandwich while you poke around the booths and explore downtown Marion.
A thing re | sembling a win • dow Window – re/production re/presentation Asheville Area Arts Council 5-8 pm
The latest show put on by the follks behind Window Contemporary is A thing re | sembling a win • dow, an exhibit featuring local and regional artists in dialogue with questions aboutrepresentations and reproductions. Stop by the opening reception, see the works, do your art thing. There are some fantastic pieces in this show!
Mermaids in Marshall Downtown Marshall, NC 5 pm
The annual Mermaid Parade is back! Dress like a mermaid or a pirate, join or create a float, see live music on Blannahassett Island, and have a blast! Local restaurants will offer special treats inspired by the sea. Parade lineup begins by the Island stage, where Mick Glasgow and the House Hoppers and Shake It Like a Caveman will be playing.
Start your day with some running, or go cheer on a friend! The Half Marathon and 10K is a way for the city to promote healthy lifestyles and activities in our beautiful mountains. The courses run through downtown Asheville and along the French Broad River.
Montford Park Players Midsommer Faire Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre Starts @ 8 am
Asheville’s own Rennaisance Faire, hosted by the Montford Park Players, happens on Saturday. Bring the whole gang down to enjoy costumed characters, food, drink, and revelry in the beautiful neighborhood of Montford! Check out the full MPP schedule online.
Clay Day Festival Folk Art Center 10 am-4 pm
Come make things out of clay! Drive on up the Parkway to the Folk Art Center for this festival, which invites engagement and participation in the clay arts. The event is completely free and has been around for over 20 years! It includes renowned area clay artists who will be exhibiting and demonstrating. A food truck will also be on hand.
PUJOL w/ Free Range Asheville Ole Shakey’s 7 pm
This Southern Gothic rock/punk/garage band is helmed by poet and musician Daniel Pujol, who will be speaking with the founders of Free Range Asheville before the band plays. We’re doing a ticket giveaway on Asheville Grit–share our post about the show (which includes an exclusive interview with Daniel!) to win tickets and free tracks.
Spinning Plates Benefit Show Twin Leaf Brewing 7 pm – 1 am
After you see PUJOL, head to Twin Leaf for a benefit dance and DJ show hosted by local DJs including DJ Kutzu, founder of Turntable Tuesday. The event benefits will allow his family to help cover medical costs for his mom. Food donated by Tiger Mountain will help you sustain the energy you need to dance the night away.
Sunday
Great American Jerk Off Ole Shakey’s 4-8 pm
Asheville’s first jerky competition is happening Sunday afternoon through the evening at Ole Shakey’s! Participating chefs and restaurants include Bull and Beggar, Buxton Hall BBQ, Cucina 24, and more. $3 gets you in to sample and vote, but leave the kiddies at home–Ole Shakey’s is 21+.
Art and Pie Buxton Hall BBQ 2-5 pm
Local bakers and artists will join forces for a three hour pie making workshop and art exhibition. Demos and lessons will initiate you into the glorious world of pie, and you’ll enjoy plenty of samples while you work and/or watch. A cocktail hour will start off the afternoon. Bakers and organizers include Ashley Capps (Buxton Hall), Tara Jensen (Smoke Signals Bakery), Jessica Rosenkoetter (Buxton Hall), and Amy Evans (Art and Pie blog). Your $75 ticket includes a drink, all the pie knowledge you could want, and a bag full of surprises created by the organizers.
Tell us what you’re excited about this weekend in the comments!
