This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Aug. 23

• According to an event page for the Tangerine Tango, “A variety of local designers and retail shops will be showcased at this event, which serves as a kick-off for the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Tangerine Ball … This event serves as an opportunity for local designers to showcase their wears and have an opportunity to not only sell their work but get commissions for gowns and costumes for the BIG party on the night of September 15. … A live runway show will take place outside the Altamont Theatre on Church St. … Taking the stage at at Altamont Theater will be a variety of  local dance performances. Blue Spiral Tango and Asheville Ballet are both involved with providing talent for the evening.” 18 Church St. 6-9 p.m. Free to attend.

• Get an early (and healthy) start to the weekend with an easy evening stroll on the Mountains-toSea trail. Trip departs from MP 388.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Hendersonville Road. Bring water and good walking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather. Free. Info and registration: 298-5330.

Friday, Aug. 24

• ”Bil Lepp is an internationally-known storyteller and humorist whose style has been described as a satisfying blend of Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy,” according to the comedian’s website. “A five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, his outrageous tall tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages.” Lepp visits Asheville for a free performance at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Info: www.olliasheville.com.

• “Join us as Margaret Dunbar Cutright and Tal McThenia present and sign A Case for Solomon: Bobby Dunbar and the Kidnapping that Haunted a Nation,” invites Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe. “First told in a stunning episode of National Public Radio’s This American Life, A Case for Solomon chronicles the epic struggle to determine one child’s identity, along the way probing unsettling questions about the formation of memory, family and self.” 55 Haywood St. 7 p.m. Free.

• From the Montford Park Players’ website, “Never performed before in our 40-year history, the tragic history of Richard II is being presented in grand form now as a steam punk opera. Civilization turns as Richard’s flowery ancestral court falls and a new group of young technologists rise to power. This production combines the political upheaval of King Richard’s reign and the social upheaval of the industrial revolution to create a world of grotesque beauty that gives resonance to Shakespeare’s words.” Performed Fridays-Sundays at Hazel Robinson Ampitheatre, 100 Gay St. in Montford. 7:30 p.m. Donations appreciated.

Saturday, Aug. 25

• “Concerned over our quality of life and preserving our natural mountain environment?” asks the homepage of Transition Asheville‘s website. “Many of us are, and that is leading to greater public support for local efforts that can build a sustainable and resilient future for Asheville and our Western North Carolina region. As the 88th Transition Town in the U.S., Asheville has joined a growing number of towns and cities across the country and the world which are striving to build resilience in their communities and surrounding areas.” Learn more as the organization hosts an outdoor celebration at Roger McGuire Green downtown, featuring information about Transition Action Groups, live music, family activities, food trucks and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

• The Bent Creek Community Park presents Crafts on the Creek, a fundraiser for maintenance and revitalization projects, featuring a variety of handmade crafts from local artists, food, a kids craft area and live music. 125 Idlewood Drive. Noon-dark. Free to attend.

• Enjoy music from Classfive, Kara Clark and Jud Block, and Alarm Clock Conspiracy, along with live painting by Terrell Lee Miller, as Black Mountain Ale House, 117 C Cherry St., Black Mountain, presents Pints and Paints, a fundraiser for the Black Mountain Town Square Project. The bar/restaurant will donate 20 percent of evening food sales to the organization, which aims to develop a community gathering space downtown. Co-hosted by AnTHM Gallery. 4-10 p.m. 

Sunday, Aug. 26

• “In the United States, a miniature book is usually considered to be one which is no more than three inches in height, width or thickness,” explains the Miniature Book Society‘s website. “Some aficionados collect slightly larger books, while others specialize in even smaller sizes. Outside of the United States, books up to four inches are often considered miniature.” Check out the strange and intriguing creations as the Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St., hosts a miniature book fair. Free to attend. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• About Asheville350.org, from the organization’s website, “350.org is an international campaign dedicated to creating an equitable global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million. 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide — measured in ‘parts per million’ in our atmosphere. 350 ppm — it’s the number humanity needs to get back below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.” Join members at Woodfin Riverside Park, 1510 Riverside Drive, for a pot-luck picnic to “celebrate the establishment of its local chapter help promote environmental sanity.” Free to attend; bring a dish to share. 1 p.m.