This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Feb. 17

• Malaprop’s Bookstore invites you to “bring your current projects, settle down with a hot cup of tea and talk shop with fiber artist and ‘Urban GypZ,’ Stacey Budge-Kamison,” at its monthly “Stitch-N-Bitch” event. 7 p.m. Free.

Friday, Feb. 18

• UNCA hosts an opening reception for Stealing Stories, an exhibition of large-scale drawings by Patricia Bellan-Gillen, at the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery on the first floor of Owen Hall. Bellan-Gillen will be on hand before the opening to discuss her work. Talk with artist, 5 p.m.; Reception, 6 p.m. Free.

• Studies, an exhibition featuring the work of Asheville artist Honour Hiers and Wisconsin photographer Wanrudee Buranakorn, will be on display at Castell Photography (2 Wilson Alley, Suite C) through March 26. A reception Friday, featuring wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres, will mark the opening. 5-8 p.m. Free.

• Push Skateshop 25 Patton Ave., 225-5509) does more than sell boards and shoes. The storefront also hosts art exhibits and recently produced its very own movie. This weekend, it celebrates the opening of Stalefish 3I — a group show featuring photographs, drawings and “robot-inspired” works by Dwight Morgan, Jon Svendsen, Rob Sebrell and Layne Hutchison — with a free reception downtown.

• Pisgah Brewing Company (150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain) continues their long-running tradition of free local music with a performance from progressive bluegrassers Brushfire Stankgrass. But don’t be stingy (or crazy), swap that cover for a tasty local brew. It won’t disappoint. 8 p.m. Free.

• “We are big, strong men,” reads How I Became the Bomb‘s Myspace. “We possess ring awareness. We have veteran presence. We have tremendous hand speed. We are long. We have wingspan. We have an EP.” The Nashville-based synth-pop outfit also has infectious, danceable rhythms, witty, off-beat lyrics and a rather large nationwide following. Catch them at Broadway’s (120 N. Lexington Ave.). 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19

• Looking for a new read? Check out Firestorm Cafe‘s LETS Winter Book Swap. Interested parties can sign up for a LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) account at noon, then get to swapping. Participants are asked to bring three to five books they’ve read and enjoyed. Childcare provided by donation. LETS registration optional. 1 p.m. Free.

• This one’s a bit out of the way, but we think the 5th annual Great Sapphire Outhouse Race is more than worth the drive. Reads a release, “Toward the end of each ski season here at Sapphire Valley Ski Area we get a little restless and look for excitement, so we do what comes naturally…race outhouses on skis down a hill. Crazy? maybe. Dangerous? perhaps. Fun? without a doubt. For a good cause? definitely. Prizes are awarded for best theme, most humorous, best construction, and for winning the race.” Proceeds benefit area schools’ ski programs. 3 p.m. Free to watch. Info: 421-7348.

• Karaoke is generally fun to watch, whether you participate or not. With this particular take, there is no question: You will be entertained. The Root Bar (1410 Tunnel Road) hosts a “Dolly Parton Dress Up and Karaoke Party, featuring the best and worst of the Smokey Mountain Songbird. You’re guaranteed never to see Dolly the same. 9 p.m. Free.

Sunday, Feb. 20

• Asheville Pedal Punks is a “cycling club purely for fun and fitness,” according to its website. “Some things should be elitist but not exercise. We believe that everybody should be able to enjoy and improve their bodies no matter their current shape and look cool doing it. So we invite you to pull out your bike, whether it’s a Marin or a Mongoose, and come enjoy a leisure ride with your friends and neighbors.” Get started this Sunday with the groups bi-monthly “Bikes and Beers” event, a 10-mile ride through Asheville that concludes with a drink at The Bywater on Riverside Drive. Meet at the parking lot on the corner of Mount Clare Ave. and Hillside St. 4:30 p.m. Free.