This weekend on a shoestring *UPDATED*

Thursday, Feb. 24

• Take a look at how Asheville became the haven we all known and love with “Celebrating Life in the Mountains: A History of Asheville in the 20th Century,” a panel discussion with Cecil Bothwell, Asheville City Council member; David Gardner, executive director of North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness at UNCA; and Rick Lutovsky, former president of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Held at UNCA’s Reuter Center, Manheimer Room. 7 p.m. Free.

• If you’re the type to sing along with musicals, here’s your chance to do so freely, without getting annoyed looks or popcorn poured over your head. The Asheville Choral Society hosts its first Movie Musical Sing-Along at the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company (675 Merrimon Ave., 254-1281). “Dress up, sing or just witness the silliness,” reads a release for the event. 10 p.m. $3.

• Seattle’s Ivan and Alyosha craft gentle, melodic indie pop that American Songwriter calls “a polished west coast soul-folk sound that draws on the poppier sensibilities of McCartney songwriting.” And comparisons to the Fab Four don’t end there; earlier this month, the band recorded a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, who lauded it’s “Beatles-esque pop harmonies and sweet melodies.” Catch them at The LAB (39 N. Lexington Ave., 252-0212) with The Enemy Lovers. 9:30 p.m. $5.

Friday, Feb. 25

• The Courtyard Gallery presents a free showing of Russian director Andrei Zvyagintsev’s The Return, a film that examines the emotional chaos that ensues when a father returns home to the two son’s he’s never met. The screening is part of the gallery’s weekly Foreign Film Series, held each Friday upstairs in the Railroad Library of the Phil Mechanic Building, 109 Roberts St., in Asheville. 7:45 p.m. Donations appreciated.

• It’s not often that a show at the Orange Peel makes it on a list of budget-friendly events, but this weekend is an exception to that rule. The nationally-recognized venue shows some love to Asheville Friday with an all-ages local metal showcase, featuring Telic, Burnstitch and Lifecurse. 9 p.m. $5.

• Warren Wilson College presents The Vagina Monologues, about the “mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement buried in women’s experiences,” at Bryson Gym. Proceeds benefit Our Voice, Helpmate, Tranzmission and the RISE Project — community partners actively working to end violence against women. $5 students.

Saturday, Feb. 26

• Pack’s Tavern (20 South Spruce St., 255-6944) hosts a Mardi Gras Masquerade party to benefit March of Dimes, a non-profit dedicated to the research and prevention of problems that threaten the health of babies. The Vinyl Brothers Big Band will provide the horn-laden soul and rock soundtrack to the party. Guests are encouraged to wear a mask, which can also be purchased at the door. 8:30 p.m. $5. Info: 258-1234 or aalexander@marchofdimes.com.

• The Asheville Community Yoga Center (8 Brookdale Road in Woodfin) offers free yoga classes seven days a week. This weekend, it also hosts a free movie night, featuring a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. “Dress up and bring snacks!” directs a post on the organizations website. If you’re wondering what this has to do with yoga: not much, but there will be a yoga and dance intermission, so dress appropriately. 8-10 p.m.

• The Critters return to The Get Down (1045 Haywood Road, 505-8388) for a night of wild and raucous psychedelic rock. This time, they’ll be joined by The Lords of Chicken Hill and E. Lee. 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27

• There’s no denying, movie prices have gotten out of hand. Luckily, the Cinebarre (800 Brevard Road, 665-8661) in Biltmore Square feels your pain, which is why, every Sunday, all movies are only a buck. That’s right, one dollar. Check out their schedule online or drop in to see for yourself. 18 and up, unless accompanied by a guardian.

• St. Matthias Episcopal Church (1 Dundee St., 252-0643) has quickly become a destination for classical music in Asheville. This weekend, the historic church hosts a concert version of Pirates of Penzance, featuring a 24-piece orchestra and 40-voice choir. 3 p.m. Free-will offering.