This weekend on a shoestring

Friday, June 10

• Beat the heat with a morning stroll on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This moderate, 1.5 mile hike will focus on flowering tress and wildflowers. Bring water and be prepared for inclement weather. Meet at the Craggy Dome Overlook, milepost 364, just north of the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. Info: 298-5330.

• The N. C. Arboretum will host a series of woodturning demonstrations by The Carolina Mountain Woodturners as part of The Fine Art of Wood exhibit, on display through Sept. 6. Chapter members will also have work available for sale and will be on hand to answer questions after the demonstrations. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Demonstrations and exhibit are free, but $8 to park.

• If you’ve passed through the River Arts District lately, you’ve probably noticed the brightly-colored building at 342 Depot St. Take a look inside as Pink Dog Creative, a multi-use arts space, celebrates the grand opening of 15 studios and The Junction Restaurant and Bar. The event will also include an opening reception for Contemporary Primitive, an exhibition of work by Cleaster Cotton. 5-10 p.m. Free.

• Matt and Kevin Rumley have contributed to an impressive list of local bands that includes Electric Owls, Lovett, Cobra Horse and Brian McGee. Now, the brothers are finally pursuing their own project, Her Marigold, with a Kickstarter project dedicated to funding the band’s debut LP. Get a taste of what the Rumley brothers are all about when the duo plays its first show at Bandwagon (474 Haywood Road, above the Dry Goods Shop). 8 p.m.

• Formerly Asheville-based hip-hop collective Fist Family may have transplanted to San Francisco, but they still have love for the mountains. The group will celebrate the release of its latest album, Posted, with a hometown reunion show at Emerald Lounge (112 N Lexington Ave., 232-4372), featuring a who’s who of local talent that includes Topr, Adam Strange, The Ville Boyz, DJ Football and, of course, Foul Mouth Jerk. 9 p.m. $5.

• Everyone can remember the excitement and jubilation that accompanies the end of a school year. This weekend, Fred’s Speakeasy (122 College St., 281-0920) celebrates that milestone with an all ages Punk Rock Pizza Party, featuring music by “middle-school-aged” rock trio The Citizens. Party begins at 4:30 p.m., music at 10 p.m. Free.

Saturday, June 11

• The Cradle of Forestry (Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest, 877-3130) will celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with a number of family-oriented activities showcasing outdoor adventure sports and camp and trail skills. Featured events will include archery demos, fly fishing, mountain biking, crafts, music and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• More than 150 area artists will open their studios to the public on Saturday as part of the River Arts District Studio Stroll. The two-day event, held in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River, will also include demonstrations and hands-on activities. An information booth will be located at the five points intersection of Depot Street, across from Clingman Café. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

• Arcade Asheville (130 College St., 258-1400) hosts “Every Girl Is a Riot Girl,” a fashion show and fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Rollergirls, featuring live music by Zombie Queen and The Critters. 7 p.m. Free.

• It’s that time of year when nature decorates the night sky, and this weekend, you can learn a bit more about those tiny luminescent creatures at the Firefly Twilight Tour. Naturalists will discuss the life cycle and special features of fireflies before leading a short walk into the forest to view their splendor. Meet at the Pink Beds Picnic Area on Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest. 7:30 p.m. Free. Info: ccarpenter02@fs.fed.us.