This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, June 23

• The Eastern Cougar is a controversial figure. The large cats were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1973 and are now presumed extinct, but unconfirmed sightings have continued for decades. Learn more about these majestic creatures as biologist Mark Cantrell of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service hosts “Are There Cougars in WNC?” at Highland Brewing Company (12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite H, 253-0095). 6 p.m. Free.

• Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce Street, 255-8115) hosts a screening of Behind the Mask: The Story of the People Who Risk Everything to Save Animals, a documentary that follows the Animal Liberation Front and examines the consequences these dedicated activists pay for breaking the law on behalf of their cause. 8 p.m. Free.

• “Albert Adams is a handsome man,” reads the band’s less-than-informative Facebook bio. In reality, Albert Adams is two men (we’ll leave the handsome up to you), a drum kit, some synth and a bass. Catch the duo’s dance punk stylings at BoBo Gallery (22 Lexington Avenue, 254-3426).

Friday, June 24

• Downtown Sylva gets the weekend started with Concerts on the Creek, a free summer music series held at Bridge Park. This week, enjoy the bluesy Americana of Johnny Floor and the Wrong Crowd. 7:30 p.m.

• Asheville’s Mobile Art Lab, a vehicle “adapted to support a wide range of art programs in all types of environments with all necessary tools and equipment,” takes to the streets for a screening of Exit Through the Gift Shop, the true story of a French filmmaker who attempted to locate and befriend world-renowed graffiti artist Bansky, “only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner.” Presented at Carrier Park in West Asheville. 8:45 p.m.

• “Here you have a classically trained composer turned steel pan maestro and front man of the Fourchestra,” reads Jonathan Scales bio, “heavily influenced by the complexity of banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck to the hustle of Jay-Z. Gritty blues guitarist, Duane Simpson, and fusion-chops bassist, Cody Wright, provide the harmonic support for Scales’ sound, while jazz/hip-hop drummer, Phill Bronson, drives the time-shifting, modern grooves. The cast of characters hold this mind-bending concoction together with jazz edge and classical sensibility.” The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra performs selections from its recently released third album, Character Farm and Other Short Stories, at Hole-N-Da-Wall (44 Market St., in downtown Asheville).

Saturday, June 25

• Enjoy an afternoon of orienteering, campfire cooking, nature hikes and more at Family Outdoor Adventure Day, hosted by the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (MP 384) as part of an ongoing series of Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger programs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 298-5330.

• First Baptist Church of Asheville (5 Oak St., 252-4781) hosts “Concert on the Steps,” featuring live bluegrass, barbecue, ice cream, inflatables and more. 4-6 p.m. Free.

• The music of Woody Pines, according to his bio, “epitomizes the swinging ragtime and country sound and embraces a simpler time. Pines,” it continues, “describes the band’s sound as a ragtime rhythm and a swinging good time, and his songs reflect that belief. ‘Reefer Man’ immediately brings to mind a haunting, Halloween hootenanny that could have come straight out of vaudeville. ‘Pretty Blue Eyes’ puts listeners straight into the backseat of a convertible, whipping around the back roads of the Delta on a crisp, autumn night.” Sound appealing? Pines plays the Westville Pub on Saturday. 10 p.m. 

Sunday, June 26

• Suffer from a short attention span? Then The Autumn Players trio of one-act plays should be right up your alley. Featured works include Trifles by Susan Glaspell, In the Shadow of the Glen by J.M. Synge and Fumed Oak by Noel Coward. Held at UNCA’s Reuter Center, Manheimer Room. 2:30 p.m. $5.  Info: 251-6140.