This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Sept. 8

• “Party like it’s 1787!” invites an event page on the Malaprop’s (55 Haywood Street, 254-6734) website. “Two of our favorite local writers, Joseph D’Agnese and Denise Kiernan, return with their new book, Signing Their Rights Away. A follow-up to their popular history book Signing Their Lives Away, which chronicles the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the new book focuses on the 39 gentlemen who signed the U.S. Constitution. Join us to celebrate and meet the authors!” 7 p.m. Free.

• According to organizers of the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, “Our mission is to bring together authors, readers of all ages, novice writers, listeners and learners in small, intimate settings … One of our goals is to raise awareness of works of literary significance from smaller presses. We do focus on regional writers, though not exclusively. And yes, we do like an occasional feather in our cap. But overall, our aspiration is to create a little literary community which is in dialog with readers, aspiring writers, and established authors about craft and ideas of sustaining merit.” The festival, held at various locations throughout Burnsville, runs through Saturday. Free.

Friday, Sept. 9

• Savor the last days of summer as Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers host an easy-to-moderate hike through a heath tunnel, culminating at the top of Buck Springs Tunnel. The trip departs from the Buck Springs Gap Overlook parking area, MP 407. Be prepared for inclement weather. Info: 298-5330.

• “Come enjoy everything that makes the Historic Morganton Festival the exciting event that it is: friends, food, fun, crafts and free music,” reads the event’s website. The family-friendly festival includes nationally-recognized recording artists and more than a mile-and-a-half of arts and crafts vendors from across the country. This year’s theme is “Country Crazy.” Held in downtown Morganton.

• “New Belgium Brewery is once again bringing their Clips of Faith film series to Asheville this year,” according to Asheville On Bikes. “We hope you saw or heard about last year’s installment, with hundreds of bike and beer-loving folks filling Pack Square Park. You can expect a showing of a handful of homemade short films on a bunch of topics, and the chance to sip or gulp a handful of beers from New Belgium, including some not yet available in stores!” Proceeds from the sale of local food and beer will benefit Asheville On Bikes, who will be on hand to “carefully park your bike in one of the last Bike Corrals of the summer.” 7 p.m. Free.

• The Classic World Cinema Film Series presents a free screening of Andrei Tarkovsky’s The Mirror. From organizers, “The director mixes flashbacks, historical footage and original poetry to illustrate the reminiscences of a dying man about his childhood during World War II, adolescence and divorce in his family, interweaving reflections about Russian history and society.” Held in the upstairs Railroad Library of the Courtyard Gallery, 109 Roberts St. in the River Arts District. 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10

• “All gardeners know that fall is the time to put plants in the ground if you want beautiful blossoms in spring, the perfect time of the year for planting shrubs and perennials,” advises the Asheville Botanical Gardens’ website. “The BGA’s annual Fall Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Botanical Gardens and numerous local plant nurseries and garden clubs will offer a wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers for fall plantings.  BGA members are entitled to a 10% discount on BGA-grown plants as well as purchases at the Visitor Center. As always, this event is held rain or shine!” 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., adjacent to the campus of UNCA.

• “Find your new best friend from among over 100 dogs and cats, kittens and puppies at the Fall Pet Carnival and Mega Adoption Event,” invites Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. “On Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at PetSmart (150 Bleachery Blvd. in Asheville), check out the great informational booths, activities for kids and pets, raffle prizes and Pet First Aid demonstrations by the American Red Cross.”

• “On the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Asheville Tango Orchestra will be performing a program of tango music from the golden age of Argentinian tango through modern compositions by Astor Piazzolla,” reads the sextet’s calendar. “Orchestra Director Michael Luchtan will perform a series of songs entitled ‘Tango Down,’ designed as a call out for reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.” Held at St. Matthias Church, 1 Dundee St. in Asheville. 3-4:15 p.m.

• Celebrate community radio as Emerald Lounge (112 North Lexington Ave.) hosts a party for Asheville FM’s second birthday. From the organization’s website, “Asheville Free Media is turning two next month, and we’re throwing a birthday benefit bash that you won’t want to miss. DJ Koleco, DJ Joynerd and Asheville FM’s own Adam Strange from Worst Case Scenario will be spinning until 2 a.m. … So, mark your calendar for a night of music, dance, and special birthday surprises.” 8 p.m. $5.