This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, March 28

• From REI Asheville‘s website, “GO TAKE A HIKE! Join REI staff to learn about the basics of hiking. In this program, REI experts will share tips and tricks on all aspects of hiking. Learn about trip planning, essential items, equipment and safety precautions, along with local resources and places to go.” 31 Schenck Parkway. 6:30 p.m. Free. See website for registration.

Friday, March 29

• First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., hosts a Good Friday concert featuring meditative music with Maegan Michaud (oboe), Lea Kibler (flute) and Daniel Weiser (piano). Noon. Free. Info: 252-8729.

• From the Colburn Earth Science Museum, “Join us the last Friday of every month for Beer City Science (adults only)! Each month will feature FREE beer from local, sustainable breweries and a short discussion on issues facing the WNC community. Bring your friends (21+) and come ready to learn about the environmental issues facing WNC from active scientists and entrepreneurs!” 2 S. Pack Square. 5 p.m. $10 suggested donation; three beer limit per person.

• “The Grove Park Inn is a world-class spa and resort in Asheville, N.C.,” begins a post for Disclaimer Comedy‘s weekly stand-up at Elaine’s Piano Bar. “In anticipation of Disclaimer Comedy’s weekly Friday night free Asheville comedy series that launched in the fall of 2011, presidents, dignitaries and celebrities, and even common schmoes such as yourself, have been visiting Grove Park Inn since 1913. Disclaimer Comedy presents some (not all of them return our calls) of the best comedians from across the region and nation.” 290 Macon Ave. 8-9:30 p.m. Free.

• The Orange Peel offers local rock bands a chance to play the big stage this weekend with a showcase featuring The Hermit Kings, Antique Firearms and Camp David. 101 Biltmore Ave. 9 p.m. $5.

Saturday, March 30

• This weekend offers a variety of Easter events, from egg hunts and outdoor celebrations to seasonal church services and more. Check out the Festivals and Spirituality sections of the Community Calendar for complete listings.

• The French Broad Food Coop, 90 Biltmore Ave., hosts an urban homesteading fair featuring vendors and presentations. More, from a Facebook event page, “More than 30 vendors and educators will present a plethora of ideas and products including bee keeping, mushroom growing, poultry raising, mead making, permaculture, alternative energy sources, bread oven building, hops growing, alternative education, herbal medicine making and fermentation. The event exemplifies the Food Co-op’s mission to be a transformative force in the community, and two of the Co-op’s Seven Principles: Concern for Community and Education. … In addition to the outside exhibits, several educational classes will be held in the community room above the Co-op. Well known local musicians will be showcased on stage throughout the day, as will local dance groups: The Urban Arts Institute and The Morris Dancers. A chef’s tent will serve food, and local beers will be on tap. If you hang around long enough, even the staff will be playing some music. Come, join us and start transforming your homestead!” 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

• “For one night only, join us for the incomparable Anam Cara Cabaret: A Variety Show … a spectacular performance of music, dance, storytelling, drag, comedy and more,” invites a Facebook event page. “They say variety is the spice of life, so let us make your night a whole lot spicier. Featuring the remarkable talents of Odette Dynasty, Fynn Crooks, Jeff Thompson, Brian Claflin, Lorraine Conrad, Gabrielle White, Ellie Grace, Brandon Caldwell, Kim Hartman, Mike Taylor and Kristen Aldrich. Tickets available for a sliding scale of $5-$10 at the door or in advance at anamcaratheatre.com!” Held at Toy Boat Community Arts Space, 101 Fairview Road. 8 p.m.

• From a Smart Bet in this week’s issue, “The Odditorium (located in the former Get Down space on Haywood Road) has technically been open since January, but this weekend, the revamped and remodeled ‘oddities bar for the peculiar children of Asheville’ celebrates its grand opening with a blowout party featuring a photo booth, fortune tellers, fire breathers, jugglers, clowns, snake charmers, puppeteers and more (alcohol-infused snow cones, anyone?). The event begins with a costume parade down Haywood Road (meet at the Ingles parking lot at 4:30 p.m.) and culminates with a variety of local performers like Cripps Puppets and John Wilkes Boothe and the Black Toothe (pictured). Upcoming events include comedy shows, talent/freak shows, trivia nights, live poetry, dance parties and, of course, all genres of live music, set in a space ‘filled with obscure and interestingly askew oddities, strange collections and eccentric monthly art exhibits.’” 1045 Haywood Road. Free. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Photo by Roxanne Turpen

Sunday, March 31

• The Asheville Darkroom will host a public photography critique at Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., open to analog and digital photographers of all levels. More, from a Facebook event page, “The Asheville Darkroom aims to provide a forum for photographers at all levels, digital or analog, to receive critical feedback on 5-10 physical prints. We appeal to photographers using the medium as an artistic process. All who wish to provide a safe but challenging environment to grow with input from a group of peers, darkroom members or not, are welcome! The first six people to reserve a slot will have their work reviewed, although anyone beyond the six who wants to attend is encouraged to do so. If you RSVP here, please indicate whether you want to have your work reviewed or just want to sit in. Optional BYOB … let’s get some dialog going!” 6 p.m. Free.