Laughter: it's good for you. Make sure you get your recommended helping at this week's Asheville Comedy Festival, kicking off tonight at Highland Brewing. Full details, plus other weekend goodness, below. And check out one of our favorite videos from the Archives, made for last year's Asheville Comedy Festival!  Wednesday - Saturday Asheville Comedy Festival @ various locations 8 pm Famous Showcases, 10:30 pm late-night (except Saturday) This year's festival, presented by Laugh Your Asheville Off, brings local and national comedians to Highland Brewing (Wednesday), Diana Wortham, and the Disclaimer Lounge (at the Southern Kitchen & Bar) for a long weekend of stand-up culminating in a Saturday evening Festival Blowout Extravaganza. Tickets for the full four days of shenanigans (not including late-night) and tickets to individual shows are on sale now.  Thursday Craft After Dark @ the CCCD 8-10 pm Following a gala in honor of Stoney Lamar, artist and CCCD board member, you are invited to a late-night crafting session with live music and an all-inclusive dessert and cocktail bar in the exhibition space. Nine artists in wood arts will lead workshops on everything from lathe woodturning to milk painting. Tickets start at $50. Thursday - Saturday Burlesque! Burlesque! Burlesque! @ Burlesque Academy of Asheville The Geektastic: Burlesque Review returns for its fifth year with host Walter Beals, headliner Franki Markstone, and tons of other outrageous talent over three days of sexy, hilarious fun. Thursday - Sunday Soulshine Farm Music Fest @ Green Mountain Enjoy a weekend of music, hiking, and family-friendly fun in the great outdoors. Now in its fourth year, the Soulshine Farm Music Fest will feature acts including The Paper Crowns, Plankeye Peggy, Phuncle Sam, The Fritz, Screaming Js, and more.  Friday Entanglements @ Revolve 7:30-10 pm Celebrate Revolve Gallery's new space in the Ramp Studios for their fall kick-off show, a multi-media performance from Linda Larsen, Constance Humphries, Adam Larsen, and Kima Moore. A repeat performance happens on September 2. Light fare and beverages from Ginger's Revenge provided. (Selling out fast!) Friday - Saturday Pansy Fest 2017 @ various locations A queer and trans DIY music and arts fest happening over two days at Static Age Records, the Odditorium, the Underground, and Firestorm. Workshops, performances, + more. Proceeds benefit Beloved House and Southerners on New Ground. Saturday River Demo Day @ French Broad Outfitters Hominy Creek 12-5 pm FBO, Oskar Blues, and Bellyak presents a day of river gear and summer fun out at FBO's Hominy Creek outpost. $5 gives you access to paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and more. The event benefits Asheville GreenWorks. Saturday - Sunday 40th Annual Sourwood Festival @ Black Mountain Delicious honeys and treats are all the buzz at this two-day, family-friendly festival in downtown Black Mountain. 200 vendors, honey and bee demos, delicious food, music, dancing, and games for the little ones will keep you as busy as a bee. Sunday Waxahatchee w/ Palehound and Outer Spaces @ The Grey Eagle 8 pm  The luminous Waxahatchee returns to the Asheville stage for a night of music at the RAD's Grey Eagle venue.