All Weekend
Merlefest in Wilkesboro: One of the most popular and famous festivals in the area happens this weekend in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, celebrating “traditional plus” music and the cultures that gave birth to it. The festival, honoring Merle Watson, the son of one of Western North Carolina’s most influential musicians, Doc Watson, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Thursday
Sound Effects Benefit Concert for Asheville Music School at Isis Music Hall 6-10 p.m.; The annual benefit for the Asheville Music School features, among many other things, a full performance of the classic Beatles’ album Magical Mystery Tour. Proceeds go to the Music School’s programs.
Fundraising 5K for Montreat College track coach Britten Olinger, who was severely injured in a car wreck recently.
Kishi Bashi at The Grey Eagle, 8 p.m.: Multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi was a founding member of Jupiter One and member of Of Montreal comes to the Grey Eagle to perform solo.
Ahleuchatistas at the Mothlight 9:30 p.m.: Local favorites Ahleuchatiastas bring their experimental sound to West Asheville. Shana Falana opens.
Friday
Color Me Goodwill at The Orange Peel, 6-10 pm; Our favorite fashion show of the year is Color Me Goodwill, where designers upcycle clothing from Goodwill. The evening opens with a cocktail reception.
Beat Life at The One Stop, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: This round of mad beats features Astrea Corp, Mother Hood, Simon Smthng, and other special guests, plus visual goodies.
Saturday
River Cleanup Sponsored by Buchi at 144 Riverside Dr. 9 a.m. to noon: Join fellow community members and head to the French Broad River to give back! Supplies are provided.
People’s Climate Rally & March at Pack Square, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hear speakers and unite with fellow Ashevillians and folks from the region to make your voice heard on climate and the way forward on the local and global levels.
The Tills album release show, 9:30 p.m., The Mothlight.
River Ruckus V CrossFit competition hosted by CrossFit Pisgah at Carrier Park, 9 a.m.
Sunday
Asheville Flea For Y’all at Asheville Outlets, 8 a.m.: The Flea For Y’all has all the goodies you could ever want in its new location at the Asheville Outlets.
MG Flea at MG Road, noon: Keep fleain’ at MG Road while you sip on a mimosa and Bloody Marys.
Home Derby Double Header at U.S. Cellular Center 1:30 p.m.
The last roller derby home bout of the season happens when the Mad Divas Junior Derby faces off against the Rome, GA, team. The Blue Ridge Roller Girls battle at 4:00.
