• Cold Mountain Release Weekend at Highland Brewing | Friday, Nov. 11-Monday, Nov. 14 | Times vary | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | $10-$20 | Join Highland Brewing Company for its annual celebratory release of the Cold Mountain Ale featuring tasting sessions, food trucks, live music, and sweet treats.
• Complimentary Veterans Day Barbecue Lunch | Friday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Buxton Hall Barbecue, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | Free | All veterans who served, and are still serving, in the Armed Forces are invited to enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch.
• “The Big Brunch” Watch Party | Friday, Nov. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free | Watch episode one of “The Big Brunch,” a new cooking show featuring local chef J Chong.

• 4th Annual Vessels of Merriment | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 2-5 p.m. | Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville | Free | Shop for ceramic handcrafted drinking vessels like growlers, goblets, and tumblers from 20 studio potters from around the country.
• East Fork Holiday Makers Market | Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | East Fork Asheville, 15 W. Walnut St., Asheville | Free | Shop one of a kind creations at this annual market, which showcases the artistic wares of East Fork employees, including ceramics and textiles.
• Mr. and Ms. Gay Latino Asheville 2022 | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $40-80 | The 14th annual iteration of this pageant showcases contestants and performers from across the country in an electric night of music, dance, and drag.

• Open Into Love: Embodying Relationship, A Workshop For Couples | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 2-5 p.m. | Asheville Community Yoga, 8 Brookdale Rd., Woodfin | $75-175 | Examine what it means to be in deep romantic connection with your partner at this workshop led by Michael Greenfield, Executive Director of Asheville Community Yoga.
• Pop Yoga All Levels Gentle Yoga | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hello Gorgeous, Professional Bra Fittings & More, 61 N. Merrimon Ave. Ste. 107 , Asheville | $18 | Go for the gentle yoga flow with Jamie from Burning Sage Yoga, stay for the post-class mimosas and chocolates.
• Sunday Live: Steve Lapointe | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 2-4 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free | Enjoy live piano while exploring relics at the Asheville Art Museum.

• Tomorrow, Nov. 11 marks Veterans Day. To help you commemorate the brave people who have fought to protect our country, we’ve rounded up four local events that you can attend.

• The annual River Arts District Artists Studio Stroll kicks off tomorrow, Nov. 11, and lasts until Sunday, Nov. 13. The weekend of events includes opportunities to meet the artists and makers of RAD, browse one-of-a-kind art, and watch artist demonstrations. 🎨

• It’s a big weekend for sports in Asheville, because the Asheville Championship returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville on Friday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 13. The men’s college basketball tournament will welcome teams from Harvard University, East Tennessee State, Elon University, and more. Buy tickets. 🏀

Why go?

• Italian beef. Okay, so there’s more to Chitown than a seemingly never-ending supply of thinly sliced roast beef sandwiches, but they are worth the trip no matter how far away you are.
• Key events include the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thurs., Nov. 24 and one of the best St. Patty’s Day celebrations in March — the city even dyes the Chicago River green.
• Vrbo: Bella Villa on Taylor Street. Complete with three bedrooms + two baths, this second floor flat overlooks “Little Italy.” (~$195/night)*

• Two words: Pineapple cottage. This Hakalau, Hawaii Vrbo has sweeping ocean views, an outdoor hanging bed for lounging, and is on a fruit farm (think: lemons, oranges, lychee and pineapple at your fingertips). Book as a January getaway or as the best holiday gift ever for only $175 avg/night. 🍍*

• Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from going to outdoor sporting events or enjoying local hiking trails. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

• Celebrate the holiday season in the company of family, friends, and, of course, food. This southeast Etsy seller makes the perfect personalized tray, great for serving loved ones your favorite holiday treats. Bonus: Make it your own with a custom engraving.*