Food

👀 Keep eyes on Insta

⏰ Be flexible on meal times

🍸 Sidle up to the bar

• Small Batch Sake Release Party | Wednesday, Apr. 12 | 5-8 p.m. | Ben’s Tune-Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Asheville | Free | Sample four new locally-made sakes at this release party.

• Harlem Globetrotters | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $18-$99 | These legendary ballers are returning to Asheville for an evening of trick shots and other delights.
• The Usually Funny Dance-Films of Mitchell Rose | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $12 | Enjoy an evening of comic dance films by choreographer and filmmaker Mitchell Rose.
• Family Outdoor Night: Let’s Try Fishing | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Azalea Dog Park, 395 Azalea Rd., Asheville | $2 | Learn basic fishing skills at this family-friendly, introductory class — fishing poles and bait will be provided.

• Gateway Party | Friday, Apr. 14 | 6 p.m. | The Outpost, 521 Amboy Rd., Asheville | $20-$25 | This collective of Asheville-based artists will play music all night — there will also be spring-themed art and dancing.
• Loretta Lynn Birthday Tribute | Friday, Apr. 14 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $12-$15 | CyndiLou and The Want To will host the fourth annual birthday tribute to the legendary country singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn.
• Southern Appalachian Weather and Climate Workshop | Friday, Apr. 14-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Hts., Asheville | Free | This two-day event brings together federal workers, academics, students, and broadcast media to share research, operations, and communication about weather, water, and climate events.

• Farm Where You Live Homesteading Fair | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | WNC Ag Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher | $10 | Learn everything you need to know about homesteading, from tending chickens to herb gardens.

• Pup Portraits with Alex Grosse | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $150 | Sign up to get your pup’s portrait done by photographer Alex Grosse.

• WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival and Growing in the Mountains Plant Sale | Saturday, Apr. 22-Sunday, Apr. 23 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Asheville | Free | Celebrate and shop from local farmers, growers + makers while you enjoy local food trucks that highlight ramps and strawberries.*

• Live music
• Parade of the Hounds
• Kids Zone
• Food + local merchant vendors
• Beer garden
• Fancy Hats & Crazy Pants contests (read: spectacular hats and outfits are encouraged)

• Salt Face Mule Brewing Co. is planning to open in North Asheville this summer at 450 Weaverville Hwy. The brewery’s website promises a “selection of lagers, ales, and other exciting thirst-quenchers.” Also in the works: a mini-golf course, RC track, and kitchen dedicated to Appalachian cuisine. Check out the renderings.

• There’s a new Jamaican food truck in town. Shaa’bingo Jamaican Street Food, a new project from former Biltmore sous chef Ken Bahford, serves food like fried plantains and oxtail, as well as housemade soda. Check out the truck’s schedule on Facebook. (Mountain Xpress)

• The four teams in this year’s Asheville Championship have been announced. The men’s college basketball tournament will feature Clemson, Davidson, Maryland, and the University of Alabama. The teams will go head-to-head Nov. 10-12 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. Use the code AVL23 to purchase presale tickets.

• Interested in astrology, energy work, and other spiritual crafts? Stop by the Spiritual Fusions Psychic & Holistic Expo at the WNC Ag Center this Saturday, April 15-Sunday, April 16. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and includes psychic readings, crystals, aura photography, intuitive consultants, and beyond.

• Attention, nature dwellers. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is on the lookout for sightings of nine-banded armadillos and wants your photos. The research will help the commission determine the creature’s northeastern migration that’s been happening over the last century. Email your photos to armadillo@ncwildlife.org. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Congratulations to Hickory Nut Gap farmer and cofounder Jamie Ager on being featured in this year’s MO 100 Impact Ranking. This list recognizes CEOs who “champion a new vision of capitalism” and “create positive outcomes for all stakeholders.” Jamie is listed as No. 83.

• The Barnardsville-based Never Ending Flower Farm is hosting a dahlia tuber sale starting today, April 12 through Saturday, April 15. Dahlia varieties include everything from the Genova and Justyna to the Stolze Von Berlin (shout out to whoever came up with these names). Stop by 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 152 Harris Trail.
• We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.

• Planning a spring or summer getaway? Enter: Greenville, SC, an affordable and fun destination. From self-guided tours to museums, check out 18 Free Things To Do In Greenville.*