Q: What went through your mind when you first received the invitation to be the guest chef at this White House State Dinner?

• Haunted Trail | Monday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr., Asheville | $18-$44 | Halloweekend may be over, but there’s still time to gather the kiddos for a family-friendly haunt with live actors, lights, and comedy.
• AVLtoday Storytelling Open Mic: “Pride in Place” | Monday, Oct. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Barrel Room at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | Free | Step up to the mic and share a short story or memory of Asheville that brings you joy — anything that makes you proud to be here.

• A Stitch in Crime | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 2-3 p.m. | Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain | Free | Bring your current project or start a new one at this drop-in yarn circle, and listen to a true crime podcast with the group.
• Boo Bash | Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 5-7 p.m. | Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., Asheville | Free | Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, music, and a festive photo booth at this Halloween event.

• Wine & Dinner Pairing | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 6-9 p.m. | plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St., Asheville | $115 | Savor four courses prepared by Chef J Chong alongside wines paired for each course.
• An Evening of Excellence: Celine Cousteau | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Odyssey School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville | $15-$40 | The renowned environmentalist, humanitarian, and filmmaker will share her insights on conservation.

• A Celebration and Silent Auction with Mosaic and Bountiful Cities | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | Haiku, 26 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Free | Enjoy local food and beverages, and bid on auction items to support Bountiful Cities — bring an item from the nonprofit’s wishlist as a contribution.
• When You Wish Upon A Star: A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $22-$58 | The house band of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem will perform popular songs from iconic Disney films spanning the last 100 years.

• Break out your bell bottoms and tie-dye for the Asheville Art Museum’s 75th Anniversary Dance Party. Have a drink, bid on items at the silent auction, and bust a move at the 70s-themed celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50 for members and $65 for nonmembers.

• The North Asheville Tailgate Market is temporarily moving to UNC Asheville Lot P34 starting Saturday, Nov. 11 — it’s just a short distance away from its previous location, lot P28. Check out the infographic for tips for your visit and maps detailing parking info.

• To help alleviate overcrowding and continue to provide care, the Asheville Humane Society has launched the Community Sheltering Center (CSC). The center provides resources to reunite lost pets with their owners as well as temporary supplies to help struggling pet owners. See the five-step process the CSC will follow. (Mountain Xpress)

• Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn will debut its Holiday Pop-Up Shop in Biltmore Park at 8 Town Square Blvd. on Monday, Nov. 4 — plus, the first 100 customers will get a free bag of Asheville Mix. The shop will be open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. through Valentine’s Day.

• Grammy-nominated pianist Simone Dinnerstein will bring her talents to the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., performing the works of François Couperin, Robert Schumann, and Philip Glass. Grab tickets for an evening of classical music.

• Ever dreamed of writing a novel? It’s the perfect time to put pen to paper because November is National Novel Writing Month and the Buncombe County Public Libraries are here to help through the last page. Check library calendars for write-ins, and celebrate your work at the wrap party at rEvolve Mercantile on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

• In case you didn’t know, October is National Employee Ownership Month. For MB HAYNES, employee ownership isn’t just a business model; it’s a philosophy. Learn why an ESOP matters for employees.*

• $300 is the new $200. This card is offering a rare $300 welcome bonus, and bonuses like that don’t come around that often. That’s why thousands are lining up for it. Learn more and apply.*

• Want to travel the world — without leaving the country? Enter: Greenville, SC, featuring 200+ restaurants downtown (a quarter of which are international), so you can indulge in flavors from around the world. Plan your foodie getaway.*

Espresso yourself