5 spooky-free things to do this week
Hayley Benton
hbenton@citizen-times.com
OK. We lied. One of these is slightly related to Halloween, but for the main list of spooky events, check out this week's Scene cover for the ultimate guide.
1. Laugh at the election with Capitol Steps.
The Capitol Steps political comedy group visits the Diana Wortham Theatre just one week before the election, bringing much needed comic relief with its witty, satirical show, What to Expect When You're Electing. An extremely popular show (especially right before The Big Day) the 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday performances are already sold out. But, for the 8 p.m. Oct. 29 show, tickets are still available. The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the theatre's box office at 257-4530 or visit dwtheatre.com.
2. Head to Burial for Burnpile Harvest Festival.
I can taste the pumpkin and fall flavors already. Burial Beer Co.'s third annual Burnpile Harvest Festival is all about sampling delicious and unique local small-batch beers. Entry to Burnpile is $10 and includes a commemorative glass and two tokens redeemable for one 4-ounce pour each (or 8 ounces per two tokens). Additional tokens may be purchased inside at various token stations. Burnpile starts at noon Oct. 29 and wraps up at 10 p.m. Food will be available for purchase (cash or credit) from Belly Up Food Truck from noon to 5 p.m. and the Salt & Smoke Kitchen from 5-10 p.m.
3. Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Asheville Contemporary Dance.
The Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre and White Dog Project are bringing a performance filled with sugar skulls and "The Tenth Muse" to the BeBe Theatre on Oct. 28, 29 and 30. Susan Collard and guest choreographer Jaime Camarena have choreographed an evening dance show that delves into the life of Sor Juana. It captures her struggles with her own faith and with the Church and government authorities who would try, and eventually succeed, at silencing her poignant, poetic, and insightful voice. The show will contain dance, poetry, singing and graphic animation. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors and can be purchased at acdt.org or by calling 254-2621. The show begins on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. The theater is at 20 Commerce St. downtown.
4. Embark on a safari of Weaverville art.
While the Western North Carolina mountains are known for vibrant fall foliage, Weaverville adds its own kind of color to the season with the bi-annual Weaverville Art Safari. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Oct. 29 and 30, the free Weaverville Art Safari is a chance to experience the creativity that's part of Asheville's renowned art scene. Rated one of the top Studio Art Tours in Asheville, this fall's tour showcases 41 artists. A downloadable brochure with map and full details about participating artists is available at weavervilleartsafari.com.
5. Culture Vulture Film Fest.
Though the festival begins next Friday, tickets to the popular Culture Vulture Film Festival often sell out fast. An initiative of the Center for Cultural Preservation, the festival features local barbecue, great music and three mountain films showcasing the region's history. "The Last One" documents renowned Western Carolina moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, "A Mighty Fine Memory" features Madison County master fiddler Roger Howell and "From Knee to Knee, the Roots of Mountain Music," is a preview of the Center's newest film. The festival begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 with music from Aaron Coffin and is held at the Blue Ridge Community College's Blue Ridge Conference Hall. Tickets for dinner, music and films are $20 — or $15 for films only. Tickets are available at saveculture.org or by calling 692-8062.