event-calendar

Taking mountain biking to a whole new level—literally the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, this event isn’t for the faint of heart. Pisgah’s National Forest offers challenges rarely seen, with startlingly steep drops and equally dramatic elevations. No e-bikes allowed. All likely worth it for the camaraderie, and post race cookout/after party.  »  Camp Grier, 985 Camp Grier Rd.; Sunday, 8 a.m.; $105; www.pisgahproductions.com 

As part of their Magic & Moonlight tour, Postmodern Jukebox visits Asheville during their world tour to perform contemporary hits like Brittney Spears’s “Oops, I Did It Again,” and The White Stripes’s “Seven Nation Army” with classic instruments for a fresh, engaging sound. The rotating cast and song list keeps the audience on their toes.  » The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave.; Tuesday, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; $49.90, $133 VIP; (828) 398-1837; www.theorangepeel.net

The town of Boone, along with the Jones House Cultural Center, honors the late WNC musical legend with two days of celebration. A staple of this mountainous region, Doc Watson Day has been going strong since 2011, with plenty of fans settling on the Jones House lawn for a Friday free outdoor concert performed by the seven-time Grammy winner’s musically inclined followers. Expect entertainment from The Wilder Flower, the Asheville Mountain Boys, and more. On Saturday, the Appalachian Theatre will host a ticketed show on the historic Doc Watson Stage. »  Jones House, 604 West King St.; Friday, 5 p.m.; free.; (828) 268-6280; www.joneshouse.org

Painters around the world visit Blowing Rock to enjoy painting fresh mountain views in real time while onlookers observe their work. The painters work for four days, and on the 23rd, all the artists’ works are for sale at the museum.  » Blowing Rock Art & History, 159 Ginny Stevens Ln.; Tuesday-Saturday, times vary; free; (828) 295-9099; www.blowingrockmuseum.org

WNC welcomes believers and skeptics alike at this annual celebration of Sasquatch. Enjoy educational panels, themed dishes, and artwork inspired by the folkloric creature. Don’t miss the Bigfoot Calling Contest, which invites participants to share their best imitation of the towering, hairy animal.  » Downtown Marion; Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; free; wncbigfootfestival@gmail.com; www.marionbigfootfestival.wordpress.com

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is a nonprofit bolstering local farmers and markets of the Southern Appalachian region, and is hosting its 4th annual HarvestFest in honor of farmers and the community that sustains them. Expect live music, games, food trucks, and more. Sponsored by Olivette Riverside Community and Farm and Chatt Hills Music, this fundraiser benefits ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables programming.  » Olivette Riverside Park, 1069 Olivette Rd.; Saturday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.; $25, free for farmers & their families; (828) 236-1282; www.asapconnections.org

For over a century, this small town on the outskirts of Asheville has come together to celebrate the long weekend with live music, craft vendors, a car showing, and parade. This year’s musical headliner is Craig Morgan, a country musician and army veteran inducted into the legendary Grand Ole Opry in 2008. This event is family friendly, and includes a kids zone cycling popup as well.  » Downtown Canton; Sunday 1 p.m.-9:30 p.m. & Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; $10 one day pass, $15 two day pass, free for child 12 and under; www.cantonlaborday.com

Adapted from one of legendary author Agatha Christie’s most famous works, this whodunit follows the iconic Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a fatality that places everyone under suspicion. Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy.; Wednesday-Sunday, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; $50-$70, $22-$42 child 17 and under; (828) 693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Catch the Steep Canyon Rangers on both days of this festival, along with other bluegrass and Americana performers including Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives,  Shannon Whitworth & Woody Platt, and Peter Rowan. The Mountain Song Festival was created to bring the best of bluegrass, folk, jazz, and more to the area while contributing funds to The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County. » The Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln.; Friday 3 p.m.-10 p.m. & Saturday noon-9:30 p.m.; $51-$106 Friday, $61-$126 Saturday, free for child 10 and under; (828) 862-2105; www.mountainsongfestival.com

A popular occasion for both locals and visitors in Western North Carolina, this family friendly fair has been held since 1994 and is hosted by the NC Department of Agriculture. This event has it all—dozens of thrilling rides, clogging, cooking, and quilting competitions, flowers, crafts, and food galore. Animal aficionados can visit critters such as pigs, rabbits, horses, llamas, goats and sheep in the barns and learn more about them. Multiple stages will also host a mix of local and national acts that cover an array of genres.   » WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd.; Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; weekends, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; $12, $7 child 6-12; free for child 5 and under; (828) 687-1414; www.wncagcenter.org 

Put your balancing skills to the test with a ride downhill on a Onewheel, a tiny but powerful electric skateboard. Custom trailheads at Camp Grier are crafted just for the annual event, which is the oldest and longest running of its kind. Alongside the motorized festivities, attendees can enjoy live music from local bands like Snake Oil Medicine Show and Check Your Head, the property’s rustic cabins and campgrounds, disc golf course, and lake.  »  Camp Grier Camp Grier Rd.; Friday-Monday; $180+; (828) 551-7465; www.fontanavillage.com