Environmental leader Bill McKibben will speak at UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Free, but limited seating. Info: http://avl.mx/72.
A candlelight memorial vigil will honor World AIDS Day and the AIDS Memorial Quilt on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m. Held at Pack Place, 2 South Pack Square. Info: http://www.wncap.org.
Get in the holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Parade featuring extended downtown business hours and a visit from Santa. Parade departs from Cherry St. in Black Mountain on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Info: http://www.blackmountain.org.
Give back to the community at a Red Cross holiday blood drive on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Red Cross mobile unit will be parked at Sarge’s Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Drive, Waynesville. Call for appointment: 246-9050.
No matter how stuffed you end up on Thanksgiving there's always a hefty load of leftovers, so bring those neglected dishes to The Bywater, 796 Riverside Drive, on Sunday, Nov. 27 for a post-Thanksgiving party with music by Miriam and the Pasionistas. 6-10 p.m. Info: 232-6967.
Experiencing back pain from carrying those holiday decorations down from the attic? Fairview Chiropractic Center offers free spinal screenings at Jazzercise South Asheville Fitness Center, 3426 Sweeten Creek Road, on Monday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m.-noon. Info: http://www.fairviewchiropracticcenter.com.
Join Dr. Matthew Robinson, author of Death Nation: The Experts Explain American Capital Punishment, for "The Real Death Penalty: A Summary of the Data and Scientific Studies," on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. The free lecture will discuss North Carolina's execution history and the controversial Racial Justice Act. Held at UNCA's Highsmith Union Grotto. Info: robinsnmb@appstate.edu or 262-6560.
