Celebrate Bernard, the “awesome” rescue hound, at Bernard’s Birthday Benefit, a fundraiser for the Avery County Humane Society. Held on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Altamont Brewing Company, 1042 Haywood Road. Info: http://www.averyhumane.org or 733-6312.
One of Sierra Nevada's original brewers, Terence Sullivan (who now heads up the brewery's Beer Camp), will present a meet and greet and four Sierra Nevada beers on tap. Held at the Thirsty Monk’s downtown location, 92 Patton Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m. Info: http://www.monkpub.com or 254-5470.
Can mushrooms be art? Ephemeralization, "a show of extreme mushroom growing,” will feature artistic presentations of oyster mushrooms. An opening reception will feature entertainment and chef demos on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at French Broad Studios, 475 Fletcher Martin Road, Alexander. Info: overawed@mindspring.com.
Take opera out of the concert hall with Hops and Arias, a chance to hear opera while enjoying a beer, on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8-9:30 p.m. Held at Craggie Brewing Company, 197 Hilliard Ave. Info: http://avl.mx/prou.
Enjoy the sounds of Big Daddy Bluegrass Band, Asheville Blue Grass, Nikki Talley and more at a benefit for banjo player Billy Constable (who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor) on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Held at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. $10 donation. Info: http://www.thegreyeagle.com or 232-5800.
N.C. Policy Watch hosts a "critical conversation" about the environment on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place. Meeting begins at noon. Info: Info: http://www.ncpolicywatch.com or 919-861-2066.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue provides the community with a chance to "give thanks and show reverence" towards pets that have passed away at Paws to Remember: A Pet Honoring Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m. at Second Chances Thrift Store, 49 Glendale Ave. Info and registration: outreach@bwar.org.
