Hayley Benton

hbenton@citizen-times.com

1. Southern-fried soul at Downtown After 5.

If it's Friday, downtown, and it's after 5 p.m., you'll likely want to be somewhere near North Lexington Avenue for one of Asheville's favorite summertime series. It's Downtown After 5, and it's coming at you on July 15. This month's headliner on the giant makeshift stage is Anderson East, whose classic-yet-updated 1960s-style soul and Southern, Alabama-raised charm captivates audiences across the country. This spring, Anderson toured as Grammy winner Chris Stapleton's opener, but now it's East's time to be the big act — though that's not to say the openers aren't adored on their own. Asheville's Sweet Claudette will take the stage at the start of the evening, combining 5-part harmonies with vintage country songwriting. Each month, the free summer concert series draws around 7,500 people to the outdoor stage. The street is closed down and, for the evening, lined with beer stands, food trucks and other local vendors. Don't worry about an address, just follow the music — you'll hear it. The series is held the third Friday of each month, May through September. For more information, visit ashevilledowntown.org.

2. "The Man of La Mancha" opens at Diana Wortham Theatre.

Welcome to the stage this big-deal production from the Asheville Lyric Opera. This weekend only, watch as world-class performers act out the musical version of Don Quixote's legendary mock epic. A Tony Award-winning classic based on Cervantes’17th-century novel, "Don Quixote," "The Man of La Mancha" was one of the first shows to musicalize a piece of historical literature, first hitting the stage in 1965. The performance stars baritone David Malis, who has performed multiple leading roles on the Metropolitan Opera stage and has previously worked with performers like Luciano Pavarotti and Kathleen Battle. For more information, visit dwtheatre.com.

3. Burning CAN takes over Oskar Blues Brewery.

Who needs to scorch in the desert when you could camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Forget Burning Man. At Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, this weekend is all about Burning CAN. The festival will bring together more than 50 craft canners for a weekend of music, brews, biking, running, paddling, yoga and (optional) tent-camping. Camping check-in begins at 3 p.m. July 15 (ending at 8 p.m.), and the festival itself opens at 5 p.m. The first act of Burning CAN 2016 is a local favorite: Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, following by Bright Light Social Hour from Austin and Dumpstaphunk at 9 p.m. The next morning, CAN-goers will rise from their tents and treat themselves to a breakfast from Underground Baking Co. before registering for the Beer Relay and warming up with some morning yoga. The Beer Relay begins at 10 a.m., the beer festival begins at 2 p.m., and music from Major and the Monbacks, The Nth Power and headliner Galactic will flow from the amps all night long. (Or, you know, until a reasonable hour.) Friday-only tickets are $25 ($38 at the gate), Saturday-only is $60 or $75 day-of, Saturday tickets for underage or alcohol-free individuals are $35 and a weekend pass is $75 in advance and $90 at the gate. For more information, check out burningcan.com.

4. The Big Crafty fills Pack Square Park with art.

On July 17, The Big Crafty is back with a bang, bringing the community bazaar to Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. For the uninitiated, The Big Craft is a lively celebration of handmade commerce, featuring local food, music and wares from a juried group of select artists and crafters. Browsing the market is free — and a blast — and the artists' work is available for purchase at each booth. While the artists featured at The Big Crafty are a big deal, the selection isn't limited to paint-on-canvas pieces (though original works are available at the event): Local crafters will be selling wearable goods like jewelry, clothing and pins, as well as greeting cards, rubber stamps, handmade stuffed animals, home decor, body products and other knick-knacks and giftable items. As the slogan says: "Shop handmade. Shop independent. Shop fun." The open-air market runs noon-6 p.m., rain or shine. For a preview of this year's vendors, visit thebigcrafty.com.



5. Dr. Dog plays Pisgah.

Dr. Dog is the world's smartest canine, having earned his Ph.D. in psychedelic indie rock. And he's coming to a stage near you. Joking. Mostly. Here's the true story: Dr. Dog is a six-piece band based out of Philly, and, though the band is made up of human beings, bassist Toby Leaman and lead guitarist Scott McMicken have been playing together since they were pups. Personal endorsement: I've seen them before. They're awesome. There may or may not be pink flamingos and pretty lights. And the band is playing with Austin psych-rockers The Bright Light Social Hour, with a late-night set from the well-loved Black Mountain locals in Floating Action. Summer, psychedelic indie-rock, Pisgah Brewing, outdoor stage, possible flamingos: Need we say more? The party gets started at 7:30 p.m. July 18. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at pisgahbrewing.com.