Top 5 things to do: Dog science and hip-hop

1. Check out all that's fringe-y at Fringe Fest

Get your eccentric Asheville on at this weekend's Fringe Festival, with 36 performances at multiple venues in all corners of town. From a hilarious, interactive birthday party to thought-provoking political statements, the Asheville Fringe Festival is a mix of experimental theater and art — boasting its fringiest Fringe yet. Click here to learn more about the 15th annual festival and check out the schedule of events, or head to ashevillefringe.org to learn more from the fringexperts.

2. Dogs vs. science at AMOS

OK — it's not really dogs versus science, but if you love dogs and you love knowledge (and you love beer), then head to the next Beer City Science Pub on Jan. 27 for "Meet Your Dog: An Introduction to the Game-Changing Science Behind Your Dog's Behavior." For this science pub event, the Asheville Museum of Science and The Collider are teaming up with The Dog Door and the Asheville Humane Society to teach people what makes their dogs tick — or, more accurately, bark, shake and whine. Head to The Collider, on the top floor of the Wells Fargo building downtown, 1 Haywood St., at 5:30 p.m. for light refreshments and beer. The program itself begins at 6:30 p.m., and, prior to the main event, AMOS and Asheville Humane will host an adoption event in the lobby of the museum, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Check out more information at ashevillescience.org.

3. Sweat it out at Hip-hop Happy Hour

If part of your New Year's resolution included getting fit, then this mix of exercise and entertainment is a perfect fit. Studio Zahiya dance studio is hosting a Hip-Hop Happy Hour over at Wright Creative in West Asheville. Drink up and sweat it out at 795 Haywood Road from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 28. The hip-hop fitness class is followed by a dance party, and the event is bring-your-own-beer (or drinks) with limited wine and champagne available. Zahiya will bring the coolers and cups, and DJ M.P. Pride will bring the dance mix. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at studiozahiya.com or by calling 537-0892.

4. March to the Mothlight for Marching Church

Spice up your Tuesday with Marching Church, Bernardino Femminielli and Konvoi at The Mothlight. This interesting mix of music is coming to West Asheville at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31. from alt-rock to post-punk to 1980s-esque synthesizer-filled art-pop. The show is $10 in advance at themothlight.com or $12 at the door. Find out more about the Copenhagen-based band Marching Church here.

5. Hear the rhythm at Atmosphere

Hip-hop duo Atmosphere is coming to downtown Asheville, and it's an event that you won't want to miss. Check out the Minneapolis-based Slug and Ant (Sean Daley and Anthony Davis, respectively), on their Freshwater Fly Fisherman tour for an 8 p.m. show at the Orange Peel. The Feb. 2 show costs $25 in advance and $28 the day of the show — and the night opens up with Brother Ali, deM atlas, Plain Ole Bill and Last Word. Head over to theorangepeel.net for more.