Outdoor Cooking Fun

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FIRE & ICE: MANNA FoodBank’s 2016 Blue Jean Ball Ignite Your Passion and Chill at the 17th Annual Blue Jean Ball!

Ignite your passion to fight hunger while relaxing on the banks of the Swannanoa River at MANNA FoodBank’s 17th Annual Blue Jean Ball, Saturday, June 4.

Don’t miss Asheville’s favorite June fling, featuring small plate grazing and desserts from a range of Asheville’s top restaurants, from Biltmore to Rosetta’s Kitchen and dozens of wines and beers from which to choose. Get inspired by the FIRE & ICE theme and glam up to win costume prizes for Hottest, Coolest, and Best Hot and Cold Duo. Dance the night away with DJ Nigel, and the fabulous Jesse Barry and the Heat – Asheville’s own American Idol Hollywood finalist backed by nine of Asheville’s top musicians!

Take a break from the dance floor to enjoy entertainment from Christine Garvin Dance – a 10-person dance troupe whose performance is created especially for this event theme and always brings a fun surprise – and shop the stunning array of treasures in the Blue Jean Ball silent auction tent.

Tickets are $75, and are all-inclusive. This event is for ages 21 and over. (828) 299-3663 or go to MANNAFoodBank.org to purchase tickets.

Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival at Harmon Field in Tryon

In addition to plenty of freshly cooked BBQ, grilled corn-on-the-cob and other foods, listen to live music on two stages and find great local crafts. More than 90 of the best cookers in the country compete here for more than $20,000 in titles, trophies and prizes.

Watch the cooks in “Hog Heaven.”The cooking competition issanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. In addition to barbecue fromsome of the competitors, enjoy kettle korn, porkskins, hot dogs, ice cream, pitas, shaved ice, philly cheese steaks, funnel cakes and more. A major highlight is the 20th annualFoothills Arts & Craft Festival.It is juried to bring in the best contemporary and traditional crafters as well as fine artists.

For more info: www.blueridgebbqfestival.com

June 10-11 (10-11pm) Free on Friday