ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Smelling the orchids, playing with puppets and watching a talent show are all on the calendar this weekend in Asheville. Find more things to do in our activity guide.

Friday, March 27

Open Hearts Art Center’s Annual Talent Show: “Life’s A Beach” – 5-8 p.m., Event Center at Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway

Open Hearts Art Center will host their annual talent show at Highland Brewing this weekend. Come out to see talents of all kinds, inspired by the theme “Life’s A Beach.” Find tickets here.

See “Private Lives” – 7:30 p.m., Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville

Hendersonville Theatre is now staging a run on “Private Lives,” Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners. Find tickets here. Read our review here.

Watch “Project Hail Mary” – Now playing in theaters

Ryan Gosling may be the most charming astronaut who has ever befriended a rocky alien spider-crab in the fun and fantastic-looking new movie “Project Hail Mary.” Read our review for more.

Saturday, March 28

Attend the 2026 Asheville Orchid Festival – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., North Carolina Arboretum

The Western North Carolina Orchid Society will celebrate all things orchids this weekend at their 2026 festival. The theme this year is “Orchid Kingdom.” Activities include guided orchid tours and a re-potting clinic. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for WNCOS and Arboretum members. Find more information here.

Relax at Pickin’ Picnic with Andrew Wakefield & Friends – 1-4 p.m., The Mule at Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Road

Head over to The Mule for an outside concert from Andrew Wakefield & Friends. Yard games will be available for families to play and there will be free burgers and hotdogs provided by Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Find more information here.

Dine out for Savor the Flavor of the Valley 2026 – Locations across Swannanoa and Black Mountain

The final day of Savor the Flavor of the Valley 2026 is this Saturday. Enjoy deals and special meals at local eateries and play along with the Savor the Flavor of the Valley 2026 Culinary Bingo Card. Find the list of participating restaurants here.

Sunday, March 29

Play at The Hop & Bop Puppet Party – 3-4:30 p.m., The Hop Ice Cream at The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave.

The Hop Ice Cream and Street Creature Puppet Collective will join forces this weekend with a puppet and ice cream party. Families and puppet-loving friends are invited to come out to The S&W Market for a mini indoor parade and puppet palooza. Find more information here.

Donate in the New Belgium Brewing Blood Drive – 1-6 p.m., New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.

The Blood Connection will be offering $70 in rewards to all blood type donors who give blood at New Belgium Brewing this weekend. Reserve your spot here.