The days have been gorgeous, the nights are getting cooler, and the calendar is buzzing with all varieties of fantastic events. Our beloved mountain town is increasingly the site of some of the best in arts and entertainment in the region, and here's our roundup of what's on our radar for this weekend. As always, if we missed something let us know!  Thursday Thirsty Fest @ Thirsty Monk (all locations) Through the weekend; Special events Thursday A celebration of rare and outstanding brews from the reserve draught collection at the flagship Thirsty Monk location all week, plus one-day celebrations at Biltmore Park and Woodfin locations on Thursday!   Jazz Night @ The Imperial Life 8 pm Live jazz from the Roaring Lions, drink specials (old fashioneds and daquiris) to suit this one-night revival of the Jazz Age!   Friday  Asheville Goombay Festival @ Pack Square Park Friday through Sunday The 36th Goombay Festival focuses on Goombay's history in Asheville this year. A lineup of eclectic national and international acts from all genres celebrates African and African-American heritage through the arts.    Battle Trance Benefit Concert for Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center 8 pm Fantastic tenor sax quartet performs at BMCM+AM's NEW SPACE on Broadway. All proceeds go to benefit the museum/arts center. This show is presented by Free Range AVL--read our interview with Battle Trance's founder, Travis Laplante, on Asheville Grit!   Saturday Proof: Dark Crystal Party @ The Crow and Quill 9 pm From 2 Queens Productions, the genius artists and members of a fairy race behind the best parties in town, including the recent Unicorn Ball, comes the latest Proof party, which brings together photographers and revelers for a themed celebration. This time around, the theme is crystals. $3-5 suggested donation for entry. These queens know how to revel, y'all.   2016 Big Sweep River Cleanup @ French Broad River Come together for a cause in the 29th annual Big Sweep River Cleanup. 25+ miles of river cleaning followed by a great after-party to celebrate the hard work. Register online to claim your spot--spaces are limited! Contact Kate Nelson with Asheville GreenWorks: 828-232-7144, or e-mail volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org.   Sunday Awesome Foundation of AVL Fall Pitch Party @ the BLOCK off Biltmore A party to open the finalist round of the Awesome Foundation's competition for a $1000 grant. Finalists include the AVL Food Fans Podcast, Rights of Passage Adventure Weekend, and more! Come out and support your favorite finalist. Free Range AVL (who are bringing Battle Trance) is a previous recipient of the grant. 6-8 pm   Pickle Pickin' @ the Asheville Food Park Starting at 2 pm, a day of picklin' and samplin' hosted by the NC Natural Products Association. Featured guest and speaker Sandor Katz, the King of Fermentation if there ever was one, will be giving a talk and signing the re-release of his famous book, The Art of Fermentation. There will also be a pickle and preserved food competition, and you can taste the entries!