For a pleasant evening of art, music, food, shopping and more, check out downtown Sylva from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, for the next Sylva After Dark. This event takes place the first Friday of each month from May to December.

• It’s by Nature: October’s featured artist Tara Melton-Miller will be demonstrating Kumihimo, an ancient Japanese form of elaborate braiding done through a wooden stand or stool. The extraordinary colors, patterns, and textures of kumihimo braids are incorporated onto handcrafted mixed media backgrounds. Musical guest is Robin Whitley. Wine and cheese will be served.

• In conjunction with the national American Craft Week, Jackson County artists are hosting the exhibition, “Hand + Craft: A Jackson County Celebration” at Gallery One.  Sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council.

• A retrospective of landscape, portrait and figurative works will show at the new James Smythe Studio, found upstairs on 563 West Main Street. Some paintings are for mature audiences only. 

• The Wilderness Society will host an evening of poetry and art featuring the “Dreams and Distillations” series of Rabun County artist Honor Woodard and local poets Thomas Rain Crowe and Laurence Holden.

• Susan Gregg Gilmore, author of Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, reads from her new novel, The Improper Life of Bezillia Grove, starting 7 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore.  

• Best music from the ‘70s and ‘80s by Not Even Brothers, at The Village at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company.

• Live music at Spring Street Café and every Friday and Saturday evenings.

• Food and beer pairing from 5 to 8 p.m. at Heinzelmannchen Brewery.

• Bread tasting from 5 to 8 p.m. at Annie’s Bakery. Toasted whole wheat walnut bread topped with Annie’s scrumptious pumpkin butter and Smoky Mountain Roaster’s Pumpkin Spice coffee.

www.downtownsylva.org.