Thru February 28
NC Cooperative Extension Rutherford County Hurricane Relief Donation Drive for Kitchen Kits
When: February 28; 4pm
Where: Drop off items at 193 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale
More Info: Needed: dish cloths/towels, pot holders, measuring spoons/cups, whisk, spatulas, can opener, strainer, knife set with covers. Kits distributed to those who've lost their homes, kitchens, or essential kitchen items due to Hurricane Helene. If you are still in temporary housing due to flood damage or loss, and are in need of kitchen items email sjledfor@ncsu.edu. 828-287-6010.
Hurricane Helene related repair applications open
More Info: Rutherford Housing Partnership accepting applications for Hurricane Helene related repairs. 828-248-3431, etx. 100 or rutherfordhousingpartnership.org
Register Through February 17
Rutherfordton Little League Online Registration Open
When: Through February 17
Where: In-Person registration at Woodrow Jones Building; 146 North Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Ages 4-16. Register in person February 9; 1-4pm. Registration closes Feb. 17. www.rutherfordtonlittleleague.org
February 6-March 13
Treasures of the Earth Pottery Show
When: Feb. 6-March 13; Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Where: Cleveland County Arts Council; 111 S. Washington St., Shelby
More Info: Over 24 potters on exhibit. 704-484-2787 or info@ccartscouncil.org.
February 14
Valentine's Day Carriage Rides
When: February 14
Where: Main Street, Forest City
More Info: Private horse-drawn carriage rides, $50 per carriage. exploreforestcity.com
Career Fair
When: February 14; 12:30-3pm
Where: Chase Middle School; 840 Chase High Road, Forest City
More Info: The Career Fair will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore various career paths, interact with professionals from diverse fields, and gain valuable insights into their future possibilities.
February 15
Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Club Spaghetti Dinner
When: February 15; 4-7pm
Where: Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Clubhouse; 2500 Hollis Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: $10.
February 15
Rutherfordton little league softball camp
When: February 15; 1-4:30pm
Where: Crestview Park, Rutherfordton
More Info: Ages 6-16. www.rutherfordtonlittleleague.org
February 18
KinderPALOOZA 2025
When: February 18; 4-6:30pm
Where: Isothermal Community College Foundation
More Info: Bring your little ones for an exciting evening of fun and learning as we help them get ready for kindergarten! Games, activities, resources, and all the tools you need to help your child thrive.
Black History Legacy Luncheon
When: February 18; 11am to 1pm
Where: Grahamtown Community Center; 129 First St., Forest City
More Info: 828-229-3380. www.grahamtownteam.org
Warm Clothing Distribution
When: February 18; 11am to 1pm
Where: Cliffside Baptist Church
More Info: Free glucose, blood pressure and other screenings.
February 19
Free Health and Wellness Fair
When: February 19; noon-2pm
Where: Gardner-Webb University; Tucker Student Center, Boiling Springs
More Info: Open to students, staff, faculty, and community. Over 30 local businesses & organizations will participate. barnold@gardner-webb.edu.
February 21
Teen craft: pressed flower votive holder
When: February 21; 4:30pm
Where: Mountains Branch Library
More Info: Teens 13-18. Registration required. 828-287-6115 or www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org/events-calendar.
February 22
RoCo Bridal Showcase
When: February 22; 1:30-3:30pm
Where: One 13; 113 W. Court St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Free admission. Wedding vendors, prizes, giveaways, samples, discounts. 704-214-9799.
Heart and Sole Trail Race
When: February 22; Registration opens at 8:30, chip timing - start once you are checked in.
Where: Broad River Greenway; Boiling Springs
More Info: 2 courses: 5K or 10-mile. All experience levels welcome. Proceeds benefit Broad River Greenway. Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Shelby/BroadRiverGreenwayHeartAndSoleMK to secure your spot and claim your commemorative Heart & Sole Trail Race t-shirt! Early bird pricing ends February 10, 2025 with on-site registration race day. www.broadrivergreenway.com.
February 23
Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Relief Motorcycle Ride
When: February 23; 2pm
Where: Meet at Lastrada; 2693 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure
More Info: All cash donations go to Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach.
February 23-24
Tryon Little Theater Four Old Broads auditions
When: February 23, 3-5pm • February 24, 7-10pm
Where: Sunnydale; 334 S. Trade St., Tryon
More Info: Play: May 1-4, May 8-11 at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop in Tryon. Jim: macbeth55@gmail.com.
March 1
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
When: March 1; 10am registration; 11am Plunge event; 11:30am opening ceremony
Where: McNair Field Parking Lot, Forest City
More Info: Fundraising event for Special Olympics of Rutherford County. Public invited to participate and attend.
March 8
Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Club Soup & Salad Dinner
When: March 8; 4-7pm
Where: Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Clubhouse; 2500 Hollis Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: $8.
Classical Guitar Music featuring Alec Holcomb
When: March 8; Doors open: 5pm; concert:5:30pm
Where: The Gardens in Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
More Info: lakeluremusicalfesetival.com
March 27
Free Community North Carolina Symphony Concert
When: March 27; 7pm
Where: Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College, Spindale
More Info: Concert is free, but tickets are required. Reserve your free tickets by calling 877-627-6724. Music of Mozart and more!
March 28
Our Night for Their Fight 'Prom'
When: March 28; 6-11pm
Where: One 13; 113 W. Court St., Rutherfordton
More Info: All proceeds benefit the Rutherford County Firefighters Burned Children Fund, Inc. Entertainment, DJ, refreshments.
May 3
Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Club BBQ Dinner
When: May 3; 4-7pm
Where: Hopewell-Hollis Ruritan Clubhouse; 2500 Hollis Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: $12.
March 8
Tim Laughlin with the Symphony of Rutherford County
When: March 8; 7:30pm
Where: Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College, Spindale
More Info: This concert will feature Tim playing two of his compositions with the orchestra, followed by a long set with two of his original band mates and several local professional musicians.
April 10
Spring Games: Special Olympics Rutherford County
When: April 10; 9am to 12pm
Where: R-S Central High School
More Info: Volunteers are needed. Rain date: April 24.
April 27
Symphony of Rutherford County Spring Concert
When: April 27; 3pm
Where: Foundation Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College; Spindale
May 2
Forest City Kiwanis Club Kiwanis Shoot
When: May 2
Where: Cleghorn Gun Club; Rutherfordton
More Info: $150/person and includes 100 clays. Breakfast, prizes, 50/50 raffle. Sponsor opportunities. Matt 828-919-2442.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!
Free clothes closet
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,Saturday; 10am-4pm
Where: 18-30 US74 Bus., Ellenboro
More Info: Weather permitting. Self service! Please only take what you need, so we can keep the free clothes closet open. We also take any donations! Clothes, toys, books.
Ongoing
Cancer Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6:30pm
Where: Rutherford County Senior Center
More Info: For cancer patients & survivors; informative topics, friendship and refreshments. RSVP 828-245-4956, option 1.
Open Arms Substance Abuse
When: Tuesdays 6-7pm
Where: Highland Apartments Activity Center; 171 Butler Rd., Forest City
More Info: Open to those with substance abuse, parents or guardians of children with substance abuse addictions. Rena: 828-305-1280.
Coffee and Conversation
When: 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veterans Office; 303 Fairground Rd., Spindale
More Info: Open to Rutherford County Veterans.
Symphony Rehearsal
When: Saturdays; 10am-12pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 438 W. Main St., Forest City
More Info: All ages & experience levels welcome. Symphony of Rutherford County on social media.
Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 6:30-7:30pm (except 5th Thursdays)
Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton
More Info: See "Kiwanis of Rutherfordton" on FaceBook. New members welcome and light dinner served. ruffkiwanis@gmail.com
Narcotics Anonymous meeting
When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City
Rutherford County Woodworkers Club
When: Every Fourth Tuesday
Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton
More Info: 919-696-6064
Stitch by Stitch
When: First Saturday monthly, 12pm
Where: Rutherford County Library, Callahan Rd., Spindale
More Info: Ages 10 and up; cross-stitch, needle point and slow stitching
What: American Legion member of Post 74 Forest City, Post 423 Henrietta or Post 437 Chimney Rock: pay membership dues at www.legion.org. Join the American Legion, contact Jimmy 704-819-5862.
What: Learn more about the Civil War/Confederacy third Friday monthly at annex in Rutherfordton. 6:30pm refreshments. 7pm meeting. William Corbitt SCV camp welcomes you.
More Info: teddybear93_890@yahoo.com
Volunteer Opportunities
More Info: Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity's affordable homes are making a positive impact on many families in need. Come volunteer today and lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Volunteers needed for construction, ReStore, Clothing Center, and more. 828-245-0716, www.rutherfordhfh.org, habitat.org
More Info: NC Guardian ad Litem Program trains & supervises child advocate volunteers to represent best interests of kids in court system. www.volunteerforgal.org, 828-288-6121.
More Info: CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking volunteers. Variety of opportunities, including specialized respite support, socialization-companionship, assistance with errands, Veterans program & more. Volunteer roles are designed to support staff. 828-274-9567.