November 12-15
The Wall That Heals on Display
When: November 12-15; open 24 hours
Where: Isothermal Community College Soccer Fields, Spindale
More Info: The Wall That Heals is a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bringing remembrance, education and healing to communities across America. Free and open to the public. https://thewallthathealsspindalenc2026.org/
November 14
Defiant Patriot Bourbon Release
When: November 14; 12-4pm
Where: Blue Ridge Distilling Company; 228 Redbud Lane, Bostic
More Info: All proceeds go to wounded veterans organizations. Music by The Justin Corbett Band, food by Pietro's Wood-Fired Pizza. Cocktails available for purchase, complimentary tours & tastings, gift prizes by raffle. blueridgedistilling.com for more information.
Ruff'ton Roots Community Garden's Empty Bowls fundraiser
When: November 14; 5:30-7:30pm
Where: First Baptist Church Fellowship Center; 246 N. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Expect local food, local pottery, and an evening with friends and neighbors. Funds raised will support the garden's 2027 growing season. Ticket info: rufftonroots.org.
Toys for Tots Cruise-In
When: November 14; registration 10am-12pm
Where: Dive Bomber Vintage; 126 Park Lane Dr., Rutherfordton
More Info: In partnership with the USMC Toys for Tots. 50/50 drawing, door prizes, awards. Johnnie 828-429-7500 or David 704-609-2209.
November 16
Donate Blood
When: November 16; 10am-3pm
Where: Oakland Living Center; 704 Poors Ford Rd., Rutherfordton
More Info: Appointments are encouraged, please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 78616.
November 18
Free Monthly Luncheon
When: November 18; 11am-1pm
Where: Union Mills Community Clubhouse; 6097 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills
More Info: Open to everyone. Come by and pick up or sit and enjoy.
November 21
Tri-City Mall Holiday Lights & Vendor Festival
When: November 21; 2-8pm
Where: Tri-City Mall; 2270 College Ave., Forest City
More Info: Enjoy holiday lights, shop with local vendors & small businesses, free beverages & popcorn beginning at 5pm, Santa will be making a special visit. Rain date: Nove. 28
Bill's Creek Community Center Turkey Dinner
When: November 21; 4-7pm
Where: Bill's Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: $20 per meal. Under 15 free. 828-919-9170. Every year we offer families, who can not afford it, free turkey dinners. We are requesting donations to help cover these costs. Dinner donations are $20/person or $80/family of 4. Mail donations to Bills Creek Community Center PO Box 11, Lake Lure NC 28746. Write "turkey" in the memo section.
Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation Holiday Bazaar
When: November 21; 9am-4pm
Where: Chase Middle School Gymnasium; 840 Chase High Rd., Forest City
More Info: 30+ local vendors, holiday shopping, handmade gifts, and a silent auction. To learn more, visit rcsedfoundation.org.
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Shop with the Sheriff Show and Shine Car Show
When: November 21; 10am-2pm
Where: Dive Bomber's Vintage; 126 Park Lane Dr., Rutherfordton
More Info: $20 per vehicle. All proceeds will go toward the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office Shop with the Sheriff program. Donations are accepted.
Hot Cocoa Crawl
When: November 21; 9am-until
Where: Sweet Magnolias Vendor Market; 150 Park Lane Dr., Rutherfordton
More Info: Community Yard Sale, Craft Vendors, Food, and Special deals! Yard Sale spot $10, craft spot $25. Call to reserve your spot 828-980-1197.
November 22
Marion Christmas Parade
When: November 22; 3pm
Where: Downtown Marion
More Info: www.discovermarionnc.com
November 26
Annual Forest City Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: November 26; 6:30pm
Where: Main Street, Forest City
More Info: Lights being turned on at 7PM. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Broadway to Church Street beginning at 7AM and is expected to reopen around 9PM.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
When: November 26; 11am
Where: Grace of God Rescue Mission; 537 West Main St., Forest City
More Info: For $10 you can help sponsor a free meal to someone less fortunate. Please make you tax deductible check payable to: The Grace of God Rescue Mission; PO Box 212 Forest City, NC 28043.
November 28
Shop, Snack & Stroll Small Business Saturday
When: November 28; 10am-2pm
Where: Downtown Forest City
More Info: In celebration of Small Business Saturday. Sponsored by Explore Forest City. Shopping, games & free snacks! https://www.exploreforestcity.com.
November 29
Forest City Christmas Parade
When: November 29; 3pm
Where: Forest City
More Info: Parade begins at Cool Springs Administrative Building and travels east on Main Street to First United Methodist Church. No parking on eastbound Main Street during the parade. Rain or shine. Interested in participating in the Forest City Christmas parade? Visit: https://www.townofforestcity.com/downtown-community-development/forest-city-christmas under the "Christmas Parade."
December 2
Lighting Up Lake Lure
When: December 2; 5:30pm
Where: Morse Park Gazebo; 2948 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure
More Info: S'mores and hot chocolate following the program.
Donate Blood
When: December 2; 10am-3pm
Where: Rutherfordton Fire and Rescue; 144 North Mitchell St., Rutherfordton
More Info: thebloodconnection.org, Sponsor Code 2045.
December 4
Mobile Free Pharmacy event
When: December 4; 9am-2pm
Where: Isothermal Community College;286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale
More Info: Choose from a variety of over-the-counter medicines (pain relievers, cold, cough, allergy medicine, digestive aids, vitamins, children's medicines). Selection may vary. Free, open to North Carolina residents aged 18 & older. Registration, ID, or documentation is not required. A pre-order form is available for those who would like to place an order in advance & schedule a pickup time. Individuals can pick up orders for their friends or family if they can't attend. Pre-order form: www.medassist.org/mobile-free-pharmacy (closes one week before the event or when 500 orders have been reached). Walk-ins welcome. www.medassist.org.
Symphony of Rutherford County presents a holiday celebration of love, hope and wonder live concert
When: December 4; 7:30pm
Where: The Foundation, 286 ICC Loop, Spindale
More Info: $18-$22 for adults; youth under 16, free. Call the box office at 828-286-9990 or foundationshows.org. Special guests Dr. Robert Harrelson, baritone and the Chase High School Chorus, directed by Michael Henderson.
December 5
Rutherford Life Services Christmas Play
When: December 5; 4pm
Where: Crestview Baptist Church; 630 S. Church St., Forest City
More Info: Join us for a Christmas Celebration that will truly put you in the Christmas Spirit!
Spindale-Rutherfordton Christmas Parade
When: December 5; 4pm begins in Spindale, 5pm through Rutherfordton
More Info: Home for the holidays begins after the parade, downtown Rutherfordton. Main Street Park; 5-7pm. Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas caroling, lettters to Santa drop box.
December 24
Free Christmas Eve Meal
When: December 24; 11am
Where: Grace of God Rescue Mission; 537 West Main St., Forest City
More Info: For $10 you can help sponsor a free meal to someone less fortunate. Please make you tax deductible check payable to: The Grace of God Rescue Mission; PO Box 212 Forest City, NC 28043.










