September 30-October 3
Celebration of the Arts
When: September 30-October 3
Where: The Guild; 160 North Main St., Ruthefordton
More Info: Includes: People's Choice Voting, Artists Reception (Oct. 2, 5-7pm), Awards (Oct. 3, 4-5pm). info@rcartguild.com
October 1
Free screening of Homegrown History
When: October 1; 6-8pm
Where: Mooneyham Library; 382 West Main St., Forest City
More Info: This documentary series celebrates America's 250th anniversary, built from community submissions across North Carolina, telling the history of the American Revolution and how it shapes who we are today. The event is free, seating is limited. Reserve your seat: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../pbs-north-carolinas... Questions about the event? Email Karen: events@pbsnc.org.
Chase High School Class of 1962 Reunion
When: October 1; 5:30pm
Where: Big Daves Restaurant; 123 Commercial Dr., Forest City
More Info: Suzanne Gibson 828-287-9277
October 3
Annual Country Bazaar
When: Oct. 3; 7am-1pm
Where: Oak Grove United Methodist Church; 1507 Oak Grove Church Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: Biscuit breakfast, soup lunch, crafts, bake sale, canned goods, seasonal items, gift items, treasures, $1 donation quilt ticket. Proceeds benefit Church Outreach Committee, Kentucky Mission, and Church Projects.
Free Concert: Chris Taylor & The Rumor
When: October 3; 7pm
Where: Pavilion on Park Square (POPS); 153 Park Square, Forest City
More Info: Featuring rock, soul, funk and pop favorites you know and love. From Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi to Bruno Mars, Poison, Van Halen, Prince and more, there's something for everyone to sing along to! They'll also be performing original songs from Chris Taylor, including "Dangerous," "I Know The Way" and "Standing on the Edge." For more information visit forestcitypops.com
Chase Corner Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration
When: October 3; 11am-5pm
Where: Chase Corner Ministries; 1604 Chase High Rd., Forest City
More Info: Singing, bouncy houses, food trucks, games and give away prizes. Bring a lawn chair. All of the community is invited to help celebrate!
2026 Fall Hilltop Festival
When: October 3; 10am-5pm
Where: Historic Downtown Rutherfordton
More Info: Music, food & craft vendors, pumpkin painting, lawn games, dog costume contest, magic show & more!
October 8
Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Colfax Cotton Gin Park
When: Oct. 8; 10am
Where: Colfax Cotton Gin Park; 132 Main Street Ellenboro
More Info: The ribbon cutting ceremony will also include refreshments and live music.
October 9
Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts Family Street Fair
When: Oct. 9; 5-7:30pm
Where: Rutherford County Library; 145 College Ave., Suite D, Rutherfordton
More Info: Free Sesame Street-themed family event hosted by Partnership for Children of the Foothills with support from community partners. Designed to help families build connection while learning ways to support kids as they develop resilience and learn to manage feelings. Families can enjoy free dinner, activity spaces, resilience kits, books, diapers and hygiene kits. Rutherford County Library will provide story times.
October 9 & 10
5th Annual Bill's Creek Music Festival
When: October 9; 6pm, October 10; 12-5pm
Where: Bill's Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: Free! Food and drinks available with donation. Featuring Andrew Wakefield, John Friday, Ron Sphere and Chris Wayne.
October 6
Harris High Alumni and friends will meet
When: October 6; 8:30am
Where: Denny's; Spindale
More Info: Join to us renew old friendships or create new ones! RSVP by Oct. 3 to Joan 828-245-2658 or gerjoj@aol.com
October 9
Sesame Street Resource Fair at Rutherford County Library
When: Oct. 9; 5 to 7:30pm
Where: Rutherford County Library; off US 74, Rutherfordton
More Info: Sesame Street Resource Fair for parents with young kids. Includes free hot dog dinner, meeting with a therapy dog, fun activities & giveaways for kids. Free resources, including books, diapers & mindfulness bags. Sponsored by the Partnership for Children of the Foothills, Barefoot Baby Foundation, NC Healthy Blue, Safe Kids, Rutherford/Polk and "tootle." 828-287-6115.
October 10
Pink Platoon 5K for breast cancer awareness
When: Oct. 10; 9am
Where: Charles George VA Medical Center; 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville
More Info: Hosted by the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System. Family-friendly, community-focused free of cost, all ages welcome. In addition to the 5K, a resource fair will offer VA and community resources supporting wellness, education and awareness. https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Asheville/PinkPlatoon5k or Runsignup.com.
October 15
Mosaic Hope's 2nd Annual Blue Jean Ball
When: October 15; 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Second Baptist Church; 191 Green St, Rutherfordton
More Info: An evening dedicated to supporting children, caregivers, and helping professionals impacted by foster care in Rutherford County. Featuring dinner, stories of impact, a silent auction, opportunities to learn more about how Mosaic Hope is equipping & mobilizing our community to wrap around vulnerable children and families. Tickets available at https://givebutter.com/2026-blue-jean-ball. www.mosaichope.org
October 16, 17, 23 & 24
Spooky Trail in Historic Downtown Rutherfordton
When: Oct. 16, 17, 23 & 24; Family-Friendly Tours 4pm, Adult Tours (21+) 8pm
Where: Rutherfordton
More Info: In collaboration with Tri-City Theatre, Rutherfordton Town Rising will bring local history & ghostly tales to life with "spooky" tours downtown. Hear the stories, legends, & eerie happenings in Rutherfordton. www.thinkrutherfordton.com.
October 17
She Build
When: October 17; 9am-2:30pm
Where: Isothermal Community College; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale
More Info: a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll learn practical home improvement skills, build confidence, and connect with other amazing women in our community. https://www.cognitoforms.com/RutherfordCountyHabitatForHumanity/SheBuildRegistration
Rutherford Housing Partnership's 2nd Annual A Night to Restore: Spookeasy
When: October 17; 6pm
Where: Slim's Bar & Grill; 184 E. Main St., Forest City
More Info: Dress in your best 20s attire! Silent auction, music, costume contest. https://www.rutherfordhousingpartnership.org/anighttorestore.
Arts & Crafts Festival in Lake Lure
When: Oct. 17; 10am to 5pm
Where: Lake Lure; 119 Arcade Street beside Lake Lure Inn
More Info: Admission is free. Outdoor booths with pottery, jewelry, photography, woodwork, stained glass, leather goods, textiles, artwork, and other handmade pieces from regional artists and crafters. Craft demonstrations & food vendors. Proceeds support Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach food pantry ministry.
October 23 & 24
Free Adult Dental Bus
When: Oct. 23 & 24; Must have an appointment!
Where: Lake Lure Baptist Church; 6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure
More Info: Basic services from extractions, fillings, x-rays, cleanings. For appointment call Lynda Poe 580-591-1716.
October 24
Annual Trunk or Treat
When: Oct. 24; 4-7pm
Where: Precision Gymnastics; 804 McBrayer Homestead Rd., Shelby
More Info: Bring your family and friends for a night of games, candy, face painting, costume contest and raffles. Come dressed in your costume for a fun filled family friendly night.
November 10
The Wall That Heals Motorcycle Escort
When: November 10; Motorcycle riders are asked to meet at High Voltage Harley; 365 Sha Ln., Spartanburg at 11:30am to escort the wall to Isothermal Community College Soccer Fields in 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. If you would like to support this mission as a sponsor, volunteer, or community partner, or if you have questions about how to get involved, call or text 828-351-4955. https://thewallthathealsspindalenc2026.org/
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/










