September 22-26
Colfax Free Fair and Ellenboro School Carnival
When: September 22-26; Wed. & Thurs. 6pm, Fri. 5pm, Sat. 1pm
Where: Old Ellenboro School Grounds
More Info: Free Admission! Rides, Games, Food, Fun, Exhibit Hall. Old engines, tractors and farm machinery will be on display. Free live music Saturday from 5-6:30pm. Exhibit hall open Mon., Sept. 21; 10am-6pm to enter for competition. A car show will be held at the Old Ellenboro Ball Field, 171 Cherry Mtn., Ellenboro. No entry fee.
September 25
Give Like Dolly Day
When: Sept. 25; Online... All day!
More Info: Your donation to Partnership for Children of the Foothills helps support the local work required to build a strong foundation for children's learning and development, through expanding literacy opportunities, family support programming, increasing access to affordable and high-quality care, and promoting children's health initiatives throughout your community. Donate to help us continue building healthy childhoods! Visit pfcfoothills.org to access our pay pal.
September 26
11th annual End of Summer Bash, hosted by Rutherford County Veterans Services
When: September 26; noon-2pm
Where: Rutherford County Library; 145 College Ave., Rutherfordton
More Info: The event will include food, drawings, prizes and all veterans will receive a T-shirt. The Veterans Services staff is hosting the event to thank Rutherford County veterans and 2025-2026 donation partners.
Plaza Barber Shop Hot Dog Plate Fundraiser
When: September 26; 2-5pm
Where: Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church; 250 Hudlow Rd., Forest City.
More Info: Proceeds support Plaza Barber Shop that was affected by the August 31 main street Forest City fire. $10 per plate.
Car Show
When: September 26; 8am: sign-in, show 9am-3pm
Where: Cedar Grove Fellowship Church; 160 Toney Rd., Bostic
More Info: $30 per entry. Each entry gets a free t-shirt. 26 Trophies. Vendors wanted-$25- bring your own table. Also selling BBQ plates & Hot Dog plates, crafts, Christmas, fall, etc. Benefits the building fund.
September 27
Chimney Rock Village Pubic Art Unveiling & Community Gathering
When: September 27; 2pm
Where: Chimney Rock Village Riverwalk; Behind Riverwatch Grill & Bubba O'Leary's General Store
More Info: September marks two years since Hurricane Helene changed Chimney Rock Village forever. Mayor O'Leary and the Chimney Rock Village team invite you to an informal community gathering and the unveiling of a new public art installation created in partnership with students from UNC Charlotte's Ravin School of Architecture. The artwork reflects both the impact of Hurricane Helene and the strength that carried Chimney Rock forward. Hear brief reflections from Village and UNC Charlotte representatives, and recognize how far this community has come while looking ahead with optimism to the work still underway.
September 28
Sister Chicks for Christ Hosts 24th Annual Ladies Night Out
When: Sept. 28; 6-8pm
Where: The Foundation at ICC; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale
More Info: Women of all ages invited to this free event. Worship led by members of the 2nd Baptist worship team, followed by a message from Angela Donadio, a seasoned ministry leader, trusted Bible teacher and published author. Individual donations will be accepted at the event. Sisterchicks4christ@gmail.com
September 29
Blood Drive
When: Sept. 29; 8am-2pm
Where: East Rutherford High School Gym; 331 E High Rd., Bostic
More Info: To make an appointment or to learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.
September 30
Celebrating 100 Years of the Lake Lure Dam
When: September 30; 11am
Where: Lake Lure Gazebo at Morse Park
More Info: Join the Town of Lake Lure as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Lake Lure Dam- a remarkable engineering achievement that has stood strong for a century, including its resilience through Hurricane Helene.
Blood Drive
When: Sept. 30; 12-6pm
Where: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Norris-Biggs Conference Room; 288 South Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton
More Info: To make an appointment or to learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.
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
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 & 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 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 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
October 17
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.
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.
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/










