March 6-8
The Rumble 2026
When: March 6-8; Shuttles will leave Lake Lure Green Space beginning at 8am and bring competitors and spectators to Rumbling Bald throughout the day.
Where: Lake Lure
More Info: Spectators welcome. Non-registered climbers welcome to climb at Rumbling Bald while the event is taking place. Spectators & non-registered climbers will be shuttled to the Rumbling Bald climbing access area after all event participants & volunteers have arrived at the climbing area. Spectators must register at the non-competitor rate for Rumble shirt & meals. https://carolinaclimbers.org/civicrm/event/info.
March 7
Special Olympics Rutherford County 2026 Polar Plunge
When: March 7; registration- 10:30am,opening ceremony- 11:30am, plunge starts at 12pm
Where: Forest City-Dunbar Elementary; 286 Learning Parkway, Forest City
More Info: Funds raised go to support Special Olympics of Rutherford County with some funds going to support Steven Camp's trip to the USA Special Olympics. Sign up at https://give.specialolympicsnc.com/2026RutherfordPlunge
Grand Opening Celebration of Norris Park
When: March 7; 10am
Where: Norris Park; 156 Leroy Mull Dr., Rutherfordton,
More Info: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication, Live Demos & Disc Golf, Giveaways, Coffee & Ice Cream Trucks
March 10
Red Cross Blood Drive
When: March 10; 1:30-6pm
Where: Gilkey School Community Center Cafeteria; 217 Gilkey School Rd., Rutherfordton
More Info: For appointment call 1 -800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code "Gilkey". Bring your Red Cross Donor Card or Photo lD. Walk-lns welcome, appointments honored first! Give in March for a $15 Gift Card by email.
March 16-21
Sustain Me Living & Wellness Fair
When: March 16-21; 8am-7pm
Where: Tryon Equestrian Center; 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring
More Info: A six-day gathering focused on practical natural health, nutrition, and sustainable living. 6 full days of learning, community, and hands-on natural wellness. Barbara O'Neill, keynote speaker. Daily sessions on natural healing, lifestyle, and prevention. shalomtemplejourney.org
March 17
Union Mills Community Development Club free soup supper
When: March 17; 5-7pm
Where: Union Mills Community Clubhouse; 6097 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills
More Info: Wear your green and join us for soup.
March 19
Coffee & Conversations for Veterans
When: March 19; 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton
More Info: Guest speaker Jennifer Fowler, VSO answering questions regarding surviving spouse benefits. Spouses welcome! 828-287-6185.
March 20
Legacy Soccer Park Grant Opening Celebration
When: March 20; 4-6pm
Where: Legacy Soccer Park; 520 Piney Rodge Rd., Forest City
More Info: Music, player demos, food giveaways & more! Everyone is invited!
Grand Opening Rutherford Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center
When: March 20; 12pm
Where: 288 South Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton
More Info: RSVP to MyRutherfordRegional.com/events
Health and Wellness Fair
When: March 20; 9am-12pm
Where: 144 Steward St., Spindale
More Info: Free entry, door prizes, health screening, giveaways, vendors. Hosted by Serene Haven Apartments.
March 21
Greatest American Cleanup
When: March 21; 10am
Where: Starting at Purple Martin Greenway trailhead; 455 S. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Trash bags, gloves, visibility vests, and grabbers provided. After-snacks, drinks, and free Greatest American Cleanup t-shirt. Register at: https://givebutter.com/gac-rutherfordton or email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org
March 28
Our Night for Their Fight Prom Fundraiser for families of burned children
When: March 28; doors open 6pm, prom 7-10pm
Where: One 13; 113 West Court St., Rutherfordton
More Info: $20 per person. Sponsored by R.C. Chapter of the N.C. Firefighters Burned Children Fund. Open to public. RSVP to: Jimmy 828-429-0705, Austin 828-460-2122, Benny 828-755-6893, Tracie 828-289-3795.
April 6-30
Spring Litter Sweep
When: April 6-30
More Info: Sponsored by Keep Rutherford County Beautiful. Form a team: Rally neighbors, co-workers, or a team of any size. Pick your spot: Choose where your team wants to shine- parks, lots, roads or trails. Get your supplies: Vests, bags, gloves - we've got it covered! Report what you cleaned, and we can help remove the bags you collected. Sign up your team at https://www.keeprcncbeautiful.org/sign-up-for-a-sweep, email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org, or call 828-289-3260.
April 11
Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler
When: April 11; 8-10am
Where: Purple Martin Greenway at Kiwanis Park; 128 Green St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Out-and-back race. For America's 250th, finishers of the Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler will receive commemorative medals! Wear patriotic gear and you could win prizes for most patriotic dress! To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=143384&eventId=1115975. Registration ends April 10 and cost $30.
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday
Forest City Vip Lions Club
When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday; 6:30pm
Where: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City
More Info: We are seeking volunteers or new members for this new Lions Club branch, we serve our community.
Every 2nd Tuesday
Lake Lure Lions Club
When: 2nd Tuesdays 6pm
Where: La Strada Restaurant; 2693 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure
More Info: If you are interested and would like to attend a club meeting, contact club president John Kobland at jkobland@gmail.com.
Every Tuesday
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.
First Tuesday
Rutherford Dementia Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6pm
Where: First United Methodist Church Forest City Fellowship Hall; 341 E. Main St., Forest City
More Info: Discuss topics related to Dementia. 828-395-0083.
First Tuesday
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 828-245-4596, option 1.
Third Tuesday
Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 3rd Tuesday; 6pm
Where: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton
More Info: Come join us and volunteer to serve your community.
Rutherford Beekeepers Monthly Club Meeting
When: Third Tuesday; 6pm
Where: Cooperative Extension Center; 193 Callahan-Koon Rd., beside Senior Center
More Info: Open to anyone interested in beekeeping.
Fourth Tuesday
Rutherford County Woodworkers Club
When: Every Fourth Tuesday
Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton
More Info: 919-696-6064 .
Second Thursday
Coffee for Veterans
When: Second Thursday of the month at 10am
Where: Fairfield Mountains Chapel; 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: All veterans welcome for free coffee, refreshments, and camaraderie.
Third Thursday
Coffee & Conversations for Veterans
When: Third Thursday monthly; 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton
More Info: 828-287-6185.
Thursdays
BINGO - Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25
When: Thursdays 7-10pm
Where: Old Green Hill School; 2501 US 64/74A Hwy, Rutherfordton
More Info: Doors open 5:30pm. Early Bird 7pm; Regular Program 7:30pm
Narcotics Anonymous meeting
When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City
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
Learn more about the history of the Confederacy
Contact teddybear93_890@yahoo.com. We need new members interested in the history & will help preserve this history. Show your support by contacting me about joining the LT William Corbitt SCV camp. Meetings will begin again soon on the 2nd Thurs night at the Annex in Rutherfordton
Saturdays
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
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.
Miscellaneous
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: Calling all Andy Griffith Fans! If you're a true fan, email: teddybear93_890@yahoo.com (put tagsrwc in the subject line). Looking to start a new chapter of the Andy Griffith rerun watchers club in Rutherford County. We can do activities such as have marathons, trivia, games, etc. It's free!









