Through December 18
Handcrafted Holiday Market
When: November 7-December 18
Where: Tryon Arts & Crafts; 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon
More Info: https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/holiday/
November 13
Blood Drive
When: November 13; 1-5pm
Where: Spencer Baptist Church, Family Life Center; 187 N. Oak St., Spindale
More Info: To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.
November 15
Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation Holiday Bazaar
When: November 15; 9am-4pm
Where: Chase Middle School; 840 Chase High Rd., Forest City
More Info: Free Annual Holiday Bazaar with vendors selling art, crafts, jewelry, decor, gifts, etc.
Toys for Tots Cruise-In and Swap Meet
When: November 15; registration 10am-noon
Where: Dive Bomber Vintage; 126 Park Lane Dr., Rutherfordton
More Info: In partnership with the USMC Toys for Tots. 50/50 drawing, door prizes. Johnnie 828-429-7500.
Golf Tournament in honor of Makenzie Owens
When: November 15; tee off 9:30am
Where: Forest City Municipal Golf Course; 211 Clay St., Forest City
More Info: Donnie 828-223-1680. Makenzie needs a liver transplant.
Empty Bowls 2025
When: November 15; 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 241 Club House Dr., Rutherfordton
More Info: Ticket includes all-you-can-eat soup, salad, dessert buffet; choice of handcrafted bowl. Dinner features a spotlight on all local foods from contributing restaurants, farms, and Ruff'ton Roots. rufftonroots.org
November 19
Blood Drive
When: November 19; 8am-2pm
Where: East Rutherford High School, Auxiliary Gym; 331 East High Rd., Bostic
More Info: To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.
November 21
Mobile Free Pharmacy
When: November 21; 9am-2pm
Where: Isothermal Community College; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale
More Info: NC Med Assist Mobile Free Pharmacy is conducting an Over the Counter Medicine Giveaway. Open to all NC residents, no income requirements, no ID required, must be 18 to receive medicine. Free over-the-counter medicine, including allergy, cough, cold, vitamins, kids medicine, and more. The program is provided through Atrium Health.
November 22
Car Seat Safety Checks
When: November 22; 10am-2pm
Where: Walmart; 197 Plaza Dr., Forest City
More Info: Hosted by the Forest City Police Department. Certified technicians will be available to ensure your child's car seat is properly installed and meets current safety standards. This event is FREE and open to the public!
The Rutherford County Community Choir Fall concert, New Beginnings
When: November 22; 7pm
Where: First United Methodist Church Rutherfordton; 264 North Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Under leadership of director, Dr. Benjamin Stogner. We are providing this concert free of charge to celebrate the return of RCCC! Consider donating to this wonderful choir and support the arts in Rutherford County!
34th annual Ellenboro Fiddlers' & Bluegrass Convention
When: November 22; 5pm
Where: Ellenboro School Gym; 813 Piney Mountain Church Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: Host band, Jordan River. Admission $10; kids under 10, free.
Turkey Dinner
When: November 22; 4-7pm
Where: Bill's Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: Take out available. $20 per plate; under 10 free. All proceeds support Bill's Creek Community Center programs and activities.
November 23
2025 Rutherford County Toy Run
When: November 23; 12:30pm; riders depart at 1:30pm
Where: Denny's; 1493 College Ave., Spindale
More Info: All proceeds go to needy children and families in Rutherford County and Western North Carolina.
November 26
Free Thanksgiving Meal
When: November 26; 11:30am-1pm
Where: St. Francis Episcopal Church Parish Hall; 395 N. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Take out also available.
November 27
Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: November 27; 6:30-9pm
Where: Main Street, Forest City
More Info: Several downtown businesses will be open during the event, come early and enjoy shopping before the lights come on at 7pm!
Thanksgiving Meal
When: November 27; 2pm
Where: United Way of Rutherford County; 668 Withrow Rd., Forest City
More Info: 828-748-5948
November 28
Christmas at the Mall
When: November 28; 5-8:30pm
Where: Tri City Mall; 2270 College Ave., Forest City
More Info: Photos with Santa, live Christmas carolers, free hot beverages from participating shops, local vendors, and fun for the whole family.
November 30
Forest City Christmas Parade
When: November 30; 3pm
Where: Main Street Forest City
More Info: Applications available at www.townofforestcity.com/.../forest-city-christmas, Forest City Town Hall Collections, 128 North Powell St. or United Bank, 142 North Watkins Dr.. Due November 12.
Weekends December 5-21
Carriage Rides, Hayrides, Ice Skating, Santa Paws, Visit With Santa
When: Weekends December 5 through December 21
Where: Main Street, Forest City
More Info: For more information on holiday festivities and how to book your carriage ride reservations, visit exploreforestcity.com/christmas.
December 2
The Harris High Alumni and friends breakfast
When: December 2; 8:30pm
Where: Denny's; 1493 US Hwy. 74A Bypass, Spindale
More Info: Come and join to us renew old friendships or create new ones! RSVP by Nov. 30 to Joan 828-245-2658 or gerjoj@aol.com
December 3
Tree Lighting Celebration and Holiday Concert
When: December 3; 5:30pm
Where: Lake Lure Gazebo in Morse Park; 2948 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure
More Info: Light Refreshments will be served, including Smores and hot chocolate!
December 6
Spindale, Rutherfordton Christmas parade
When: December 6; 4pm
Where: Beginning in Spindale for the continuous parade route to Rutherfordton
More Info: Want to join the parade? Register online by visiting the Town of Spindale's Facebook page by Dec. 3.
December 7
Ellenboro Christmas Parade
When: December 7; 3pm
Where: Main Street, Ellenboro
More Info: To enter parade, call 828-453-8611.
December 13
National Wreaths Across America Day
When: December 13
Where: Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery; 1743 Chase High Rd., Forest City
More Info: Help Griffith Rutherford Chapter, NSDAR honor local heroes. Sponsor a wreath to be placed on a Veteran's grave this December. To make a donation visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/NC0092P or contact The Genealogical Society of Old Tryon; 319 Doggett Rd,. Forest City 828-247-8700.
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
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 of the month at 6:00 PM
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.
Thursdays
BINGO - Disable 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!










