October 15
Fountain Services 80th Anniversary Community Open House
When: October 15; 5-8pm
Where: Fountain Services Headquarters; 244 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale
More Info: The event is open to the public. Includes food, beverages, live music, a meet & greet with Fountain leadership & staff, a look back at the company's 80-year history, & birthday cake.
Senior Healthy Workshop
When: October 15; 11am-1:30pm
Where: Spindale House; 119 Tanner St., Spindale
More Info: Sponsored by the MLK Committee of New Hope. Presentations and entertainment by Ray Jackson. Free event. Public invited.
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
Car, truck and Bike Show
When: October 17; registration 10am-noon, awards: 3pm
Where: Wilson Baptist Church; 3617 Whiteside Rd., Forest City
More Info: Benefit for youth program. Door prizes, food, drinks, awards. Entry fee $20. Tiffany 828-447-4140 or Johnnie 828-429-7500.
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 21
Free Monthly Luncheon
When: Oct. 21; 11am-1pm
Where: Union Mills Community Clubhouse; 6097 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills
More Info: Open to everyone.
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 23 & 24
Lake Lure's Haunted Trail Fundraiser
When: October 23 & 24; 6-9pm
Where: 1058 Island Creek Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: All profits benefit Lake Lure Classical Academy. Scary & friendly paths, kids games, music, food & drinks. llcharter.org.
October 24
Annual Barbecue Supper
When: October 24; 4-7pm or until sold out
Where: Oak Grove United Methodist Church; 1507 Oak Grove Church Rd., Ellenboro
More Info: All you can eat; take-outs available. Proceeds benefit United Methodist Men's outreach projects.
Car Show
When: October 24; registration 10am-noon, show 10am-3pm
Where: Spindale United Methodist Church; 185 Mill St., Spindale
More Info: Proceeds benefit church food ministries. $25 entry fee. Door prizes, food, music, awards! Johnnie 828-429-7500 or Bill 828-223-6060
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.
Community Resource Fair
When: October 24; 3-5pm
Where: Polk County Middle School Cafeteria; 321 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring
More Info: Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Kids & families can learn about local services, meet representatives from community organizations & participate in Halloween-themed activities. Organized as a trunk-or-treat-style event. Resource tables to collect treats, information, & learn about programs in the area. Costumes welcome.
October 31
Annual Trick or Treat
When: Oct. 31; 5-7pm
Where: Union Mills Community Clubhouse; 6097 Hudlow Rd., Union Mills
More Info: Join us for indoor trick or treat. Hot dog supper $6 includes hot dog, chips, drink and dessert. We will be giving out school supplies to the children as long as they last.
Trick or Treat on Main Street Rutherfordton
When: October 31; 4-6pm- or until candy runs out
Where: Main Street, Rutherfordton
More Info: Bring your little ghosts, superheroes, princesses, and dinosaurs downtown for some Halloween fun. If you'd like to hand out candy, check with Carli at RTR@rutherfordton.net to coordinate your participation.
Trick or Treat on Main Street Forest City
When: October 31; 4-6pm
Where: Main Street, Forest City
More Info: Enjoy a fun and safe Halloween as historic Main Street comes alive with treats, costumes, and community spirit.
Trick or Treat on Main Street Chimney Rock
When: October 31; 5-7pm
Where: Chimney Rock Village
November 7
The Pink Pearl Oyster Roast
When: November 7; 5-8pm
Where: Creekside Farm Venue; 368 Robinson Creek Rd., Bostic
More Info: Hosted by The Foothills Women's Society - GFWC. The inaugural Pink Pearl Oyster Roast brings our community together for an evening of steamed oysters, delicious food, drinks, live music and Southern hospitality--all while supporting women right here in our community. Proceeds from this event benefit the Community Breast Cancer Fund, helping provide meaningful support to local individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Tickets (includes admission & oyster roast): adults $75, 2 adults $140, kids $15. Price increase Oct. 20! Tickets https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BCVA85XZ4TXHU. Info: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pink-pearl-oyster-roast-be/1074846121843076/ or https://www.fhwsociety.org/. We are also selling sweet treats at local businesses to benefit the community breast cancer fund. Business locations include: Dream Weavers Dance Studio, Downtown Abby Consignment Boutique, BPI Plumbing Supply and Peak Performance Vault.
Senior Center Car Show
When: November 7; registration 9-10am, show 9am-4pm, awards 3pm
Where: Rutherford County Senior Center; 193 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale
More Info: Proceeds benefit the Senior Center programs. Food trucks on site.
November 10
Red Cross Blood Drive
When: November 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, enter Sponsor Code "Gilkey". Bring your Red Cross Donor Card or Photo lD. Walk-lns welcome, appointments honored first! Give blood Oct. 19-Nov. 22 for a $10 Amazon gift card by email plus earn 200 bonus points toward exclusive donor rewards! See rcblood.org/Maze for details.
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/
"Coping with Grief During the Holidays" presentation
When: November 10; 12-1pm
Where: Rutherford County Library (Main branch); 145 College Ave., Rutherfordton
More Info: Speaker: Lisa Hollingsworth, Grief Support Coordinator.
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.
November 21
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.










