Events in Rutherfordton, NC

TPS presents a hands on sculpture class led by local papier mache expert Sarah Holmberg, known for equine themed work. Participants choose their subject, whether a horse, another animal, a flower, or a person. The session begins with building a wire armature, an essential foundation for shaping the piece. Sarah’s method uses successive layers of papier mache to build form and refine the surface, then finishes with acrylic paint and decorative touches on the base. All materials and supplies are provided, so bring ideas. Those attending may use the front entrance and head downstairs. For a stair free route, park behind the restaurant and enter from the lower back level. If that door is locked, please knock loudly or call 828-859-0141 for access. Class size ranges from 4 to 8 participants, and the minimum age is 18.

This meal fundraiser supports the Fall South Sudan Missions Team. Guests can enjoy barbecue with sides and dessert while contributing to the cause. It is sponsored and hosted by the LLBC Missions Ministry. Donations in any amount are appreciated. For more information, contact Larry Foster at 828-699-2398.

A special fundraiser benefiting REIN Rescue spotlights adventurer, filmmaker, and author Bernie Harberts, creator of The Lost Sea Expedition. Harberts journeyed from Canada to Mexico with his mule, Polly, and a small yellow wagon while following the traces of a long-vanished sea across the Great Plains. Across 2,500 miles and 395 days he encountered tumbleweed storms, bouts of prairie fever, and generous welcomes answered by a knock. Filmed from a solar-powered wagon, the voyage became The Lost Sea Expedition, which premiered on Rocky Mountain PBS and received a Winnie Award. Attendees can meet Bernie and Polly, step inside the compact 21-square-foot expedition wagon, and ask questions before settling in for a 90-minute screening of The Lost Sea Expedition with Bernie on hand to share insights. A catered meal is available for $18 per person, with meal tickets sold separately in advance. All proceeds support REIN Rescue.

LLBC coordinates volunteers at the New Beginnings Soup Kitchen at the Green River Baptist Association on the first Thursday of each month. Duties include preparing food, packaging meals, and overseeing distribution, and fourteen one-pound cakes are supplied for dessert. Approximately 400 to 500 meals are served each Thursday, and recipients are offered prayer to support both physical and spiritual needs. Volunteers and pound cake donations are needed, with morning and afternoon shifts available. For details about volunteering or providing cakes, contact Ray Montelione at 631-974-6308.

Country artist Jennifer Alvarado performs at Copper Penny Grill Rutherfordton. Originally from Hickory, North Carolina and now based in Nashville, this multiple award winner brings a fresh take on country by pairing the storytelling spirit of 90s country with the candid edge of alternative rock, inviting comparisons to a blend of Deana Carter and Alanis Morissette. She has appeared at notable rooms including The Viper Room in LA, The Listening Room in Pigeon Forge, The Cobra in Nashville, The Bird’s Nest in Dunn, NC, and The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC. Drawing inspiration from Janis Joplin, Deana Carter, Alanis Morissette, Reba McEntire, and Tom Petty, she blends classic rock, country, blues, and Americana. The set features favorite songs from a range of genres along with her own originals.

Conifer-Con at S&K Greenhouse features the third annual Conifer Day, a celebration of all things conifer. YouTube personalities Justin Lane and Bruce Duncan, along with cameraman Alex Maney, will be on site for meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions, sharing their conifer knowledge throughout the event. A food truck will be available for lunch, a convenient companion to a day of plant shopping and fun. Admission is free.

A locally owned beer garden offers a laid back atmosphere where families and dogs are welcome. Enjoy live music alongside a selection of craft beers and alcohol free beverages. Snacks and dishes from a local food truck are available. It is a comfortable place to relax and share time with friends and loved ones.

Experience a live acoustic performance by Jennifer Alvarado at Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria in Spindale.

Pack a lunch and settle in for a welcoming community conversation about how astrology relates to everyday life. The format is conversational and invites discussion while considering how planetary movements can shape both collective themes and personal experiences. For personalized insight, share your birth date, time, and location with Laura ahead of time so your story can be explored through the lens of tropical astrology. The gathering also looks at tarot and its connections with astrology, plus Human Design, from global cycles to individual bodygraphs. This series meets on the first Tuesday of each month, and you can attend whenever it fits your schedule. The suggested donation is $15 per class.

The 12th Annual Tryon International Film Festival presents four days of film screenings, educational sessions, networking opportunities, parties, awards, and more. Programming includes both in-person experiences and a virtual option. Tickets, passes, and a complete schedule are available through the festival’s official outlets.

The event celebrates customers and marks Purrrfect Bark's 15th birthday with a weekend filled with specials and deals, treats for both people and pets, and doughnuts. More information will be shared soon.

Live music from Michael Blakey blends rock, indie, and folk into a dynamic set. A Midwesterner with boundless energy, he pairs optimism and hope with a grounded outlook shaped by real life miles, from living in a minivan to touring the country in a Subaru. He left Missouri in 2012 to search for himself, and that quest still informs his songs, which wear their feelings openly and connect through vulnerability on and off stage. Each piece reveals another layer of how he understands himself and the world. The performance moves across moods and styles, shifting from delicate fingerpicking that reaches the heart to high octane bursts, whether he is leaping from the drum riser or joining a circle pit in the crowd. His presence is charged and welcoming, and audiences leave with a smile.

Now in its 20th year, this annual run circles Lake Lanier while linking Landrum, South Carolina, with Tryon, North Carolina. The 8K course spans 4.97 miles of rolling, hilly terrain that favors determination over speed. It begins with a downhill section before the steepest climb just past the quarter mile, followed by additional hills that keep legs working and may lead to a few walking breaks. Participants can expect a scenic, two-state route and a memorable test for both newcomers and experienced runners. On-course assistance includes an aid station at mile 2. The event takes place at Tryon International Equestrian Center Tryon Stadium.

Boiling Springs Town Hall hosts the 2nd annual Crafts on College craft fair, bringing together more than 45 local and original vendors. Attendees can enjoy fresh baked cinnamon rolls, bagels, and other breakfast treats from Rise and Roll Bakery, listen to live music, and visit a Kids Corner offering a fall craft sponsored by C&H Hendrick Equipment Rentals. Vendor registration is available, and additional details will be shared as the lineup is announced.

A monthly art stroll fills downtown Tryon with creativity and small town warmth. Galleries, studios, shops, and other creative spaces open their doors for new shows and hands on moments, giving visitors a chance to meet artists, watch live demos, encounter pop up happenings, hear music, browse local goods, and enjoy downtown dining. The lineup spans contemporary fine art, photography, sculpture, painting, craft, and other handmade work, offering something for collectors, devoted art fans, weekend explorers, and anyone in search of an inspiring day out. Bring a friend, take your time wandering, and see why Tryon continues to shine as a destination for art, culture, and community.

Crimson Moon brings lively classic rock to Sully's Place for the 2026 Polk County Toy Run after party, which also celebrates drummer Rob's birthday. Attendees can bring a toy to donate as a Christmas present for a child, enjoy food and drinks, and settle in for a fun set of music.

The Lab will be on site doing what it does best, serving boiled peanuts and keeping the crowd fed.

An open mic evening celebrating acoustic sets and spontaneous spoken word, along with any other creative performance you wish to share. Take the mic to sing, play, rap, dance, recite, or try something new, or simply settle into the lounge and soak up the creative energy. Mirrorball offers a welcoming, respectful setting where encouragement comes first, so there is no pressure to perform. Listening, connecting, and finding inspiration are equally valued. The bar features cocktails, wine, beer, and cannabis beverages. A food truck will serve empanadas from Carolina Empanada Co.

Enjoy live music.

Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity presents an interactive She Builds camp where women and young people work side by side to learn basic construction skills, complete a project together, and enjoy a supportive learning environment. Participants dive into practical building activities that strengthen confidence and highlight the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. The experience emphasizes shared memories, creativity, and inspiring future builders. Women and children in third grade and above are welcome, and adults are also invited to participate on their own. Lunch is included, and the cost is $25 per person. Whether a parent, grandparent, relative, mentor, or someone eager to pick up new skills, attendees can expect a day focused on building abilities, confidence, and community.

The event takes place on Central St, where Flyboy’s used to be. If you are not sure where that is, turn onto 1st St between the Firehouse Inn and the old West & Sons shop and you will drive right up to Central St. Coffee will be available for purchase from Small Town Roasters and from Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream. Main Street Market has a deck that overlooks Central St. Cars & Coffee Rutherfordton merchandise will be available to buy. Cold brew sponsors are BAMM LLC and Lail Automotive, with additional support from Thunder Road Animal Hospital, Venova Productions, Venova Detailing, and Advance Auto Parts of Rutherfordton.

R8 Lake Houser Full Gas GP features a Grand Prix layout that blends flowing woods sections with grass and motocross track for an approximately four mile loop. The program uses a two moto format with predetermined class starts, designed to deliver close competition and an experience that is easy for spectators to follow. Racers compete in two motos within their points scoring class, with each moto running about 40 to 45 minutes or 30 to 35 minutes plus one to two laps, depending on lap times. An optional two lap shootout is available to A, B, and C riders for a $20 entry. Riders may also enter the Sportsman class in the opposite moto of their points class, which can allow up to four motos of track time. Friday operations include gate access and on-site registration at the trailer, where entry fees, wristbands, and the AMA waiver are handled if the gate is unattended. The registration trailer is also open on Saturday, and a LIVELAPS account is required before checking in, with helmets needed at registration. Saturday’s race day flow includes Mini Race 1, a Peewee race, the two lap shootout, Mini Race 2, B/C Race 1, A/B Race 1, B/C Moto 2, and A/B Moto 2.

Explore the essentials of needlepoint in a beginner-friendly sampler class from Spellbound Stitchery. A hand painted canvas maps out each stitch so you can easily see row direction and placement while you learn eight foundational techniques. The four hour session includes a booklet with diagrams and written guidance, along with a link to video lessons you can revisit anytime.

Contigo, a local band, performs as part of the monthly concert series presented by FENCE. This free community concert is made possible by FENCE for the community.

An evening meetup in downtown Rutherfordton takes place in the Tom's and Court's Street parking lot across from the USPS building. The location is within the Mint District of Rutherfordton. Admission is free, and this gathering is separate from the morning C&C events. Cold brew is supported by BAMM LLC, Lail Automotive, Thunder Road Animal Hospital, Venova Productions, Venova Detailing, and Advance Auto Parts of Rutherfordton. Event merchandise will be available for purchase.

Main Street Market shifts into celebration immediately after the FAB Vendor Market, turning the space into an after-party with a live DJ at the helm. Dance with friends old and new as upbeat tracks keep the floor moving and the energy high. Food, art, and brews round out the experience, creating a creative community vibe as the market transforms into a lively party.

At Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery, WNC duo Seth and Sara share their cowboy-tinged originals alongside favorites from artists such as Tyler Childers, The Beatles, Colter Wall, Brooks & Dunn, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash. After seven years traveling through 49 states, they have paused the van-life tour and are focusing on regional shows in 2026. Seth brings expressive vocals, agile guitar work, and a suitcase kick that keeps evolving, while Sara anchors the set with percussion and gentle harmonies. The performance blends love, humor, and heartbreak with a rootsy feel and moments that invite dancing.

Hunt Park in Lattimore hosts a seasonal craft fair featuring handmade goods from local vendors, festive fall and holiday décor, and plenty of food and sweet treats. The atmosphere is welcoming for families and highlights small town charm. Visitors can browse for unique gifts, pick up decorations for the holidays, or simply enjoy an easygoing autumn outing while celebrating the creativity of local makers.

Peanut/Lab sets up live at Tryon Beer Fest at Tryon Depot Plaza, doing what they do best and serving boiled peanuts to festival attendees.

Held at Tryon Arts and Crafts School, this relaxed five-day workshop welcomes participants of every experience level. Learn how to create botanical prints on a variety of leathers, including lambskin, sheep, and top-grain, then put those custom pieces to work while practicing core construction skills. Instruction covers choosing the right leather and caring for it, along with both hand and machine stitching. A simple die-cutting machine is used to make quick templates for leather earrings and bracelets. Build confidence as you install zippers, form boxed corners, set rivets, and add pockets, opening the door to projects like handbags, clothing, jewelry, and even shoes. It is a practical way to develop new techniques while crafting meaningful holiday gifts.

WNC duo Seth and Sara pause their van-life tour to focus on regional performances, bringing a campfire-born mix of original songs and well-loved covers. Over seven years they have played across 49 states, drawing on influences that range from Tyler Childers and The Beatles to Colter Wall, Brooks & Dunn, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash. Seth’s rich vocals, guitar, and signature suitcase kick drive the sound, while Sara adds steady percussion and gentle harmonies that shape their cowboy-tinged style. Look for a heartfelt set that blends love, humor, and heartbreak with room for dancing and a rootsy edge.

This Cars and Coffee meet in Rutherfordton takes place on Central St, the street where Flyboy’s used to be. If you are unsure of the location, turn onto 1st St between the Firehouse Inn and the old West & Sons shop to reach Central St. Cold brew is provided by BAMM LLC and the family-owned Lail Automotive. Sponsors include Thunder Road Animal Hospital, Venova Productions, Venova Detailing, and Advance Auto Parts of Rutherfordton. Small Town Roasters and Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream will be open selling coffee, and Main Street Market will be serving lunch with a deck that overlooks Central St so it is easy to keep an eye on your car. Event merchandise will be available for purchase.

Seth and Sara bring a warm, cowboy-tinged sound shaped by years on the road. The duo from Western North Carolina has paused their van-life tour to focus on regional shows, sharing campfire-born originals alongside favorites from artists like Tyler Childers, The Beatles, Colter Wall, Brooks & Dunn, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash. Seth is known for expressive vocals, agile guitar work, and a suitcase kick that keeps evolving, while Sara blends in crisp percussion and gentle harmonies. Expect a set that moves through love, humor, and heartbreak, with space for dancing and a rootsy edge.

Enjoy an evening devoted to the iconic songs of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

The annual Christmas parade and tree lighting is confirmed to return. This community celebration brings together a parade and the lighting of the tree. Parade participant registration is open through the town’s event application.

The Symphony of Rutherford County presents its annual holiday concert, filled with seasonal melodies that blend cherished traditions with fresh selections. It offers a warm, festive evening to start the season on a joyful note. All seating is reserved, and adult ticket pricing will be announced. Youth ages 18 and under are admitted at no cost, but a ticket is still required. For security, metal detector screening is required before entry, and personal belongings may be searched.

Fat Catz comes back to Sully's Place for a lively night of rock music.

This Cars and Coffee gathering in Rutherfordton features coffee from local favorites. Small Town Roasters and Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream will be open offering coffee, and Main Street Market will be available for lunch with a deck overlooking the area so attendees can keep an eye on their vehicles. Cold brew is sponsored by BAMM LLC, a small business marketing company, and Lail Automotive, a local family owned automotive repair shop. Additional sponsors include Thunder Road Animal Hospital, Venova Productions, Venova Detailing, and Advance Auto Parts of Rutherfordton. Event merchandise will be available for purchase.