Events in Shelby, NC

An intimate TV taping of Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis takes place at the Don Gibson Theatre, featuring performances and stories from Channing Wilson, Eric Paslay, Kim Richey, and Patrick Davis. The evening will be filmed for Season Two of SSWPD on SCETV/PBS. Attendance is limited to 150 guests. VIP tickets include reserved VIP seating, early entry to the VIP area, a signed show poster, and two drink tickets. General admission tickets provide seating for this special taping.

Enjoy a Thursday family storytime with fun stories and early literacy activities. Intended for children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers.

A twice-monthly book club focused on Eastern fantasy and sci-fi that delves into what defines fantasy and how it overlaps with science fiction.

Child Care Connections of Cleveland Co. will hold its annual charity golf fundraiser at Deer Brook Golf Club on the course's newly updated greens. The date has changed, and further details will be announced.

Guided tours of The Banker’s House are currently available by appointment only because of extreme heat. These visits offer an in-depth look at the home’s history, its distinctive Second Empire style architecture, and the lives of the people who lived and worked there. The experience starts in the main house, then continues to the carriage house and the grounds for a complete view of the property. Tours are $10 per person, with payment taken at the door. To schedule or learn more, contact May Reed, Executive Director, at 980.404.0096.

This North Carolina Concealed Carry class at Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County satisfies the training requirement for the NC concealed carry permit application. The fee is $85 and includes lunch. Class size is limited, and advance registration with payment is required to reserve a spot. To register and pay by phone, call 704-447-8230. Participants should complete the Foothills safety video and submit the electronic waiver by the day before class. Please arrive at the Foothills Training Center before the session begins and bring a firearm, eye and ear protection, and 50 rounds of ammunition.

Celebrate the season at Harvest Healthy Habits, a free community gathering focused on family fun and wellness. Enjoy complimentary food, kid friendly activities like face painting and balloon creations, and giveaways. On-site services include health screenings and school-required immunizations, along with opportunities to connect with local health resources. It is designed for all ages and offers a simple way to have fun together while taking practical steps toward better health.

Discover new perspectives with the Roaming Reader Collective, a genre-open book club that explores all kinds of reading. Expect a mix of genres rather than a single focus. The group meets on the third Saturday each month.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening with Caution! Blind Driver in the scenic hills of Carolina. This music event takes place in a special setting and welcomes attendees of all ages.

This beginner-friendly rifle class focuses on core safety practices and foundational shooting techniques. New shooters will build confidence while learning time tested fundamentals used by champion shooters, then practice those skills in a supportive, low pressure setting with a strong emphasis on safety. Instruction covers safety, choosing the right rifle, grip and stance, sight picture, trigger control, follow through, breath control, and practical drills. Enrollment is capped at eight participants and the fee is $40. Participants should bring a rifle and 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition. Eye and ear protection are provided, and personal protective gear may be used if preferred. Attendees must be 18 or older to participate independently, and ages 11 to 17 may attend with adult supervision.

An adult romance book club centered on stories of love and relationships. This welcoming gathering is designed for grown-up readers who enjoy romance novels and want a dedicated space to connect over love-driven books.

The Paul Porter Memorial Golf Tournament at River Bend YMCA Golf Course invites teams of four to compete with a $280 entry fee. Lunch will be available throughout the day. To sign up, contact Michelle Hoyle at 704-481-9535 or Phil Wallace at 704-482-4286. Hole sponsorships are offered for $100 and include a sign displayed at the tournament. This tournament is a fundraiser.

Roots Music History: LIVE! is a new, onstage radio program that traces the heritage of Appalachian music. Produced with Western North Carolina’s NPR station WNCW in partnership with the Earl Scruggs Center and the American Songcatcher podcast, it blends learning and entertainment through stories and live performances. Folk musician Nicholas Edward Williams, host and producer of American Songcatcher, leads the program alongside a special guest who reflects the evolving diversity of Appalachian music. This three-part debut series will be filmed before a live audience at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina. Attendees can expect meaningful historical context through storytelling, interviews, and performances that spotlight foundational artists, styles, and instruments of the region, plus surprise segments and an in-house old time string band. The concept is being prepared for a future pitch to regional and national NPR syndication to help preserve and share Appalachian music culture. Ticket purchase or attendance constitutes consent to photography, video, and audio recording, which may be broadcast on WNCW 88.7 and other media outlets and used for promotional purposes.

Roots Music History: LIVE! is a new radio program devoted to the story of Appalachian music, set for syndication on Western North Carolina’s NPR station WNCW and created in collaboration with the Earl Scruggs Center and the roots music history podcast American Songcatcher. The debut series features three installments recorded before a live audience at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina. Folk musician Nicholas Edward Williams, host and producer of American Songcatcher, guides each program through a blend of storytelling, interviews, and performances alongside a special guest who reflects the evolving and varied traditions of Appalachian music. Themes highlight formative artists, defining styles, and hallmark instruments, with surprise segments and a house string band steeped in old-time music adding to the experience. The series is designed to educate and entertain while supporting the preservation of Appalachian music culture through public radio. By purchasing a ticket or attending, participants consent to photography and to video and audio recording that may be broadcast on WNCW 88.7 and other media outlets and used for promotional purposes.

A regional car show from the Carolinas Chapter of the Falcon Club of America will take place at the Comfort Inn and welcomes Ford enthusiasts of all kinds. Vehicles may compete in stock, modified, lite modified, masters, and other Ford classes, and every entry must be Ford powered. Registration is $25 for the first vehicle and $15 for a second, while spectators and participants without a vehicle are $15. Swap spaces are free. Event T-shirts are available for $25 to $28. An awards banquet with a BBQ plate is $20 per adult, and children under 10 eat free. Those who register early are entered for a chance to win a $150 prize. Make checks payable to the Carolinas Chapter, FCA. For details or registration questions, call 704-736-1920 or email info@baxtersigns.com. Comfort Inn offers a special rate of $109 per night when the Falcon Club show is mentioned.

Fourth & Goal Promotions brings its show back to the LeGrand Center in Shelby, NC. Mitchell’s Mess & More, a frequent presence at Fourth & Goal events in Spartanburg, Shelby, and Gastonia, will offer sports and wrestling cards, figures, pops, autographs, and more.

Explore more than 150 vendor tables packed with collectibles of all kinds, including Pokemon, TCG, sports cards, die-cast collectibles, action figures, comics, Barbie, and more. A cosplay contest will take place during the event.

An evening of live music pairs with a community Cruise-In spotlighting the Catalinas. Car enthusiasts can display vehicles from every era, with classic models lining Main Street by the museum. Admission is free. Food trucks and desserts will be available. Attendees may wish to bring a chair to relax and enjoy the music, and classic car owners are welcome to participate.

Geared to beginning shotgun shooters, this class combines classroom instruction and range time with certified instructors. Expect on-range coaching in the finer points of skeet from a Foothills Range Safety Officer, along with discussion of scoring, etiquette, equipment, and camaraderie. The fee is $40 and includes eye and ear protection, and NSSF has provided some goodies for participants. Class size is limited to five. Participants should bring a shotgun and two boxes of 7 1/2, 8, or 9 shot, 1300 fps max.

This free, family-centered day is created for individuals with special needs and their loved ones. Registration is open, and you can use the QR code to sign up in advance. While registration is optional, doing so is encouraged and will guarantee special goodies when you check in. It is planned as a memorable experience for everyone involved.

The Knights perform at The Fear Farm in Blacksburg. Expect a night of rock, and feel free to dress up for the occasion.

This beginner-focused handgun class blends classroom instruction with live-fire practice under the guidance of certified instructors. The $40 registration includes eye and ear protection, and NSSF has provided a few extra goodies for participants. Space is limited, so reservations are taken by phone at 704-447-8230. The office is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Prepare for a North Carolina Concealed Carry permit with a class at Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County. The cost is $85 and lunch is included. Space is limited, so advance registration with payment is required to secure a spot. To register and pay by phone, call 704-447-8230. Participants should review the Foothills safety video and submit the electronic waiver by the day before class if not already completed. Plan to arrive at the Foothills Training Center before instruction begins. Bring your firearm, eye and ear protection, and 50 rounds of ammunition. This class meets the training requirement for the North Carolina Concealed Carry permit application.

Now in its 41st year, the NC Liver Mush Festival, Mush, Music & Mutts, celebrates a one-of-a-kind regional delicacy in Uptown Shelby, a tradition that has been featured on Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods. Admission is free, the event welcomes pets, and the festivities are geared for all ages. Highlights include a lively liver mush eating contest, a recipe competition and cookoff, live music throughout the day, and the Land of Rhythm Kids Zone. More than 130 food, craft, and beverage vendors will be on hand with plenty to explore. The “Mutts” activities continue in the pet zone presented by RollOver Pets, featuring a pet costume contest and parade, K9 demonstrations and trick shows, Musical Sit contests, and additional pet-friendly fun. More details will be shared soon.

Ohio musician Ethan Timm brings an old-soul sensibility shaped by classic rock legends to Stem Wine & Desserts. His performance pairs smooth, soulful vocals with blues-tinged guitar work, striking a balance between fun and heartfelt. The set features well known classics, original songs cut from the same cloth, and a few lesser-known covers. No two shows are alike, so the music unfolds uniquely each time.

This beginner-friendly rifle class welcomes new shooters to a calm, judgment-free setting focused on safety and solid technique. Instruction centers on time tested fundamentals used by champion shooters, with plenty of guidance and practice to build confidence and skill. Participants will learn and work on safety, gun selection, grip, stance, sight picture, trigger control, follow through, breath control, and practical drills. Enrollment is limited to 8 students, and the cost is $40. Please bring a rifle and 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition. Eye and ear protection are provided, and personal protective equipment may be used if preferred. Students must be at least 18 years old to attend on their own. Those aged 11 to 17 may participate with adult supervision.

This semi-annual market at Cleveland County Fairgrounds features more than a thousand sellers offering antiques, rare collectibles, gas memorabilia, vintage advertising signs, handcrafted pieces, retro items, and holiday decor.

Presented by the Catawba River Antique Mall, this large market brings hundreds of sellers to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds with booths set up both inside and out. Browse vintage pieces and artisan-made goods from a wide variety of participants.

Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting a fall plant sale featuring a wide selection of perennials, small trees, and native plants, all grown and potted by the team. Shoppers can also browse daffodil and other bulbs, plus the Garden Shed and additional offerings, with competitive pricing throughout. The sale will be held at the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Auditorium. Arriving early can help secure the best selection.

The first Catawba Pickers Classic Car Show arrives at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds alongside the Catawba Pickers Antique and Artisan Show, a regional gathering featuring hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of visitors. Vehicles can be entered in four categories: Antique and Classic for 1960 and earlier, Muscle Car Era from 1961 through 2000, Modern Era from 2001 to the present, and Modified or Street Rod for all years. Awards will be presented for first, second, and third place in each class, with additional honors for Best of Show, door prizes, and a special Ralph’s Favorite selection, named for the mascot shared by both events at the fairgrounds. Registration for the car show is free, while fairgrounds admission is $10 per person, and children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. The first 100 registered car show participants will receive a complimentary oversized Catawba Pickers tote bag to carry finds from the grounds. There is no preregistration, so entry is available on the day of the show only. Guests are welcome to bring tents and lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the day.

Gee’s Auction Services LLC is hosting a benefit auction at Ross Grove Baptist Church to support Turner “Wildman” Morris and his family with medical expenses after he was recently injured while participating in a rodeo. All proceeds will go directly to the Morris family to help cover medical bills and ongoing care. This will be a live in-person and online event powered by Gee’s Auction Services, with online bidding provided by Lucky L Enterprises through its app on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The effort is in partnership with Ross Grove Baptist Church and the Burns Middle School wrestling team. Examples of donated items include a child’s ATV, Panthers ticket packages for three games with seats near the visitors tunnel, several local golf packages, and restaurant voucher bundles. Additional contributions such as farm equipment, golf carts, e-scooters or bikes, spa packages, and other items are welcome to help raise funds. For auction details or to arrange a donation, contact Grayson Gee at 704-472-9068 or Phillip Gee at 704-477-5500. Plans may be adjusted in case of inclement weather.

At Deer Brook Country Club, participants will play a round using the Division Skins format with Lewis as host. The green fee is $37, and attendees are asked to wear white shirts. After play, a meal will be served at the LeGrand Center in Ballrooms 2 and 3.

Boo in the Burg brings the community together for a festive, spooky celebration featuring trunk-or-treating, food and sweet vendors, and plenty of fun that is welcoming for families.

The Banker’s House presents an autumn oyster roast with freshly roasted oysters, hearty chilis served with cornbread, and a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. Live music sets a warm, seasonal mood throughout this casual gathering. Tickets are $100 per person.

Designed for new handgun shooters, this class blends classroom instruction with range time led by certified instructors. The $40 fee includes eye and ear protection, and NSSF is providing a few extra perks for participants. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 704-447-8230. The office is closed on Mondays.

Discover how early residents of Cleveland County brought color to their textiles during a presentation with Catharine Ellis. Drawing on the region’s past, the talk explores how European settlers and Native communities relied on local resources for daily life, from river clay for pottery and timber for building to flax and wool for clothing, and how they turned to nearby plants to produce vibrant natural dyes. Ellis will share insights into time-honored dyeing methods alongside contemporary approaches, highlighting the plants early makers used to brighten their fabrics. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. An optional pre-ordered lunch is available for $15.

Safely clear out unwanted household chemicals and similar products at this collection event for Gaston County residents. Accepted materials include items such as oil-based paint, solvents, insect and weed control products, lawn care chemicals, aerosol cans, fluorescent bulbs, used motor oil and oil filters, household cleaners, and batteries. Proper handling keeps these substances out of lakes, streams, and soil, helping protect the environment and public health. Latex or water-based paint can be managed at home by mixing it with kitty litter or sand, allowing it to dry completely, then placing the dry can in regular household trash. Electronic equipment is not collected at this event and should be taken to the Convenience sites. To reach the drop-off area, travel on Highway 279 West, turn left at the Citizens Resource Center into Dallas Park, and follow the signs to the Household Hazardous Waste Center.

This introductory rifle course is tailored for new and beginning shooters, emphasizing safe handling and practical technique. Participants will build confidence as they work through proven fundamentals used by top competitors, all in a supportive, low-pressure environment that keeps safety at the forefront. Instruction covers essential topics such as safe practices, selecting a suitable firearm, proper grip and stance, sight alignment and picture, trigger control, follow-through, breath control, and structured drills. Enrollment is limited to eight students and the fee is $40. Please bring a rifle along with 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition. Eye and ear protection will be provided, and personal protective gear may be used if preferred. Attendees must be 18 or older to participate independently, while those aged 11 to 17 may attend with an accompanying adult.

Learn what is required to apply for a North Carolina Concealed Carry permit in a course held at the Foothills Public Shooting Complex of Cleveland County. Tuition is $85 and includes lunch. Space is limited, and advance registration with payment is required to reserve a seat; to register and pay by phone, call 704-447-8230. Complete the Foothills safety video and electronic waiver in advance if you have not already. Bring your firearm, eye and ear protection, and 50 rounds of ammunition. Plan to arrive at the Foothills Training Center. Successful completion of this class satisfies the training requirement for the NC Concealed Carry permit application.

The first annual Pickin’ For a Purpose Bluegrass Competition, hosted by the Gaston County Shrine Club, brings a full day of live bluegrass, friendly competition, and community spirit in support of a meaningful cause. Musicians can compete in both band and soloist divisions, with top three placements recognized in each. Additional individual awards will honor first through third place in lead vocals, harmony vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass, dobro, and mandolin. A People’s Choice Award will also be decided by audience vote. Competitor entry is set at $150 per band for the band division and $50 per soloist for the soloist division. Optional individual-category entries are $10 per person for each category and require separate registration, as these are not included with band or solo entries. Spectator admission is designed to be accessible, with free entry for children 10 and under, general admission at $15, and a $20 supporter bundle that includes admission plus two People’s Choice votes. Additional votes may be purchased for $5 each. Performances must center on bluegrass or traditional acoustic styles. Backing tracks and pre-recorded music are not permitted. Amplified instruments are not allowed, with the exception of an electric bass pickup. Bands have 20 minutes including setup and breakdown, while soloists have 10 minutes. Judging focuses on musicianship, timing, stage presence, and overall performance. Only those registered for individual categories will be considered for those awards, and judge decisions are final. Expect live music throughout the day, food available on-site, a family-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of audience participation during People’s Choice voting. Registration spots are limited and handled directly through the organizers. Proceeds support the mission of the Gaston County Shrine Club. This event is a fraternal fundraiser and donations are not tax deductible.