The first Friday and Saturday in October bring the the annual Hilltop Fall Festival in downtown Rutherfordton and Forest City. Activites typically include a Friday night Soapbox Derby for big kids, Saturday morning Overmountain 5K and Tour de Pumpkin 50K & 100K bike rides, and a festival 10 am to 5 pm with crafts, music, scarecrow contest. In 2025, the festival icnluded a free concert at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) in Forest City from 7-10 pm. Check website for details about the 2026 event.