LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Pumpkins at Starworks, music and a Sept. 11 observation

Glass Gourds Galore: Starworks’ Glass Pumpkin Patch Returns Sept. 19

STAR —Thousands of handblown glass pumpkins in all sizes, shapes and colors will make up a dazzling display and be available for purchase to support educational programs at Starworks when the annual Glass Pumpkin Patch sale kicks off Saturday, Sept. 19

Opening day festivities include live glassblowing demonstrations, food trucks and live music.

The Pumpkin Patch will continue Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through October (while supplies last). One of the state’s largest and longest-running glass pumpkin events, the annual sale attracts art lovers, collectors, families and fall travelers from across the Southeast.

Proceeds from the Glass Pumpkin Patch directly support educational arts programming in glass, ceramics and metal studios at Starworks, helping provide hands-on opportunities for students, aspiring artists and community members.

This year’s collection includes pumpkins in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and designs. Starworks artists have also created a limited number of other fall-inspired glass pieces, including ghosts, witch hats and hanging glass bats. 

Guests are encouraged to come early for the best selection. For those unable to visit Starworks in person, online pumpkin shopping opens Sept. 21.

Those looking to shop before the Pumpkin Patch opens to the public can become a 2026 Starworks donor of $250 or more and receive an invitation to the exclusive Pumpkin Preview Party on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Preview Party offers donors light refreshments and the first chance to shop the 2026 collection.

Here’s a look at Sept. 19 festivities:

■ Explore and shop the Pumpkin Patch: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

■ live Glassblowing Demonstrations: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

■ Live Music: Little Jack, 1-3 p.m. at Starworks Café & Taproom.

■ Food Trucks: Cookies-N-Moore, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; La Cocina de Sarita, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

THIS WEEK

Local Sept. 11 event will be on lawn at sheriff’s office

ASHEBORO — On September 11, 2026, at noon, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services will hold its third annual 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony to honor the 25th anniversary of the attacks. 

This event is open to the public and will take place on the lawn of the Sheriff’s Office located at 727 McDowell Rd. 

The guest speakers are East Side Fire Department Chief Eric Hoffman and Pastor Mark Wilburn of Balfour Baptist Church in Asheboro.

East Side Fire Department will have one of their fire trucks, a piece of history tied to September 11th, at the event. This truck was an Elizabeth, NJ, truck used on September 11. 

This event aims to remember the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives that day and to pay tribute to the first responders and others who made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to save as many lives as possible.

The British are coming ... in band form to Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO — The British Invaders will do just that on Sept. 11: Invade the Sunset Theatre with music from British bands in the 1960s and some 1980s MTV hits from British bands, as well. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Entertainers close out a musical summer

ASHEBORO — The final Sunday night concert at Bicentennial Park for the Summer of ’26 takes place on Sept. 13. The Entertainers will take the stage from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on site and a platform in front of the stage can be filled with some locals showing off their dancing skills. Admission is free. Bring a chair or blanket for this outdoor concert.

Whitaker Farms readies its 4th annual Outdoor Market

CLIMAX — Whitaker Farms, 2991 Providence Church Road in Climax, will be the site of a vendor-heavy and food-heavy outdoor event on Saturday, Sept. 12. Visitors can eat breakfast (9-11 a.m.) and/or lunch (12-3 p.m.) while also browsing more than 40 vendor booths. There’s also a kids zone. The event is free; a kids zone pass is $7.

‘Earnest’ fans selling out RhinoLeap’s latest production

Some showings of RhinoLeap’s upcoming production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” still have seats available. The play will be offered in seven different locations, but four of those are sold out. Here’s what’s left and when you can see the play:

■ Saturday, Sept. 12, 3 p.m., Starworks Cafe, Star.

■ Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Holly Ridge Golf Links, Archdale. 

■ Friday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m., Randolph Senior Adults Center, Asheboro.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro or online at rhinoleap.com.

UPCOMING

Carnival of Hope set for Randolph Ag Center on Sept. 18 

ASHEBORO — The Randolph Ag Center, 1830 US 64 East, Asheboro, will be the site for a Carnival of Hope event on Friday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m.  The event will raise funds for cancer patients through Cone Health MedCenter Asheboro. Admission is $5. Features include food trucks, games and the iconic pink fire truck from the High Point Fire Department. 

Kiev Symphony performing in Asheboro on Sept. 18

ASHEBORO — The Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is bringing the beauty of Ukraine directly to American hearts on Friday, Sept. 18, in an evening of sacred classics and authentic folk traditions. The performance will take place in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 133 N. Church St. Asheboro, beginning at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. This heartwarming “Greater Love Tour” is the renowned group’s second American visit since the full-scale war began in early 2022 (and their 14th US tour overall). A $25 donation is suggested per person to support their various homeland missions. Call 336-629-9191 for more information.