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October 2026 City Newsletter

Bessemer City Heartfelt Living logo above the words City Newsletter, October 2026

Here’s the October 2026 City Newsletter. Read it below, or download the version you prefer: the digital edition for phones and screens, or the print edition that’s mailed to households.

Digital edition (PDF, 2 MB)
Print edition (PDF, 1 MB)

Events this month

Bessemer City Brew & Que Festival

Friday, October 2, 6–10 p.m., Downtown Bessemer City

The 5th annual Brew & Que Festival returns downtown. The event features a Southern BBQ Network-sanctioned BBQ competition, local food vendors, craft beer, and live music from Julio and the Saltines. Come enjoy great food, music, and community fun at one of Bessemer City’s signature fall events.

Community-Wide Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Downtown Bessemer City

This free, family-friendly event features trick-or-treating, games, and Halloween fun for all ages. Families are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy a festive morning downtown.

Both events close downtown streets. See the road closure notice for fall events, or browse the full events calendar.

Do I need a permit?

Planning a new shed, garage, business sign, or home addition? Before you begin, review the Land Development Code for compliance, then apply for a zoning permit through the online permit portal. You’ll find both under Planning & Zoning.

What’s Happening in BC

Join City Manager Josh Ross for What’s Happening in BC, a relaxed chance for residents, business owners, and community members to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about what’s happening in Bessemer City. There’s no formal agenda and no appointment needed, so grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation.

Next gathering: Friday, October 2, 9–10 a.m., Kiser Senior Center, 123 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

Hurricane preparedness reminder

As we move into the peak of hurricane season, please make sure you have an emergency supply kit ready. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. June and July are usually less active for storms affecting our area, but August through mid-October is when hurricanes are most likely to threaten our region.

Although we’re more than 200 miles inland, tropical systems can still have serious and devastating impacts. Hurricane Hugo and, more recently, Hurricane Helene are reminders of the severe weather our region can experience.

Keep at least a 72-hour supply of essential emergency items for your household. An emergency supply checklist, such as Ready.gov’s Build a Kit list, can help you check what you have. Stay safe, stay prepared, and monitor weather conditions throughout the season.

Storm water

Keep trash out of storm drains. Where storm water flows, everything goes: anything left in the street ends up in our creeks and streams.

Program calendars

Youth & adult programs

October 2026 youth and adult program calendar. A text version follows the image.
Read the youth & adult calendar as text
  • Mondays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Pickleball
  • Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Scary Scavenger Hunt
  • Fri., Oct. 2: Brew & Que Festival
  • Sat., Oct. 3: Southern BBQ Network competition
  • Fri., Oct. 9: DIY Days
  • Tue., Oct. 13: Happy Little Trees
  • Fri., Oct. 23: Halloween Storytime
  • Fri., Oct. 30: Paint & Slurp
  • Sat., Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat

Seniors (50+)

October 2026 program and activity calendar for seniors 50 and over. A text version follows the image.
Read the senior calendar as text

Every week

  • Tuesdays: Aerobics 9 a.m., Silver Sneakers 9:30 a.m., Chair Yoga 9:45 a.m.
  • Wednesdays: Shagging Lessons 6:30–7:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays: Aerobics 9 a.m., Chair Volleyball 10 a.m.

Beginner shag lessons run October 7 through November 4 at the Allan Farris Community Center. $25 per person, no partner needed. Call 704-729-6465 to sign up.

Special events

  • Fri., Oct. 2: Brew & Que Festival, 6–10 p.m.
  • Sat., Oct. 3: Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Mon., Oct. 5: Veterans Lunch, 11:30 a.m.
  • Tue., Oct. 6: Early Alzheimer’s Presentation, 11 a.m.
  • Fri., Oct. 9: Halloween T-Shirts, 10 a.m.
  • Mon., Oct. 12: Coffee, Coloring & Conversations, 10 a.m.; Fall Trivia, 11 a.m.
  • Tue., Oct. 13: Smartphone Basics Class, 10–11 a.m.
  • Wed., Oct. 14: Advance Directive Planning Workshop, 10 a.m.
  • Fri., Oct. 16: Kiser Senior Center closed
  • Mon., Oct. 19: Beeswax Wraps with the BC Library, 10 a.m.; Senior Bingo, 6 p.m.
  • Tue., Oct. 20: Lunch Bunch, 11 a.m.
  • Wed., Oct. 21: Senior Scams Seminar, 10 a.m.
  • Mon., Oct. 26: National Pumpkin Day
  • Tue., Oct. 27: Ladies Night Out, 6 p.m.
  • Sat., Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat, 10 a.m.

All programming may change. Call the Kiser Senior Center at 704-729-6465 with questions.

Meetings and reminders

City utility bill due: Saturday, October 10, 2026. See ways to pay.

  • Planning Board / Board of Adjustment / Stormwater Board: cancelled this month
  • City Council Regular Session (City Hall): Monday, October 12, 7 p.m.
  • Parks & Recreation Board (Community Center): Tuesday, October 13, 6 p.m.
  • ABC Board (ABC Store): Monday, October 26, 5 p.m.
  • City Council Work Session (City Hall): Tuesday, October 27, 3 p.m.
  • Downtown Development (City Hall): Tuesday, October 27, 6 p.m.

City Council regular meetings are streamed live on YouTube. Find agendas, minutes and meeting links on the City Council page.

Stay connected

Follow the City on Facebook (@CityofBC) and check City News for the latest news, press releases, and project updates. Sign up for the City’s mass communication system through Nixle to get important alerts by phone call, text, and email.

The City of Bessemer City is an equal opportunity provider.

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