By Lizbeth Espinoza Segueda, JNOW Intern
As we look forward to the autumn leaves beginning to change color and the weather starting to cool off, Johnston County is preparing to celebrate fall with a few highly anticipated annual festivals. All around the county, families can go and enjoy days filled with carnival rides, delicious food, live music and so much more. But these aren’t simply events; they hold a special place in each town’s heart, filled with rich history that echoes throughout them.
Benson Mule Days
Starting the exciting autumn season, on Sept. 25 the town of Benson commences with Mule Days, a seventy-six-year-old tradition that brings together the local community to celebrate its agricultural heritage throughout the span of four days.
Each year, Mule Days showcases events such as rodeos, parades, concerts and quirky contests like hog calling and mule judging — creating a space for all ages to celebrate local culture, heritage and talent. Recognized as one of North Carolina’s largest annual festivals, it draws in crowds from across the nation, and even some from abroad.
With the large number of visitors, the festival boosts Benson’s economy through dollars spent on food, lodging, crafts, entertainment and vendor offerings.
Dating back to 1949, Mule Days started off as an event that would honor the indispensable mule and its contribution to the agricultural history of Benson. Today, Mule Days stands as a reminder of that proud legacy.
This upcoming Mule Days, you can expect to see rodeos, a carnival, dances and a huge parade with more than 150 entries. This year there are two new additions to the event, one being free line dancing lessons at the Chambers Park before the rodeo, and the other a Mule Days Poker Run in downtown Benson on Friday afternoon.
Learn more about the event at bensonmuledays.com.
Selma Railroad Days
As Mule Days wraps up, the autumn excitement continues down the road in Selma. Beginning on Sept. 29, this year, Selma is celebrating half a century of railroad heritage. The 50th annual festival promises to be bigger than ever before, with a full week of activities leading up to the main event. Though some of the details have yet to be released, town officials say that during the week prior to the main festival, there will be events focusing on highlighting downtown Selma businesses and community spirit.
Things will begin to ramp up Thursday with the arrival of the carnival, which will build momentum for Saturday, which brings national acts, the return of the classic car show, model train displays and the beloved annual parade.
Selma’s Railroad Days is more than a festival. “Railroad Days is a celebration of where we have been, who we are, and an exciting journey still ahead,” said Byron McAllister, Mayor of Selma. McAllister said some improvements are in store for this year, including an improved crowd flow, more shade and seating areas and a larger, more diverse selection of vendors and food trucks. Organizers are also exploring a new way to help attendees travel from one end of the festival to the other.
Learn more at selma-nc.com.
Smithfield Oktoberfest
With Selma’s Railroad Days coming to an end, the rhythm continues in Smithfield, where Oktoberfest offers a one-day celebration full of German-inspired fun. On Oct. 11, you can expect entertainment for all ages, from a family-friendly kid zone and pumpkin painting to lively beer stein games and fun music.
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has since become one of the world’s most well-known festivals. All around the globe, people celebrate Oktoberfest as a way to bring people together and celebrate culture, food and businesses.
The local festival blends the charm of traditional German celebrations with the character of Smithfield. Downtown’s Signature Fresh Market will kick off the holiday shopping season with a strong focus on supporting local businesses, and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market will spotlight the creativity and business savvy of local youth.
Stay tuned for more details at downtownsmithfield.com.
Clayton Harvest Festival
The Clayton Harvest Festival marks the end of the fall season with one of Johnston County’s most beloved traditions. Drawing more than 30,000 visitors each year, this four-day celebration transforms downtown Clayton into a vibrant hub of activity from October 23 to 26.
There’s something for everyone — more than 200 vendors line the streets while carnival rides, pony rides, a kids’ village, and a classic car show bring fun for the whole family. The Latin American Festival and the Squealin’ on the Square BBQ competition add extra flavor and cultural flair to the weekend.
The festival’s roots date back to 1951, when the Clayton Merchants and Credit Association (now the Clayton Chamber of Commerce) hosted the town’s first Cotton Festival. Today, the Harvest Festival not only honors that legacy but also serves as a major economic driver, pouring nearly $300,000 into the community over four days.
At its heart, the Harvest Festival remains a celebration of community, culture, and connection — bringing people together to enjoy the best of fall in Johnston County.
For more details and a full schedule of events, visit claytonharvestfestival.com.
As the festivities wind down, the season leaves behind lasting memories of joy and excitement, community and tradition, and the rich history woven through it all. Together, these festivals showcase what makes Johnston County such a strong, diverse and vibrant community. With so much to explore, there’s a place for everyone to feel at home this fall.
