From longtime traditions to newer community favorites, Johnston County’s annual events offer residents plenty of opportunities to get out, gather and celebrate. Throughout the year, towns across the county host festivals, performances and family-friendly activities that highlight local history, culture, music and agriculture. The following events are open to the public and reflect the wide range of experiences available right here in Johnston County.
Submitted by Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Photo: Festival favorite foods are served each year at the Clayton Harvest Festival. Photo courtesy of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.
Black History Month: Feb. 26, 7 p.m. – Annual program sponsored by the Johnston County Heritage Center and the Johnston County Arts Council. Held this year at the new Smithfield Performing Arts Center (formerly the Howell Theater.)
Live @ the Rudy: Year-round – The Rudy Theatre in Selma offers four unique, seasonal, family-friendly shows with music, comedy and more.
Bentonville Battlefield 161st Anniversary: March 21 – Attend this free event to commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville.
Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days: April 10-11 – Travel back in time and enjoy an array of classic antique tractors at Benson Chamber Park and Arena. This event features tractor games, demonstrations of antique tractors and farm equipment, craft and food vendors, a cornhole tournament, free live entertainment, bouncy houses, a pedal tractor raffle, and a farm equipment auction.
Beach Fest: April 25 – Held at The Farm Entertainment Venue in Selma, this event celebrates a distinctive regional musical tradition: beach music.
Ham & Yam Festival: May 2 – The 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Downtown Smithfield will be teaming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork, sweet potatoes and more. There will be craft vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest.
East Coast Truckers Jamboree: May 7-9 – A three-day truck and car show, featuring big rigs and muscle cars. Held at the Kenly 95 Petro travel center, the event will end with an impressive fireworks display.
301 Endless Yard Sale: June 19-20 – Johnston County and towns along US Highway 301 host this annual “Endless Yard Sale” every third Friday and Saturday in June. Spanning over a 100-mile stretch of highway in North Carolina, from Roanoke Rapids to Dunn, this event offers deals on antiques, collectibles, vintage items and more.
State Singing Convention: June 26-27 – The State Annual Singing Convention, which brings thousands of people to Benson each year, began modestly in a tobacco warehouse in 1921. It has grown to become one of the largest and oldest gospel events in the United States.
Bentonville Battlefield Heavy Thunder: June 13 – Hear the roar of cannon fire! Reenactors will be on-site, conducting demonstrations of infantry and artillery, camp life and drill.
Juneteenth Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Dedication: June 19 – Join the county’s Heritage Center and special guests for this ceremonial event. The newly restored Downtown Smithfield Freedmen’s Schoolhouse is one of the very few original, free-standing structures in the state, making its preservation of history very important.
America250NC Countywide Celebration: June 27 – The musical 1776 will be performed in Paul A Johnston Auditorium on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. Also, at Johnston Community College that day will be activities for children like a puppet show, magic show, and hands-on activities, as well as craft vendors, food vendors, and a living history encampment.
Four Oaks Acorn Festival and Car Show: Sept. 12 – This annual downtown event offers fun for the whole family, featuring children’s activities, live entertainment, a vendor fair, an antique car and tractor show, a barbecue competition and more.
Benson Mule Days: Sept. 24-27 – For more than 75 years, Benson’s Mule Days festival has been a cherished tradition on the fourth weekend of September. This four-day event is filled with mule competitions, rodeos, carnival rides, arts and crafts, street dances, and concerts. It also features North Carolina’s largest parade, with hundreds of horses, mules, buggies and unusual entries.
Railroad Days Festival: Oct. 2-3 – Celebrate Downtown Selma’s rich railroad heritage during its annual Railroad Days weekend! A multi-day event featuring railroad-themed exhibits and activities that highlight the town’s historical connection to the railway industry.
Sonlight Farms: Saturdays in October — This charming, locally owned farm offers an exciting array of seasonal activities perfect for creating unforgettable autumn memories with family and friends.
Clayton Fear Farm: Nightly in October – Renowned across the state as a premier “scream park,” this haunted attraction features over 10 unique and terrifying experiences.
Ava Gardner Festival: Oct. 2-4 – Spend an entire weekend celebrating the legendary Ava Gardner with a variety of engaging activities hosted by the Ava Gardner Museum in Downtown Smithfield. This special event honors the life and legacy of the Hollywood icon.
Clayton Harvest Festival: Oct. 22-25 – Dating back to 1951, the Clayton Harvest Festival has grown into one of Johnston County’s most beloved and largest annual events.
Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk: Oct. 29 – Join a guided tour through the cemetery from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., where small groups will hear captivating stories brought to life by costumed reenactors.
Bentonville Battlefield Fall Festival: Nov. 7 – Bring the family and celebrate fall at Bentonville Battlefield! See demonstrations of historic trades, activities and wagon rides.
Meadow Lights: November and December – The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern NC, and entirely family-owned and operated. Lights are displayed on over 30 acres with a train ride, carousel, old-fashioned candy store and concession stand.
Lights on the Neuse: November and December – Boyette’s Farm (also hosts Clayton Fear Farm) transforms into a winter wonderland. Bundle up to view Christmas lights by hayride, visit Santa in the 3D Christmas Barn, then stand by the fire to warm up and roast marshmallows to make s’mores.
Christmas Lights on the Farm: November and December – One of Johnston County’s newest light displays has quickly become a local favorite. At Big Daddy’s Farms, guests can enjoy a festive hayride through Christmas Town and the enchanting Field of Lights display.
For a current listing of events in Johnston County throughout the year, visit www.johnstoncountync.org/events.
