It’s time to jingle and mingle with your friends and family as you witness a dazzling display of floats, colorful performers and more at this year’s Smithfield Christmas Parade on December 14 at 7 p.m. Let the vibrant energy of the parade fill you with holiday cheer and joy.
The 2023 Ava Gardner Festival will be the finale of our year-long celebration of Ava’s 100th birthday with special guests, new exhibits, guided heritage tours, screenings of Ava’s films and new gift shop items. Our opening day reception will include the always popular coconut cake made with the family recipe that Ava enjoyed on her birthday each year as a child. For more details, visit avagardnerfestival.com. MUSEUM HOURS: Oct 6, 9:30am-4:00pm Oct. 7: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Oct 8: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Schedule of Events for the festival: Opening Night Reception, October 6 - 5:00pm-7:00pm FREE Film Screening of Show Boat at the Neuse River Amphitheater Saturday, October 7 Heritage Tours times: 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm Victoria Price Presentation and Book Signing 3:00pm The Bribe Film Screening, Smithfield Cinemas, 7:30pm Sunday, October 8 Show Boat Film Screening, Smithfield Cinemas, 1:30pm The Bribe Film Screening, Smithfield Cinemas, 4:00pm The Great Sinner Screening, Howell Theatre, 7:00pm The Ava Gardner Museum in the star’s hometown of Smithfield is dedicated to preserving her legacy and hosts this annual festival for visiting fans to enjoy new exhibits, film screenings, and other special events throughout the weekend.
