Ava Gardner Festival

See you next year! Festival recap coming soon!

The Ava Gardner Festival will be held October 2nd-4th, 2026. The 2026 Ava Gardner Festival focuses on Ava's life in Spain, inspired by her personal independence and celebrating the ongoing cultural interaction between Spain and Ava herself. Join the Ava Gardner Museum in celebrating Ava’s international legacy through live flamenco performance, movies from her esteemed filmography, and never-before-seen artifacts at the 2026 Ava Gardner Festival. It reminds us, once again, how timeless Ava remains.

The Festival kicks off on Friday evening, October 2, with a black-tie gala that is bigger and better than ever!  Ticketed guests will walk the red carpet and experience the essence of Spain through live Flamenco performances, Spanish music, and a specially curated charcuterie spread, all while enjoying Museum exhibits. This event is sure to provide a great time for all!

On Saturday, October 3, the Festival continues at the Smithfield Performing Arts Center with a ticketed screening of Ava’s film, “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman". Following the morning film screening, Festival attendees are encouraged to migrate to the Ava Gardner Museum to enjoy new and exciting displays, wine tasting of Seven Jars Distillery Ava Gardner Wines, and Ava films being shown in the Museum’s theater.

The final day of the Festival, Sunday, October 4, the Museum brings back a Festival tradition of “Breakfast at Ava’s”.  Event guests will enjoy a light homemade continental breakfast of country ham croissants, various breads, fresh fruit, and beverages. Additionally, Ava’s 1960 film “The Angel Wore Red” will be showcased in the Museum theater. 

We look forward to celebrating Ava along with you at the 2026 Festival. Come and enjoy the filmography, festivities, new exhibits…and even grab a selfie in the “Selfie Spot” in the Ava Gardner Museum.

Make a Weekend of It! Stay in a local hotel at a special rate, and check out our suggested Ava Gardner Festival Itinerary for additional Johnston County attractions, dining, shopping, and things to do during your stay. Keep in mind the other things going on Friday afternoon in Downtown Smithfield if you're interested in coming in early for the festival - shop, dine, and explore. In conjunction with the Ava Gardner Festival, the Johnston County Museum (right next door!) will have a lobby exhibit on the movie star's early life and local connections. They will also be hosting a local author for a book signing from 2-4 PM. 

Tickets are available for purchase now at the museum's online gift shop.