The Ham & Yam Festival is back, and this year it is celebrating 40 years of small-town fun, food, and community spirit.
Over the decades, it has grown into a premier event that showcases the community’s culture, talent, and hospitality while honoring the town’s history. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of fun at the 40th Ham & Yam Festival, returning to historic Downtown Smithfield on Saturday, May 2, 2026! As Smithfield’s longest-running festival, this beloved tradition celebrates the two iconic Southern staples: cured country ham and yams (they’re really sweetpotatoes).
This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with activities and entertainment for all ages. Kick off the festivities with the 5K timed run, then grab a ham biscuit from the Kiwanis Club, made with Stevens hams just like they have been since the festival began.
Throughout the day, enjoy an exciting mix of activities for all ages: pig races, a huge car show from the Southland Car Club, antique tractors, and wood-carving demonstrations creating one-of-a-kind Hammy T. Biscuit and Sweetpotato Cassie statues to commemorate the 40th anniversary.
Food lovers won’t be disappointed with delicious eats on every corner and a spotlight on the sweetpotato with a cooking expo. Plus, the NC Pork Council will host a sanctioned whole hog competition. And yes, we’ll have plenty of games for kids and grown-up kids alike! Live performances on three stages, including the Neuse River Amphitheater keep the energy high. The celebration wraps up with a FREE concert at 7 PM at the Neuse River Amphitheater featuring the iconic Sister Hazel.
One of the original events and festival’s biggest highlights is the “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, where school-aged children turn sweetpotatoes into creative works of art. Students are a big part of making the Ham & Yam Festival special, they even design the annual t-shirt!
“The Ham & Yam Festival is a cherished tradition in Smithfield, bringing families and friends together for a day of celebration, great food, and entertainment,” said Sloan Stevens, whose family business has sponsored this event since its inception. “This year’s festival is shaping up to be truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Downtown Smithfield.”
This family-friendly event is free to attend, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Come experience everything we love about Johnston County—food, fun, music, and community. Don’t miss this milestone 40th Ham & Yam Festival! For more information, visit the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation website or email them at info@downtownsmithfield.com.
