When planning excursions around festivals happening annually in the South, keep Johnston County’s towns in mind. Johnston County, JoCo to the locals, is conveniently located where I-95 and I-40 come together just 30 minutes east of Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a fun and affordable destination with long-standing, unique yearly events. For a current listing of all events in Johnston County throughout the year visit johnstoncountync.org/events.

Three women and one man sing on stage during the Rudy Theatre's Throwback Sounds of Summer Program.

Polar Bear Run: January 25 – Grab your scarves and sneakers for Selma’s 9th Annual Polar Bear Run. The run is to support Bailey's Human Rescue, a local rescue organization. Pet supplies and donations are welcome on race day as well! The 5K will begin in Downtown Selma and will extend through a local community before returning to downtown. Pets Run Free! 

Black History Month: February 27 – Activities and events are held around the county during the month. Among them is the Johnston County Heritage Center’s program on the 27th from 6:30-8:00 pm, at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield. It will feature a screening of the PBS documentary "Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Story," which is about a nationally known R&B musician who was killed in an accident near Smithfield in 1970. After the screening, a panel discussion will be led by the film's writer and producer, Beverly Lindsay-Johnson, along with Stewart's cousin, Dane Riley, and band member Charles Stafford. 

Live @ the Rudy: Year-round – The Rudy Theatre offers four unique, seasonal, family-friendly shows with music, comedy, and more. The Easter Jubilee show will be from March 1st to April 17th. The Throwback Sounds of Summer Jubilee will be from May 3rd through July 28th. The Classic Country Jubilee will be from August 9th to October 25th. Finally, the much-anticipated Christmas Jubilee is from November 8th until December 29th. Group discounts are available. 

Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary: March 15-16 – Bentonville commemorates the anniversary of the largest battle on North Carolina soil, fought March 19-21, 1865. Thousands of living historians from across the country will descend on Bentonville Battlefield for the 160th Anniversary. Over 2,000 reenactors are expected for the two-day event, making it one of the country’s largest reenactments in 2025. In addition to the daily battles, the event will feature free lectures, 19th living history displays, period music, and dozens of “sutlers” selling Civil War-related items.

Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days: April 11-12 – Travel back in time and enjoy an array of classic antique tractors at Benson Chamber Park. 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 26 – Held at The Farm Entertainment Venue in Selma, this event celebrates a distinctive regional musical tradition: beach music. For over a decade, Beach Fest has showcased talented performers such as Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers, and Band of Oz.

301 Endless Yard Sale collectibles.

Ham & Yam Festival: May 3 – The annual Ham & Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork, sweet potatoes, and more. There will be craft vendors, kid’s activities, live entertainment, and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest. Don’t miss this year’s evening headliner, country music star Aaron Tippin!

East Coast Truckers Jamboree: May 8-10 – A three-day truck and car show, featuring big rigs and muscle cars. The event also boasts live music, games, and an impressive closing fireworks display. Held at the Kenly 95 Petro travel center. The headlining band this year, performing Friday evening, will be Journey tribute band, Trail by Fire.

301 Endless Yard Sale: June 20-21 – 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. The yard sale has become a spectacular event for dealers and shoppers, attracting visitors from across the country and even Canada.

State Singing Convention: June 20-22 – The State Annual Singing Convention, which brings thousands of people to Benson each year, began modestly in a tobacco warehouse in 1921. About 200 people listened to two choirs that day. Since that time, the State Annual Singing Convention has grown and become one of the largest and oldest gospel sings in the United States. The singing is held outdoors in downtown Benson in a beautiful one-block oak grove park. There is no charge to attend the event.

Bentonville Battlefield Heavy Thunder: June 7 – Experience the thunder of cannon fire at this free event from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM! Discover how soldiers loaded and fired weapons during the Civil War, as reenactors portray infantry and artillery soldiers. Enjoy firing demonstrations, engaging historical discussions, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food trucks throughout the day.

Four Oaks Acorn Festival: September 13 – 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 much more.

Benson Mule Days: September 25-28 – For over 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.

The annual tradition of Little Miss Benson kissing the Best in Show Mule at Mule Days in Benson, NC.

Railroad Days Festival: September 29 to October 5 – Celebrate Downtown Selma's rich railroad heritage during the 50th Annual Railroad Days! This year, Railroad Days will be a week-long event featuring live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, fun rides, and a vibrant parade. Attendees can also explore railroad-themed exhibits and activities that highlight the town's historical connection to the railway industry. Don't miss this milestone celebration filled with family-friendly fun, community spirit, and a nod to Selma's railroad history.

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. Guests can test their sense of direction and problem-solving skills in the expansive corn maze, or enjoy the nostalgic delight of hayrides through the scenic farmland. Adventurous visitors can challenge themselves on the climbing wall or race around on pedal carts. The farm also features friendly farm animals, giving children the chance to interact with and learn about them up close. 

Clayton Fear Farm: October – Renowned across the state as a premier "scream park," this haunted attraction features over 10 unique and terrifying experiences with a single admission - like a haunted hayride through a dark forest. Open multiple nights a week throughout October, it's not for the faint of heart! Dress comfortably, as you may need to run, crawl, and get through tight spaces. Expect the unexpected, uneven surfaces, and complete darkness.

Ava Gardner Festival: October 4 – Spend an entire day 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, offering opportunities to explore her remarkable career through exhibits, film screenings, and discussions. Perfect for fans of classic cinema and newcomers alike, this celebration promises a memorable day in honor of one of Hollywood's brightest stars.

Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk: October 30 – Join a guided tour through the cemetery from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, where small groups will hear captivating stories brought to life by costumed reenactors. These storytellers will share the tales of notable—and sometimes notorious—local figures. Past featured "ghosts" have included Percy Flowers, Ava Gardner, and Governor Gabriel Johnston. 

Clayton Harvest Festival: October 23-26 – Dating back to 1951, the Clayton Harvest Festival has grown into one of Johnston County’s most beloved and largest annual events. This multi-day celebration offers something for everyone, featuring a bustling midway with thrilling fair rides, fun games, and delicious food. Visitors can explore Clayton’s largest vendor fair, showcasing a variety of local artisans, crafts, and unique products. Highlights of the festival include a classic car show, a tractor show, and a bike show, where enthusiasts can admire impressive collections.

Bentonville Battlefield Fall Festival: November 15 – Bring the family and celebrate fall at Bentonville Battlefield! See demonstrations of historic trades and activities. Also don’t miss wagon rides, old-timey kids' games, crafts and activities, community groups, and much more! Bring a blanket or chair and listen to live music. Food trucks will be onsite!

Enjoy family games at the Bentonville Battlefield fall festival in Four Oaks, NC.

Meadow Lights: November and December – The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern NC, and entirely family-owned and operated. Meadow Lights started more than 40 years ago and now has light displays on over 30 acres with a train ride through 10+ acres, a carousel, an old-fashioned candy store, and a concession stand offering light bites and hot chocolate. 

Lights on the Neuse: November and December – Boyette’s Farm (also behind 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. The experience also includes a chance to visit Santa and his cheerful friends, along with lively holiday music and delicious concessions to complete the celebration.

In Heavenly Peace: Christmas Open House: December 6 – Experience the Harper House as a peaceful family residence, not as a Civil War field hospital. During the holiday season, visitors are invited to tour the home of John and Amy Harper as it may have been during a Civil War Christmas. Enjoy the beauty of a 19th-century Christmas, aglow with candlelight. Also enjoy period refreshments and festive music by a warm campfire, plus crafts and activities. This event happens after dark, from 5:00-8:30 pm. 

A lit up sign reading "Celebration of Lights" surrounded by tall lit candle lights and a train of people making their way past the display at Meadow Lights.

Again, for a current listing of events in Johnston County throughout the year visit johnstoncountync.org/events.