Events and Festivals in JoCo

When planning excursions around festivals that happen annually in the south, keep Johnston County’s towns in mind. JoCo is conveniently located where I-95 and I-40 converge in the center of North Carolina, and is a fun and affordable destination with long-standing, unique events.

For living history demonstrations throughout the year visit Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, and come back every five years for their large-scale reenactment of the battle. From Summer to Fall our downtowns offer annual celebrations based on the historical agrarian nature of JoCo from Selma’s Railroad Days to Benson’s Mule Days and Smithfield’s Ham & Yam Festival.

JoCo has two unique genre-based music festivals, Shindig, which celebrates Americana music, and Beach Fest, which features a line-up of Carolina Beach Music bands. Year-round The Clayton Center hosts music acts, comedy, and plays and Live at The Rudy in Selma offers a newly crafted musical variety show seasonally.

Our local breweries and wineries are always hosting special events and live, local music.

All this and much more are found on our calendar, so check it often for special events!

Updates on
Attractions & Events

Ava Gardner Museum - open as of September 4

Benson Mule Days - rescheduled to Sept. 25, 2021

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site - hiking trails open in daylight and outdoor classes offered, indoor facilities closed

Classic Antique Power Heritage Festival - rescheduled to October, date TBD

Clayton Community Center - closed for now

Clemmons State Forest - trails open, facilities and restrooms closed

Four Oaks Acorn Festival - canceled

GALOT Motorsports Park - all public events canceled/postponed

Ham & Yam Festival - postponed, date TBD

Howell Theatre - closed for now

Ready, Set, Escape - open with restrictions 

Smithfield Cinemas - closed for now

The Shindig - canceled 

Dewayne's Girls Night Out - canceled

Dewayne's Christmas Land Open House - canceled

International Food Festival - canceled

BBQ Cook-Off - canceled

100th State Annual Singing Convention - rescheduled to June 25, 2021

301 Endless Yardsale - rescheduled to June 18-19, 2021

Chick-fil-A Three Little Pigs Triathlon - rescheduled to June 12, 2021

East Coast Truckers Jamboree - rescheduled to May 6, 2021

JoCo Bluegrass Festival - rescheduled to April 17. 2021

155th Battle of Bentonville Reenactment - rescheduled to March 20, 2021

Fallen Riders Fundraiser Weekend - rescheduled to Sept. 10, 2021

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