Mark your calendar for these annual festivals

The following list includes must-attend annual events to put on your calendar – some like the large Bentonville Battlefield Re-enactment only happens every five years, so the next one will be in March, 2020. 

February

Black History Month activities are held around the county at Johnston Community College and the Benson Museum of Local History.

March

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site commemorates the anniversary of the battle the third weekend each year, with the large reenactments held every five years.

April

Classic Antique Power Heritage Festival showcases antique tractors, equipment and hold demonstrations.

Howell Woodstock celebrates environmental education with live music, hayrides and recreational activities.

NC Beer Month is a month-long celebration of NC Craft Beer with events at Deep River and Double Barley Breweries.

Strawberry Festival held the last Saturday of April is a community festival with tons of family fun and of course, strawberries.

May

Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbecue, and sweet potato treats. Held the first Saturday in May, enjoy arts, crafts, live music and piglet races.

June

Mondo Roots is a culture and art celebration held annually the first Saturday in June in Clayton. The festival includes varied musical performances, live art demonstrations, food trucks, craft beer, and local vendors.

301 Endless Yard Sale runs along the US Highway 301 from Weldon down to Dunn, in North Carolina, with over 500 vendors and 100 miles of yard sales.

State Annual Singing Convention is the oldest Southern Gospel convention in the nation and includes a weekend filled with music featuring duets, trios, quartets, and more.

September

Benson Mule Days, a four-day family-fun festival packed with mule competition events, rodeos, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and concerts.

Clayton Harvest and Music Festival offers five days of exciting events with concerts, food, craft vendors and music.

October

Historical Ghost Walk is fun event for all ages held at the Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield with costumed actors telling stories of famous or infamous persons buried there.

Selma Railroad Days celebrates the town’s rail heritage with a 5K run, parade, crafts, food, and music.

November and December

Shindig is a one-day Americana music festival that takes place in Clayton the first Saturday in November every year with nationally-known bands, craft beer, food trucks, and local vendors.

American Music Jubilee Christmas Show brings visitors from around the region for a show that captures the magic of the holidays, with comedy, song and costumes. 

Meadow Lights is the largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern North Carolina, with an old fashion candy store, train rides, and of course, Santa.