Annual Festivals in JoCo

Mark Your Calendar for These Annual Festivals

*Updated to reflect 2026 dates

Polar Bear Run: January 24 – Grab your scarves and sneakers for Selma’s 10th Annual Polar Bear Run. The run is to support Isaiah 117 House, a local non-profit organization. Donations are welcome on race day as well! Needs include gift cards, individually packed snacks, shoes of all sizes, and teen hygiene items. 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 26 – Activities and events are held around the county during the month. Among them is the Johnston County Heritage Center’s annual program, which presents a new theme each year, and is sponsored by the Johnston County Heritage Commission and the Johnston County Arts Council. It will be held this year on the 26th, at 7 PM in the new Smithfield Performing Arts Center. 

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 7th to April 18th. The Throwback Sounds of Summer Jubilee will be from May 2nd through July 25th. The Classic Country Jubilee will be from August 1st to October 24th. Finally, the much-anticipated Christmas Jubilee is from November 10th until December 29th. Group discounts are available. 

Bentonville Battlefield 161st Anniversary: March 21 – Attend this free, day-long event to commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville. Learn about the Carolinas Campaign, stroll through camps, smell the smoke from historic weapons demonstrations, and enjoy living history crafts. Food trucks will be on-site!

Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days: April 10-11 – Travel back in time and enjoy an array of classic antique tractors at Benson Chamber Park and Arena. 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 25 – 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. 

Ham & Yam Festival: May 2 – The annual Ham & Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork, sweet potatoes, and more. There will be craft vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest. This year will be the 40th anniversary of this unique festival! 

East Coast Truckers Jamboree: May 7-9 – 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.

301 Endless Yard Sale: June 19-20 – 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 26-27 – The State Annual Singing Convention, which brings thousands of people to Benson each year, began modestly in a tobacco warehouse in 1921. It has grown to become one of the largest and oldest gospel sings in the United States. Friday evening is choir night, featuring the Johnston County Community Choir and the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Featured groups for 2026 will be Wesley Pritchard and Jeff and Sheri Easter, both performing on Saturday evening.  

Bentonville Battlefield Heavy Thunder: June 13 – Hear the roar of cannon fire! Reenactors will be on-site, conducting demonstrations of infantry and artillery, camp life, and drill. Family activities and historical discussions will take place throughout the day, and food trucks will be on-site. Free to attend.

Juneteenth Freedmen’s Schoolhouse Dedication: June 19 – Join the county’s Heritage Center and special guests for this ceremonial event. The newly restored Downtown Smithfield Freedmen’s Schoolhouse is one of the very few original, free-standing structures in the state, making its preservation of history very important. 

America250NC Countywide Celebration: June 27 – The musical 1776 will be performed in Paul A Johnston Auditorium on Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon. Also, at Johnston Community College that day will be activities for children like a puppet show, magic show, and hands-on activities, as well as craft vendors, food vendors, and a living history encampment.

Four Oaks Acorn Festival and Car Show: September 12 – 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 24-27 – 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.

Railroad Days Festival: October 2-3 – Celebrate Downtown Selma's rich railroad heritage during its annual Railroad Days weekend! A multi-day 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.

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: Nightly in 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 2-4 – Spend an entire weekend 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.

Clayton Harvest Festival: October 22-25 – 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.

Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk: October 29 – 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. 

Bentonville Battlefield Fall Festival: November 7 – 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 on-site! Admission is $5, free for kids 8 and under.

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 5 – Come enjoy the beauty of a 19th-century Christmas aglow with candlelight. You are invited to tour the home of John and Amy Harper, decorated for Christmas. Enjoy period music, cider by a warm fire, a festive wagon ride, a soldier’s camp, plus crafts and activities. Do not miss your chance to experience Christmas by candlelight at Bentonville Battlefield! This is an evening event; admission is $5, but free for kids 8 and under.