Halloween in Clayton, NC, promises extra excitement this year with the annual costume swap and the highly anticipated spooky story contest at Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library.

Children are invited to express their creativity through a variety of festive events, including the chance to trade for new-to-them costumes from racks overflowing with playful choices.

The swap is open to all, and families can take home costumes without donating, making the tradition inclusive for every child.

Clayton’s Halloween celebrations showcase community spirit, creativity, and fun for all ages.

Triangle Women's Network has launched a new monthly meetup in Clayton, giving local women a welcoming space to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.

The group gathers on the second Wednesday of each month, running from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Shop Clayton’s Saturday market at Horne Square, 348 E. Main Street, on October 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check organizer updates before heading out.

Clayton’s biggest fall tradition is back October 22–25.

The 2026 Clayton Harvest Festival will fill downtown with four days of carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and family activities while celebrating 75 years of homegrown memories.

Saturday brings the festival’s large Main Street vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along with the Harvest Festival Car Show, where muscle cars, classics, custom cars and trucks take center stage.

On Sunday, Town Square hosts the Latin American Festival from noon to 5 p.m., featuring food, music, entertainment, arts and crafts, and community organizations.

Downtown Clayton Fall Bar Crawl Returns October 23

Costumes, specialty cocktails and Harvest Festival lights set the scene downtown.

Read the full story for the date, location and helpful details.

The Dial-Up Tones are bringing a night of pure '90s nostalgia to downtown Clayton at one of the area's coolest spots.

The Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill-based band will perform at 427 E Main St for a three-hour set packed with alternative rock, ska, punk, and grunge.

The venue offers live music, records, pool tables, a great bar, and — according to fans — an even better staff.

Known for their high-energy performances and spot-on tribute to the unforgettable sounds of the '90s, The Dial-Up Tones are a must-see for anyone craving a hit of musical nostalgia right here in Clayton, NC.

Newsletter sponsorships are quickly becoming a popular way for Clayton and the Surrounding Communities businesses to build lasting local relationships.

By embracing community newsletter advertising, local brands can connect directly with residents invested in what's happening in the county.

Unlike generic online ads, newsletters reach subscribers who genuinely want updates on local news, events, and new developments.

As new housing and retail spaces open across Clayton and the Surrounding Communities, businesses acting fast are finding valuable sponsorship deals at competitive rates.

Benson is bringing fall fun to Main Street with a Scarecrow Contest open to everyone.

Residents, families, businesses, and community groups can build an original scarecrow to display between Benson Square and Benson’s Singing Grove.

Registration began October 1 at the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce office, where participants can pick up the rules.

Scarecrows will be displayed October 17–19, and judging takes place October 20.

Corvettes are coming to Dunn! Cape Fear Team Corvette is bringing its annual Fall Corvette Car Show to Bleecker Chevrolet on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

The event will feature Corvettes from across the region, food vendors, a 50/50 raffle, trophy awards, and family-friendly fun.

Gates open at 8:30 a.m., and Corvette registration runs from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for $25 per vehicle.

Fall Fun at Ronnie’s Berry Farm — October 17

Looking for a local fall outing?

The JoCo Community Market and Pumpkin Fest is coming to Ronnie’s Berry Farm (18409 NC Highway 210) in Angier on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organizers are also inviting participants to enter a Pumpkin Pie Contest, with a prize for the winner.

Benson’s haunted walking tours offer more than just a scare—they invite locals and visitors to experience a slice of small-town history under the cover of night.

As dusk settles, groups gather on Main Street, buzzing with anticipation for tales of restless spirits and historic oddities.

This season, guides unveil new routes, weaving past century-old landmarks and tracing stories that once unsettled generations.

Winding through shadowy alleys and brick streets, participants absorb legends of mysterious disappearances that gave Benson its uncanny reputation.

Give your family a little fall fun at Smith’s Nursery in Benson.

The farm near McGee’s Crossroads offers a pumpkin patch, weekend hayrides, and seasonal treats, making it an inviting option for an October outing close to home.

Its current farm update lists the pumpkin patch as open daily, with weekend hayrides to the patch.

Pick a pumpkin, browse the garden center, and leave time for something sweet.

Save Friday, October 16, for the G+F Twilight Market in Four Oaks.

The free community market runs 4–8 p.m. at 309 US-701 South.

Browse local makers, bakers, growers and vendors, with food trucks, seasonal produce, farm supplies and animal-related offerings in the announcement.

Make it an easy Friday evening close to home.

Bring a shopping bag, invite a friend and leave time to explore. This is an advance notice for the following week, so save the date now and check the latest event details before heading to Four Oaks.

Live music is coming to downtown Four Oaks! Mike Munson and Josh Kimbrough will perform at Old Records Off The Shelf on Friday, October 16, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.

The venue is at 101 W. South Railroad Street in Four Oaks.

The concert appears on the Johnston County Visitors Bureau's events calendar and on Mike Munson's official fall tour schedule, which identifies Josh Kimbrough as joining him for the stop.

Looking for a Friday-night outing close to home?

Four Oaks is getting ready for a full day of barbecue, homemade treats, and community fun. Lees Chapel Advent Christian Church will hold its Annual Harvest Sale on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 4154 N.C. Highway 96 South.

Barbecue pork and chicken plates will be served from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., or until sold out. Each $12 meal includes potatoes, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and dessert, with dine-in and take-out available.

Make Saturday, October 17th, a farm day in Kenly.

Sonlight Farms opens Saturdays throughout October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at 293 Bunn Road.

Explore corn mazes, hayrides, a giant slide, farm animals and more. Admission is $14 for ages 2 and older; the rock wall and bungee bounce cost extra.

Bring comfortable shoes and leave time for everyone’s favorite activity.

October 10 is also listed as Sweetpotato Day. Confirm the special activities and current arrangements with the farm before heading out for your family outing.

The Kenly Public Library is a vital community hub, welcoming visitors of all ages with a broad range of services and resources.

Open as early as 8:30am on weekdays, the library supports diverse routines, including extended evening hours.

Saturday mornings see a flurry of quick visits, while Sunday closures allow both staff and locals a restful pause.

Support Kenly youth baseball at the Carolina Aces Golf Tournament, October 23 at 1 p.m., at Cardinal Country Club in Selma.

Mark your calendar for a free fall outing in Pine Level! Pine Level Pentecostal Holiness Church will host its 3rd Annual Community-Sponsored Harvest Festival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the back of Sam Godwin Park.

The festival flyer advertises a train ride, rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games, food, funnel cakes, and local vendors.

Another reason to follow the celebration before November: organizers are featuring local businesses through vendor spotlights on their Facebook page throughout October.

Trucks, horses, music and culture are coming to Princeton!  Caballos Y Trokas, promoted as North Carolina's Biggest Truck Show, is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Rancho 2 Jinetes, 406 Overman Lane.

The one-day event features customized trucks, horses, music, food, and vendors.

Children under 10 enter free with a parent or guardian.

Organizers say to bring cash for parking and purchases on-site.

The official website has general admission tickets, truck registration, and vendor information.

The event is scheduled rain or shine. Read the full story for details about admission, participating with a show truck and what to know before you go.

Princeton’s public library has become a vibrant community hub, offering diverse year-round events for families, children, and adults.

Story Time draws pre-first-grade kids weekly for stories, crafts, and lively activities—sometimes featuring special guests or unique offsite adventures to keep little ones and parents engaged.

On the last Monday of each month, Spanish Story Time celebrates cultural diversity and invites more families to join the fun.

Make a country-music outing part of your Selma week.

The Rudy Theatre’s Classic Country Jubilee is listed for October 15th @ 12:45 PM and October 24th @ 6:45 PM

Visit the theatre’s website or call 919-202-9927 to confirm tickets, seating and the selected performance.

Invite a friend and enjoy an afternoon of local entertainment.

Leave time for a separate meal or a relaxed visit around town. 

Selma families have another reason to celebrate fall this Saturday.

Hudson’s Fall-O-Ween Fest is set for October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2332 Thanksgiving Fire Road.

The day combines food, shopping specials, Halloween activities, and an animal costume contest.

For families with little trick-or-treaters, the featured trunk-or-treat runs from 2 to 4 p.m.

Brogden Firefighters’ barbecue is Friday, October 16, with plates served starting at 11 a.m.

The fundraiser supports the fire department in the Smithfield-area community of Brogden.

Make a local meal part of your Friday plans and support the people who serve the community.

Smithfield buzzes with anticipation as the annual scholarship pageant returns, offering new opportunities for local high school students.

This year’s event focuses on Johnston County female students, inviting them to showcase their talent, leadership, and individuality while competing for valuable scholarships.

The pageant honors hometown legend Ava Gardner, whose enduring legacy inspires participants to embrace authenticity and confidence.

Prizes include the sought-after Essence of Ava Scholarship—a $1,000 award and the Miss Downtown Smithfield title—alongside additional scholarships for originality and community engagement.

Free Hocus Pocus Movie Night Lights Up Smithfield’s Riverfront October 24

Reels on the River brings the Sanderson Sisters to the Neuse River Amphitheater.

Read the full story for the date, location, and helpful details.

The Johnston County Heritage Center brings its 22nd Annual Ghost Walk to Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield on October 29 and 30 from 6–8 p.m.

Guided tours introduce six people from the county’s past, with organ music, foo,d and a book signing adding to the evening. 

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Smithfield’s 2026 Christmas celebrations fill December with downtown carriage rides, Santa visits, holiday movies and hometown traditions.

Carriage rides begin December 4, followed by a Christmas kickoff and holiday market December 5 from 3 to 8 in the evening.

The Smithfield Town Tree Lighting starts at 7 that night, and the Smithfield Christmas Parade steps off December 10 at 7 in the evening.

For Johnston County families, dog adoption fees cover more than the trip home: they include veterinary care that helps a new companion get started.

Puppy fees range from $450 to $550 and include spaying or neutering, microchipping, three rounds of distemper and parvovirus vaccinations, a rabies shot, fecal testing and initial deworming.