Downtown Clayton's free Concert Series rolls on with a lively evening at Town Square, kicking off August 13th at 6:00 PM, with the concert starting at 6:30 PM.

Taking the stage is All My Rowdy Friends, a high-energy Hank Williams Jr. tribute band out of North Carolina that blends classic country, Southern rock, and blues into an electrifying night of outlaw spirit.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in — food trucks, adult beverages, and kids' activities make it a full evening for the whole family. Best of all, admission is completely free.

PLUS Dueling Pianos is bringing its high-energy comedy and music show to the Town Hall in Clayton, NC on Friday, August 28, 2026. Billed as the largest dueling piano show in the U.S., it features world-class entertainers delivering any song from any genre alongside nonstop laughs and audience participation.

Guests don't just watch — they become the show, requesting songs, fueling the on-stage battle, and singing along with the whole room. Whether it's a date night or a special celebration, this one promises to be unforgettable.

The Clayton Farm & Community Market brings together local farmers and artisans every Saturday in Clayton, North Carolina. Shoppers can find fresh produce, meats, coffee, and handcrafted goods.

The Clayton Police Department is hosting its annual Pack a Police Car school supply drive on Saturday, August 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Clayton Walmart in Clayton, NC. Donations of pencils, notebooks, backpacks, and more will support local students heading into the new school year.

National Rarities is hosting a buying event at Main Street Jewelers, and they're in the market for a surprisingly wide range of items.

The company purchases fine jewelry in any condition — gold, silver, platinum, broken, or designer — along with loose and mounted diamonds of any size or quality.

Watches from prestigious names like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and vintage American brands are also welcome, as are scrap metals and dental gold.

Beyond jewelry, they seek military memorabilia, pre-1950s advertising, antique toys, original art, designer handbags, and collectible autographs. If it's been sitting in a drawer, it may be worth more than you think.

The NCTA Technology & Maintenance Council is hosting a free Tech Night focused on disc and drum brake systems on August 17, 2026, in Clayton, NC. Experts from Bendix will lead hands-on training covering inspection, diagnostics, and best practices — dinner included for members and guests alike.

Johnston County, North Carolina has mapped out a self-guided trail connecting local breweries, wineries, and distilleries — all navigable from your phone.

Download the brochure, grab a passport, and pair the tour with a Sip & Stay hotel package for a full weekend of craft drinks and renowned Carolina BBQ.

North Carolina's Neuse River Blueway offers one of the most scenic paddling adventures in the eastern United States — a roughly 170-mile canoe and kayak route stretching from Smithfield to the Croatan National Forest near Havelock.

Part of the celebrated Mountains to the Sea Trail, the route takes paddlers through cypress swamps, towering 90-foot riverbanks, and wide estuaries teeming with herons, osprey, and kingfishers.

Towns like Goldsboro, Kinston, and New Bern offer rest stops along the way, with history and local flavor to match the natural beauty. Rated moderate in difficulty, this blueway is a must for anyone seeking a genuine wilderness experience close to home.

Smithfield, N.C. is getting a new downtown pocket park — and the community is invited to the party. The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation will dedicate the space on Aug. 11 at 305 E. Market St., unveiling its community-chosen name, a new mural, and free popsicles.

Cool Off Like a Local at the Neuse River Greenway

If you're in Smithfield, NC today and need a break from the heat or just want to clear your head, head to the Neuse River Greenway Trail rather than a crowded park. This paved path runs along the river and offers shaded stretches, benches with water views, and a noticeably cooler temperature thanks to the tree canopy and river breeze. It's largely overlooked by visitors who go straight to downtown, which means you'll likely have long quiet sections to yourself.

Pro tip: park near the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center off Market Street for easy trail access and free parking — no need to hunt for a spot downtown. Bring water, go early morning or after 5 PM to avoid peak sun, and keep an eye out for great blue herons fishing along the bank. It takes less than five minutes to get there from the center of town, and even a short 20-minute walk leaves most people feeling genuinely refreshed.

Smithfield, North Carolina's Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) is a full-service community hub offering something for nearly every age and interest.

From an indoor pool, splash park, fitness room, and racquetball courts to a pottery studio, double gymnasium, and seasonal camps, the center keeps a packed calendar year-round.

The facility is currently operating on winter hours for its splash park, with limited morning and afternoon sessions on select weekdays. Memberships, program registration, and rental bookings — including birthday parties and reunions — are available through the town's online community portal.

Classic country music is taking center stage at a lively two-hour show that promises something for the whole family.

A talented band and vocalists bring back the authentic sounds of real country music — the kind that once stirred genuine emotion — while an on-stage comedian keeps the laughs rolling throughout the night.

Tickets are available for multiple scheduled show times, so there's plenty of opportunity to catch this crowd-pleasing celebration of a beloved American musical tradition.

Jeff Daughtry, a Johnston County native and South Johnston High School graduate, is heading home to film the pilot episode of his independent horror anthology series, PostMortem: The Web Series. Inspired by classics like The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt, the series will feature standalone stories written by North Carolina writers.

The pilot, titled "On the Rocks," is set to film in late August at The Quantum Toad in downtown Selma, N.C. Daughtry, who now runs Garner-based Dead Serious Studios, hopes the project will spotlight independent filmmakers and actors across the state — and recapture that unmistakable thrill of old-school horror.

Rockin' on Raiford is a beloved community music event rooted in the spirit of live performance and neighborhood celebration.

The event is  Thursday, August 20, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Selma, NC Parks & Recreation, 114 N Raiford St, Selma. Attendees enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with food, vendors, and a strong sense of community pride — making it more than just a concert, but a true local gathering.

Events like this play a vital role in supporting local economies and keeping live music culture alive at the grassroots level.

Kenly, North Carolina offers outdoor fun for the whole family at KAPARC — the Kenly Area Parks and Recreation Center. The facility features three baseball fields, a multipurpose field, batting cages, a gym, picnic shelters, a disc golf course, and a half-mile paved walking trail, all lit for evening use.

Summer brings regional tournaments to KAPARC, including Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth competitions. The department also maintains two town playgrounds at Grady Park and Lincoln Park.

Visitors with mobility needs should note that some areas — including restroom access, picnic shelters, the gym, and both playgrounds — are not fully ADA-accessible, and unpaved surfaces can be difficult after rain.

Stitch up some history at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly, North Carolina. On August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., museum staff will guide visitors through the textile traditions of the early 20th century.

Guests can examine original period clothing and fabrics, then get hands-on practice with a variety of stitches and techniques. Monthly themes rotate through everything from quilts and feed sacks to shirts and pants — so there's always something new to explore. Best of all, admission is completely free.

Kenly Public Library in Kenly, NC offers free library cards, public computer access, a children's Discovery Corner, and an adult book club — open six days a week. Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and donations are welcome. Stop by or call 919-284-4217 to learn more.

Sundown in Downtown returns to Benson, North Carolina, for a free outdoor concert featuring the Antique Outlaws on August 13, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at the Benson Singing Grove on East Main Street.

The evening kicks off early, with food vendors serving from 5:30 PM and DJ Butch Halpin warming up the crowd at 6:30 PM. Admission is completely free — just bring a lawn chair, grab a bite, and explore the shops along Main Street.

Benson Parks & Recreation has opened registration for several 2026 leagues and events. Adults can sign up for co-ed kickball, a back-to-school basketball tournament, or adult league basketball — fees range from a school supply donation to $70 per person.

Youth fall sports, including soccer, volleyball, softball, and baseball, are also available for ages 5–16.

NC Food Creechers Fest is coming to Hinnant Family Vineyards, promising a full day of food, fun, and community spirit.

Expect a lineup of food trucks, dessert trucks, bounce houses for the kids, and local vendors — all set against a beautiful vineyard backdrop.

Live music from MJ Casey will keep the atmosphere buzzing throughout the day. Bring the whole family and come with an appetite!

Wilson’s Mills High New Campus Unveiled at Grand Opening Ceremony

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held a grand opening ceremony for the new Wilson’s Mills High School. The event, hosted by the Johnston County Board of Education, welcomed students, staff, families, community members, members of JCPS leadership, local dignitaries, and the Wilson’s Mills High Alumni Association to celebrate the completion of the district’s 50th school.

The historic event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce as attendees and distinguished guests looked on with excitement and anticipation. Following the ribbon-cutting, guests made their way to the auditorium for the grand opening ceremony. Their excitement could barely be contained as they took in the contemporary design, mixed with murals showing students and staff from the original high school lining the hallways.

Johnston County Animal Services in North Carolina is making it easier than ever to give a pet a forever home. Throughout the entire month of July, adoption fees are completely waived for everyone — a rare opportunity to welcome a new companion at minimal cost.

Standard adoption fees normally run $110–$125, covering a spay/neuter voucher, microchip, and rabies vaccination. Veterans receive fee waivers year-round. Prospective adopters must be at least 18 with a valid ID, and county residency is not required. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 1:00–4:30 p.m. — call 919-934-8474 to get started.

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