The Woman's Club of Clayton is turning fall cleaning into an opportunity to help families through its Shoe Us the Love fundraiser.

The club hopes to collect 2,500 pairs of new and gently worn shoes by November 18, 2026. Donations can be dropped in the collection box by the mailbox at 848 Parkridge Drive in Clayton.

Smith’s Nursery in Benson is hosting a Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest on Friday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The family-friendly evening at Smith’s Farm Market, 443 Sanders Road, includes a pumpkin and carving kit for every $10 participant.

The fee also includes a small ice cream, cider, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Guests can enjoy spooky music, seasonal drinks, and a bonfire, weather permitting.

Clayton children can enjoy a different kind of Halloween celebration at All Hallows Read on Thursday, October 29.

The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Clayton Center.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students are invited for games, treats, and tales that go bump in the night. 

Clayton's Halloween weekend starts early on Friday, October 30, with Crescendo's Cause and Costumes Street Fest on East Second Street.

The downtown event runs from 4 to 8 p.m., giving residents an opportunity to enjoy a festive Friday evening before Halloween.

The first Faster Than Pastor 5K and 1K Fun Run comes to Clayton on Halloween morning, Saturday, October 31.

The event celebrates 25 years of church ministry and community service. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the untimed 1K Fun Run and Walk begins at 9:10 a.m. 

Halloween fun will support a local cause in Clayton on October 31.

The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is planning its first Halloween Costume Party at the Gateway Conference & Event Center, 501 Yates Drive, from 7 to 11 p.m.

The fundraiser features music by DJ XL, food, a cash bar, and costume prizes.

Proceeds will support the chapter's programs benefiting Johnston County youth and families.

Looking for a Halloween costume without another shopping trip?

Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library in Clayton has a seasonal idea worth exploring.

Its Halloween Costume Swap runs during September and October, with the town calendar listing September 1 through October 31, 2026. 

Downtown Clayton is preparing for a sweet afternoon on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The town's annual Main Street Trick-or-Treat runs from 1 to 3 p.m., with local businesses welcoming costumed visitors along the downtown route.

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.

Get ready for an evening of Halloween laughs in Clayton. Pavilion Plays hosts Luck Street Comedy on Friday, October 30, with two separate musical improv performances.

The family-friendly Monster Mash begins at 6 p.m., followed by a film-noir-inspired comedy show at 8 p.m. Both take place at 11155 Clayton Boulevard. Tickets are listed at $15.

Shop Clayton’s Saturday market at Horne Square, 348 E. Main Street, on October 31th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check organizer updates before heading out.

Ghost tours offer a different way to explore downtown Clayton, NC, where familiar streets become the setting for stories of haunted history.

A walk along Main Street can make residents and visitors look twice at the buildings and sidewalks they pass every day.

The appeal lies less in spotting a ghost than in hearing local lore and wondering what the past has left behind.

Clayton, NC’s beloved haunted house returns this October, delivering spine-tingling frights and laughter for locals ready to dive into Halloween fun.

The expansive farm transforms every Friday and Saturday night, drawing thrill-seekers from Johnston County and beyond eager to test their courage.

The famous haunted hayride leads visitors deep into the mysterious Fear Forest, where every corner hides a new surprise in the moonlit dark.

The Town of Clayton will honor military veterans at its annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Monday, November 2.

The event will take place at the Clayton Center, 111 East Second Street. Community members are welcome to attend and thank those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The program will feature special remarks, patriotic music, and a tribute to local veterans.

Incredible Business Networking (IBN) hosts its popular Coffee Connection event in Clayton, NC on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 to 10 a.m. at 9Bar Coffeehouse.

The event is free to attend—no membership, dues, or registration required.

Early birds can start connecting at 8:30 a.m. during pre-event networking, with the main program running until 10 a.m. and an optional post-event mixer wrapping up at 10:30 a.m.

What's a UDO, and why should Clayton residents care?

The town's Unified Development Ordinance may sound like a document for builders and lawyers, but it also affects everyday property questions—from backyard fences to the location of new neighborhoods and businesses.

Wondering what you can build near your home, how zoning districts work, or where to find official planning information? Our full article explains the basics in plain language and links to the town's rules and resources.

Read more to learn what Clayton's UDO means for homeowners, businesses, and the community's future.

Ranch horse shows in Selma will test versatile horses and riders in a one-day event open to the public.

Hosted by All Around Performance Horses and featuring Caroline Snow-Dodson and Jessica Lee, the show takes place at 594 Old Beulah Road.

Looking for a Sunday outing that celebrates North Carolina's makers and small businesses? Rooted in NC Fest is listed for November 8, from 1 to 5 p.m., at State Employees’ Credit Union, 37 Briarcliff Drive in Clayton.

The free, family-friendly event will feature local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, giveaways, and family activities.

It's a chance to discover creative products, meet entrepreneurs and spend an afternoon supporting small businesses.

Golfers and local businesses are invited to support a Clayton tradition when the Rotary Club of Clayton hosts its second annual Leigh Hudson Golf Tournament on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at The Neuse Country Club.

The event honors Leigh Hudson on the anniversary of the day Clayton dedicated a flagpole in his memory and declared Leigh Hudson Day.

Proceeds support Rotary service projects, including scholarships, community programs, and efforts to address food insecurity.

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 on October 29th from 7 PM to 9 PM.

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

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 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 leave time for something sweet.

Motorcycles, whole-hog barbecue, and live music are coming to Benson on Saturday, November 14, for the fourth annual Veterans Day of Honor Ride & Whole Hog Cook-Off.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Biker Church, 669 Tarheel Road, with all proceeds benefiting local veterans.

Activities include a motorcycle ride, a barbecue competition, tasting and judging, vendors, live entertainment, and awards.

Four Oaks is preparing for a community Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Halloween on Main begins at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Four Oaks.

Four Oaks is getting ready for a fall favorite: the Chamber of Commerce's all-you-can-eat Oyster Roast on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The event will take place at the Four Oaks Fire Department at 825 Lassiter Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m.

JoCo Restaurant Week is going countywide! From October 25 through November 7, Johnston County diners have two weeks to discover independently owned restaurants and enjoy special menu items, exclusive offers and dining experiences.

Try somewhere new, bring a friend and support Johnston County's local food scene.

More than 456 acres of Johnston County farmland are slated for long-term protection after the state awarded about $2.72 million in grants for four conservation projects.

The projects cover land along Old Beulah Road, Crocker’s Nub Road, and Starline Road, totaling 456.47 acres. The Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District is coordinating the work through North Carolina’s farmland preservation program.

Thirteen Johnston County roads, covering about 30 miles, are slated for resurfacing under a North Carolina Department of Transportation contract awarded to S. T. Wooten of Wilson.

The combined Johnston and Nash counties contract is worth approximately $7 million.

Work could begin this fall, with completion expected by spring 2028. 

Kenly’s Tobacco Farm Life Museum is celebrating autumn with a free Harvest Festival on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum is located at 709 North Church Street in Kenly.

The festival will feature hands-on activities, historic demonstrations, fall-themed games, seasonal crafts, and opportunities to explore the museum’s exhibit gallery.

Make Saturday, October 31st, 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. 

The Kenly Public Library stands as a vital hub for the community, welcoming visitors of all ages with its broad range of services and resources.

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

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

Kenly, NC is buzzing with excitement as locals prepare for the eagerly awaited community 5k run, a signature event designed to unite residents and champion healthy living.

The race, created in partnership with Kenly Parks & Recreation and a local veterans' group, invites everyone—from seasoned runners to casual walkers—to take on familiar city streets together.

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.

Organizers say admission, food, and family fun are free, though they haven't specified whether every attraction is free.

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.

Get ready for a spooky good time in downtown Selma! The Selma Halloween Spooktacular returns on Friday, October 30, 2026, with costumes, candy, a downtown candy trail, and family-friendly Halloween entertainment.

Families can enjoy trunk-or-treat at NAPA Auto Parts, a candy trail through participating downtown businesses, activities at Art Out Loud Park, a flash mob on Raiford Street, and a car lights show on Railroad Street.

The holiday season arrives early in Selma when the Rudy Theatre opens its 2026 Christmas Jubilee on Tuesday, November 10.

The live variety show runs through December 29, with 37 performances scheduled.

The Rudy's 11-member cast brings the music and laughter to its intimate theatre at 300 North Raiford Street.

Free live music comes to downtown Smithfield on Tuesday, October 27, when the BC Big Band performs on the Johnston County Courthouse lawn from 6 to 8 p.m.

The outdoor concert is open to everyone. 

Smithfield families can celebrate Halloween early at Boo Bash on Friday, October 30, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Smith-Collins Park near the Sarah Yard Community Center.

The free event welcomes families and is designed for children ages 3 through 14, with games, crafts, food, music and a costume contest.

Calling all little ghosts, superheroes, and princesses! 

The Downtown Smithfield Candy Crawl takes place Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 4–6 p.m., inviting costumed children and their families to visit participating downtown businesses for treats.

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, food, and a book signing.

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

A November evening in downtown Smithfield!

Mark your calendar for the Starlight Wine Walk on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 5–8 p.m.

Specific details about tickets, participating businesses, and the wine-walk route have not yet been confirmed in the calendar information available for this article. 

Read the full story for the date, time, planning tips and helpful links.

Get ready for a free night of soul, Motown and R&B in downtown Smithfield! SouLe & The SuperBand will take the stage at the Neuse River Amphitheater on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 7–9 p.m., closing out the town's Fall Fridays on Front Street concert series.

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.

Adult dog fees range from $200 to $450 and include surgery, a microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations, testing, deworming and current preventive care.