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 can be built near your home, how zoning districts work, or where to find official planning information? Our full article explains the basics in everyday language, with 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.

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.

Discover the businesses right in your neighborhood at the first Flowers Plantation Business Expo on Thursday, October 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Concert Park in Clayton.

More than 40 local businesses are expected to participate in this free event, offering an opportunity to meet owners, explore services, and enjoy potential giveaways and special offers.

Find out what makes this expo different and why it's worth stopping by.

Clayton, North Carolina, is bringing neighbors together with a vibrant series of community free market and skill-sharing events at Phillip R. Wright Community Park, 988 Powhatan Road.

Residents are invited to give and receive goods freely — no cash, bartering, or trades — creating an atmosphere of pure community generosity.

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 Boo Bash returns Friday, October 23, 2026, bringing Halloween costumes, music, and games to the Clayton Community Center at 715 Amelia Church Road. 

Clayton Parks and Recreation is organizing the celebration, but this is not an ordinary open-to-everyone Halloween dance: it is specifically designed for individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities and their families. 

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.

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. 

Organized by Clayton Parks and Recreation, the celebration is designed for preschool-aged children and younger, giving families a daytime opportunity to enjoy Halloween together.

The route begins at Horne Square and continues along Main Street toward Town Square, with the event address listed as 100 West Main Street. 

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.

The library invites visitors to stop by and pick out a costume, offering a practical way to approach the holiday with a little creativity.

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.

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.

Nearly 69 acres near Clayton have been permanently protected along the Neuse River in eastern Wake County.

The property, next to the Sarah and Bailey Williamson Nature Preserve, includes wetlands and floodplain that help slow runoff and filter water upstream of Clayton.

The land is in Wake County, not Johnston County, but its environmental benefits extend beyond county boundaries.

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

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.

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.

Judging takes place October 20.

Cash prizes include $125 for first place, $100 for second, $75 for third, $50 for honorable mention, and $25 for the People’s Choice Award.

ve 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.

A pressed-flowers and pumpkin-decorating workshop follows October 24 at 4 p.m., priced at $35 per person.

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.

The event is promoted as a family-friendly trunk-or-treat gathering, with activities advertised through 8 p.m.

Children can dress up and enjoy treats while families spend time with friends and neighbors.

Four Oaks Elementary School families have a special reason to look forward to Friday’s Fall Festival.

Amazon’s Smithfield operations facility donated $5,000 to the school PTA, covering the usual $5 admission fee for 1,000 students.

The festival is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Four Oaks Elementary School.

The gift supports the PTA’s Cardinal Friends & Families Give Back initiative, which makes it easier for more families to attend school activities.

Make Saturday, October 10, 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.

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

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 bring a flurry of quick visits, while Sunday closures give staff and locals a restful pause.

Get those Halloween costumes ready, Kenly! The annual Town of Kenly Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 5–7 p.m. at the Kenly Parks and Recreation Soccer Field, 410 S. College Avenue.

Hosted by Kenly Parks and Recreation and the Kenly Police Department, the family-friendly gathering will feature decorated vehicle trunks, lots of candy, a live DJ, a pumpkin-decorating contest, a costume contest, bounce houses and inflatable games.

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.

Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. The Wilson County Tourism Development Authority and the Friends of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum support the event.

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.

Read the full story for festival highlights, vendor details and tips for planning your visit.

A special evening of wine, jazz, and shopping is coming to downtown Selma. Walker’s Treasure Box, located at 109 S. Raiford Street, is hosting an Exclusive Trump Winery tasting event on Friday, October 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The evening features a free tasting of wines from Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz music, and time to browse the shop’s antiques and uniqeu finds. The event poster also advertises a special one-night case-order offer; details will be confirmed directly with the store.

Reservations are required because space is limited. The flyer requests RSVPs by October 19, so interested guests should check the organizer’s official event listing for availability and the latest instructions.

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

The Rudy Theatre’s Classic Country Jubilee is listed for October 24th at 6:45 p.m.

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

Trading-card collectors and fans can look forward to a new event in Selma. Hidden Temple Toys is presenting the TCG Expo on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Selma Civic Center.

The event flyer features Pokémon- and One Piece-inspired imagery, pointing to the colorful world of trading-card games and collectibles. From favorite characters and special cards to deck-building and meeting other fans, the hobbie brings together people of different ages and interests.

Selma residents, get moving for Halloween! 

 Activate Selma is organizing a community “Thriller” flash mob, with a practice sesion scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. at 206 N. Raiford Street. Additional rehearsals appear on the calendar for October 26 and 27.

Interested in joining or watching? Check the official Activate Selma event calendar and volunteer information for updated dates and participation details. Read the full story for the schedule and what to confirm before heading out.

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. It's a chance to celebrate Halloween, explore downtown Selma, and support local busineses.

Most event descriptions list 6–8 p.m., although Activate Selma's calendar shows a 5 p.m. start. 

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.

Calling all little ghosts, superheroes and princesses! Downtown Smithfield is getting ready for a sweet Halloween afternoon.

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.

Read the full story for event details, tips for families and links to the organizers.

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 figures from the county’s past, with organ music, food, and a book signing. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

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.

Smithfield families can celbrate 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.

A November evening in downtown Smithfield! Mark your calendar for the Starlight Wine Walk on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. The event is listed on the Downtown Smithfield calendar and offers another reason to spend an evening exploring the historic business district.

Downtown Smithfield's shops, restaurants and local businesses make it a welcoming place for a Friday-night outing. Whether you're planning a night out with friends or looking for something different to do close to home, this is an event worth checking out.

Specific details about tickets, participating businesses and the wine-walk route have not yet been confirmed in the calendar information available for this article. Before heading out, check the official Downtown Smithfield events page for updates.

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.

Known for powerful vocals, a lively horn section and classic favorites, the band promises an entertaining evening along the Neuse River.

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.

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 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.

The announcement names roads including Old Beulah, Ranch, Short Creech, and Tilghman. Motorists should watch for future scheduling announcements and possible temporary traffic delays as crews begin work.

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.