A small town is where you wave to strangers and they wave back — because everyone is already a neighbor waiting to be met.

National Night Out

Hurry it's Tonight- Flowers Plantation

The Downtown Clayton Concert Series rolls on with a free, family-friendly evening at Town Square, kicking off at 6:00 PM with the concert starting at 6:30 PM.

Taking the stage is All My Rowdy Friends, a high-energy tribute band delivering an authentic recreation of Hank Williams Jr.'s outlaw country sound — blending classic country, Southern rock, and blues with striking stage presence.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the open-air show. Food trucks, adult beverages, and kids' activities round out the night, making it a perfect outing for the whole community.

PLUS Dueling Pianos is bringing its high-energy interactive show to Town Hall in Clayton, NC on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Billed as the largest dueling piano and comedy show in the U.S., the performance features world-class entertainers delivering any song from any genre — mixed with nonstop comedy and audience participation.

Guests don't just watch; they become the show by requesting songs and joining in as the room erupts into a sing-along. Whether it's a date night or a special celebration, this is one night out that promises to be unforgettable.

Clayton's public library has a full week of programming lined up for all ages, and there's something on the calendar no matter where your interests lie.

Adults can dive into a three-week Fossil Embroidery Workshop, join the social Fiber Arts Connection with a current project in hand, or explore a brand-new skill at the monthly Adult Craft Hour.

Younger visitors are equally well served, with toddler storytime. Listen to read-aloud stories, sing some songs, play with age-appropriate toys. Teen Time: Stop by after school and hang out at the library. Work on homework, socialize with friends, read, or use our Wi-Fi. For teens in grades 6–12.

Check the Town of Clayton community calendar to find times and sign up before spots fill.

Every Saturday, Clayton Farm & Community Market brings together local farmers and artisans in the heart of Clayton, North Carolina. The market's mission is simple: connect the community with locally grown produce, fresh meats, fruit, coffee, and handcrafted goods.

Located at 348 E. Main Street in Horne Square, the market runs from March through December, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with winter hours from January through February, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A great reason to make Saturday mornings a local tradition.

Beat the Heat at Clemmons Educational State Forest

If you're in Clayton and looking for a shaded escape that most locals overlook, head just a short drive away to Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton's Johnston County backyard. The forest features talking trees — interpretive stations where you press a button and hear recorded narration about each tree species — making it a surprisingly engaging stop for adults and kids alike, not just a standard walk in the woods.

Go on a weekday morning when the trails are nearly empty, wear closed-toe shoes for the ranger-guided or self-guided geology trail, and bring a water bottle. Admission is free, parking is easy, and you'll return home feeling refreshed without spending a dime or fighting a crowd. It's one of Clayton's best-kept nearby secrets hiding in plain sight.

The Clayton Police Department is gearing up for its annual Pack a Police Car school supply drive, happening Saturday, August 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Clayton Walmart on Town Centre Boulevard.

Free and open to the public, the event collects donated supplies — pencils, notebooks, backpacks, crayons, and much more — for students at elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Clayton, North Carolina.

It's a simple way to help local kids start the new school year fully prepared. A full wish list of needed items is available through the Clayton Police Department.

Johnston County, North Carolina has made it easy to explore its local craft beverage scene with the Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail — a guided route connecting nearby breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Travelers can use an interactive trail map on their phones, download a full brochure, and even pick up a passport to collect stamps along the way. For those wanting a fuller experience, a Sip & Stay hotel package pairs the trail with local BBQ and weekend adventures across the region.

Smithfield, N.C. is bringing back its annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5–8 p.m. at Smithfield Community Park. The free family event is designed to build bridges between residents and the public safety agencies that serve them.

Attendees can enjoy pizza, hot dogs, snow cones, bounce houses, and a petting zoo, while local officers and firefighters share safety information and answer questions. Highlights include K-9 demonstrations and a live fire sprinkler showcase.

Participating agencies span the region, from the Smithfield Police Department and Johnston County Sheriff's Office to EMS, animal services, and neighboring Selma's police and fire departments.

Cardboard boats, river races, and the occasional dramatic sinking — what more could you ask for on a summer Saturday?

Smithfield, North Carolina's River Rat Regatta returns to the Neuse River, challenging two-person teams to build seaworthy vessels from nothing but corrugated cardboard, glue, and duct tape.

Competitors race from the N. Front Street boat ramp to the Deputy C. Paul West, Sr. Bridge, competing in Youth and Adult divisions for speed — plus special honors for the best-decorated boat and the most memorable sinking, cheekily dubbed the Titanic Award.

Hosted by Smithfield Parks and Recreation alongside local partners, the free spectator-friendly event features a DJ and family fun from morning until noon.

A beloved baseball franchise is putting down new roots. The Smithfield Tobs, a storied team dating back to 1908 and a founding member of the Coastal Plain League, are relocating to Smithfield, North Carolina — and bringing a fresh identity along for the ride.

Alongside the classic Tobs name, the team will debut an alternate persona: the JoCo TaterHogs, a playful nod to Johnston County's farming heritage. Both identities will be celebrated throughout the season.

A brand-new, modern ballpark designed for families and community events is in the works, with a groundbreaking tentatively set for March 2026. Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore called the move a tremendous opportunity to bring new energy to the town. Get ready to go hog wild!

Downtown Smithfield is getting a fresh new tradition. The Smithfield Signature Fresh Market launches on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing local produce, small businesses, and community spirit to the Johnston County Courthouse parking lot every other Saturday through October 10, 2026.

The market runs from 8:00 AM to noon and is located at the corner of 2nd Street South and East Johnston Street — right in the heart of downtown.

The event is a joint effort between the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, the JCC Small Business Center, JoCo Grows, and local farmers. Farm producers interested in vending are encouraged to reach out and apply.

CommWell Health is bringing healthcare directly to rural communities across southeastern North Carolina with a new 32-foot mobile medical and dental clinic. The unit serves patients in Johnston, Sampson, Harnett, Bladen, Brunswick, and Pender counties, equipped with two dental chairs, digital imaging, and wireless access to electronic health records.

The clinic can also convert to provide medical services and is designed to respond during emergencies and natural disasters. Funded by a $589,000 federal CARE grant, the expansion reflects the nonprofit's nearly 50-year mission of meeting patients — as CEO Tamara Dunn put it — "exactly where they are."

Selma, North Carolina began as a strategic railway town in 1867, and its position along the North Carolina Railroad quickly made it a bustling hub of commerce and growth. Many of the Victorian-era buildings from that boom period still stand today, giving the town its distinctive historic character.

As rail traffic declined, Selma pivoted to agriculture — tobacco and cotton chief among its crops — and has since evolved into a well-rounded small community. Its proximity to Raleigh and Durham, combined with affordable housing, continues to draw new residents in 2024.

A notable trend: buyers are prizing the original hardwood floors found in Selma's older homes, fueling demand for professional refinishing services that restore — and help preserve — the town's living history.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are coming to Johnston County, NC — and if you love Southern Gospel done right, this is a night to mark on your calendar.

For over two decades, the four-part harmony quartet has topped Southern Gospel radio charts, earned four GRAMMY® nominations, six GMA Dove Awards, and performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Grand Ole Opry.

Founded in 2003 by tenor Ernie Haase — a former member of the legendary Cathedral Quartet — the group is known for its infectious energy and faith-driven music that spans continents.

Their most recent project, Live in Amsterdam: A 20th Anniversary Celebration, captures the milestone with full orchestral arrangements recorded before some of their most enthusiastic crowds ever.

Sewing Saturday at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly, North Carolina, offers a hands-on look at the textile traditions of the early 20th century. On August 15, 2026, visitors can explore original period clothing and textiles from the museum's collections, then try their hand at a variety of stitches and techniques.

Monthly topics range from quilts and feed sacks to shirts and pants, making each session a unique experience. Best of all, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is completely free to attend.

Kenly Public Library in Kenly, North Carolina is a welcoming community resource open six days a week, with evening hours available several days for added convenience.

The library offers free library cards — valid at any Johnston County Public Library — along with public computers, an adult book club, and a Discovery Corner for children available whenever the library is open.

Library Board meetings are open to the public and held the first Tuesday of each month. To get a card, simply bring a photo ID and a piece of mail showing your current address — you'll be set up in about five minutes.

Benson Parks & Recreation has several leagues and events open for registration, offering something for nearly every age group.

Adults can sign up for Co-Ed Kickball ($25 per person), Adult League Basketball ($70 per person), or the Back to School Basketball Tournament — where the entry fee is simply a school supply donation.

Young athletes can join Fall Youth Sports, including soccer, girls volleyball, softball, and baseball, with fees of $40 for residents and $65 for non-residents.

Most programs are open to participants 18 and older, or 16 and older with a waiver. Proof of residency may be required for resident pricing.

Benson, North Carolina punches well above its size when it comes to community events. The small town hosts free summer Movie Nights in the Grove every first and third Friday, drawing families together under the open sky.

The crown jewel is Benson Mule Days®, held every fourth Saturday of September, which draws an impressive 60–70,000 visitors for rodeos, bluegrass shows, parades, carnival rides, and street dances. In autumn, the town also honors its veterans with a Run for the Brave 5K and a Main Street parade each November.

For a small town, Benson keeps its calendar — and its community spirit — remarkably full.

Johnston County Animal Services in North Carolina has pets available and ready to find their forever homes — and the process is simpler than you might think.

Appointments are required, so prospective adopters should call ahead during weekday business hours. You must be at least 18 with a valid ID, though you don't need to be a county resident.

Adoption fees generally run $110–$125, covering a spay/neuter voucher, microchip, and rabies shot where applicable. Veterans receive a full fee waiver. All adopted pets are required to be spayed or neutered, and a $100 voucher is provided to help cover that cost at participating vets.

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Beat the Heat at Clemmons Educational State Forest

If you're looking for a shaded escape right in Johnston County, head to Clemmons Educational State Forest just outside Clayton. Most locals overlook it in favor of busier parks, but its interpretive trails let you walk through talking tree exhibits — educational panels built right into the forest that explain local ecology in surprisingly engaging ways.

Arrive before 10 a.m. on a weekday to practically have the trails to yourself. The canopy cover keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than open parks, making it one of the best spots in the area to get a genuine nature walk in without battling crowds or full sun. Bring a field journal if you have one — the variety of native tree species makes it a surprisingly rewarding spot for sketching or note-taking, even if you're just a casual nature curious person.