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

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 new and gently worn pairs of shoes by November 18, 2026. Donations can be dropped in the collection box by the mailbox at 848 Parkridge Drive in Clayton.

Clayton's Jingle & Mingle Holiday Shop arrives Saturday, November 7, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. at Cleveland Draft House, 461 Shotwell Road.

The Market on Tap event will feature more than 20 local vendors, food and refreshments, and live music from Rob Cole of The Voice between 1 and 4 p.m.

Kick off holiday shopping close to home at the Flowers Holiday Market on Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to noon in Clayton.

The market takes place at Market at the Crossroads near NC Highway 42 and Buffalo Road, featuring more than 35 local vendors.

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, 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.

Linda Davis and Lang Scott are bringing Evening in the Round to The Clayton Center, offering country music fans a night out in downtown Clayton.

The shared-stage format puts the songs alongside the stories and personalities behind them, creating a more intimate experience than a conventional concert.

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.

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.

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 be held at the Four Oaks Fire Department, 825 Lassiter Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m..

A report using 2024 data puts agriculture's economic reach in Johnston County at 17,920 jobs and approximately $757 million in wages, salaries, and proprietors' income.

Johnston County is joining Operation Green Light for Veterans and encouraging residents, businesses, and towns to display green lights ahead of Veterans Day.

The national observance runs November 4–11, 2026, but county officials say local participants may begin earlier and keep their lights shining through November 11.

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.

Johnston County Public Schools has approved a three-year football helmet reconditioning contract with Riddell worth up to $330,000.

The agreement covers protective equipment used at 21 middle and high schools across the county, including programs in Clayton, Cleveland, Smithfield, and Selma.

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.

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

Created through a collaboration between Kenly Parks & Recreation and a local veterans' group, the race invites everyone — from seasoned runners to casual walkers — to traverse familiar city streets together.

Christmas on Main returns to downtown Kenly on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a full day of free, family-friendly holiday festivities.

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.

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.

Princeton will honor local veterans on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in downtown Princeton.

The Princeton Woman’s Improvement Club organizes the annual program and welcomes veterans, their families, and community members.

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

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.

Christmas Land comes alive in Selma on Thursday, November 5! DeWayne’s 23rd Annual Christmas Open House invites visitors to explore 11 themed rooms filled with ornaments, trees, and holiday décor.

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.

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. 

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.

The CCJC Fall Festival will bring local vendors, food, sweets and shopping to the Country Club of Johnston County on Saturday, November 14.

The Smithfield event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is expected to welcome the public as well as club members.

Planned offerings include a coffee truck, baked goods, handmade soaps, accessories, permanent jewelry, custom hats and a golf simulator.

The varied lineup makes the festival an easy Saturday outing for shoppers, families and friends with different interests.

The country club is located at 694 Country Club Road in Smithfield.

Make a splash and help local families at Swimsgiving on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatic Center.

Bring four cans or nonperishable food items per person for pool admission.

For Johnston County families, dog adoption fees cover more than the trip home; they also include veterinary care to help 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.