Fall Guide

Festivals

Oct. 6-8

Ava Gardner Festival

The 2023 Ava Gardner Festival will be the finale of our year-long celebration of Ava’s 100th birthday with special guests, new exhibits, guided heritage tours, screenings of Ava’s films and new gift shop items. The opening day reception will include the always-popular coconut cake made with the family recipe that Ava enjoyed on her birthday each year as a child. For more details and a complete schedule of events, visit avagardnerfestival.com. 

Oct. 6-8

Selma Railroad Days

Join in on the fun in Downtown Selma as the town celebrates its railroad heritage for a full weekend. The annual event will include model train displays, live entertainment, street vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, a parade and much more for the whole family to enjoy. For a complete schedule of events, visit https://selma-nc.com/spe/48th-annual-selma-railroad-days/

Saturday, Oct. 14, noon to 10 p.m.

Oktoberfest

Deep River Brewing Company, Clayton

They love a good Weisen to party! Oktoberfest at Deep River Brewing Company is scheduled for October 14. 2023 collector edition glass steins will be available for purchase, as well as the new 22-ounce plastic DRBC Oktoberfest Stein. The first 100 people will be lucky enough to receive a pretzel necklace with their stein purchase. Learn more at www.facebook.com/events/1317600532168121.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.

Hinnant Family Vineyards Fall Festival

Don’t miss Hinnant Family Vineyards annual Fall Festival. There will be a grape stomp, food trucks and wine slushies. To learn more, visit www.hinnantvineyards.com.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.

Clayton Community Center Fall Fling

This event is free to the public and offers a variety of games, pumpkin painting, face painting and more. Hop on a bail of hay and enjoy our interactive, non-scary, storybook ride through the woods. Tour the community garden, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the day. To learn more, call 919-553-1550.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.

Sweetpotato Day

Sonlight Farms, Kenly

It’s gonna be a sweet day at Sonlight Farms. They love all things sweetpotatoes! Come learn about what makes our state vegetable so great! There will be free giveaways for the kids, taste testing and a special visit from Spencer the Sweetpotato. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.

Thursday, Oct. 26-29

Clayton Harvest Festival

The Clayton Chamber of Commerces Clayton Harvest Festival has roots dating back to 1951 when the Clayton Merchants Association (now CCOC) hosted Clayton’s first festival, the Cotton Festival. Now, with over 30,000 in attendance, this four-day festival incorporates a midway full of carnival rides, a classic car show, a Latin American Festival, the Squealin on the Square BBQ cook-off, a huge vendor fair, and other community-focused events, food, music and fun.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.

Fall Festival at Bentonville Battlefield

Bring the family and celebrate fall at Bentonville Battlefield! Planned activities include wagon rides, old time kids games, music, vintage baseball and more. Bring a blanket or chair and listen to live music. Food trucks will be onsite.

Halloween events

Friday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m.

Downtown Smithfield Candy Crawl

Calling all witches, goblins and ghouls! You’re invited to the Downtown Smithfield Candy Crawl from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, October 27. In partnership with downtown businesses, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is hosting trick-or-treating for costumed participants in Downtown Smithfield. A list of participating businesses and more information will be available later this month. Visit www.downtownsmithfield.com for more information.

Friday, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m.

Hallofest: A Trunk or Treat Event on Main Street

The Town of Benson’s Hallofest Trunk-or-Treat extravaganza on Main Street is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Call 919-894-3553 for more details.

Monday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.

All Hallows Read: An Evening of Spooky Stories

Hocutt-Ellington Library, Clayton

Come out the night before Halloween and listen to spine-chilling stores sure to fright and delight! Enjoy fall treats in a haunted atmosphere as well. Great for families with children five years and older. This is a come-and-go event, but registrants are welcome to stay as long as they dare!

Monday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.

Starting a Small Business

JCC Small Business Center (virtual)

This online webinar is designed to educate existing and prospective small business owners on the overview of steps and processes that should be followed when starting a new small business in North Carolina. The webinar includes an explanation of what is a hobby, an illegal business versus a legal business according to IRS and NC Department of Revenue laws. The webinar content will provide information to assist in making better-informed decisions before and after becoming a small business owner. The presenter will be Dennis Watts. Attendees must be pre-registered, and MUST be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit https://www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280430061.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, noon

MindSpark: Who Can Help Your Business?

JCC Small Business Center (virtual)

We succeed with the community around us, a team and a group of supportive contributors. Who within your community has played a critical role in your success? The presenter is tenBiz, Inc. Attendees must be pre-registered, and MUST be 18 or older to attend.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 5 p.m.

Annual Raffle and Casino Night

Johnston Community College

Join Johnston Community College Foundation for Casino Night, presented by WoodysComputing.com, on Thursday, Oct. 5. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and of course your chance to win $5,000 in the reverse raffle! For more information on Casino Night, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/raffle. 

Thursday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.

Nu-Blu - Downtown Concert Series

Downtown Clayton

The final Clayton Concert Series is set for Oct. 5 with Nu-Blu. For each concert, activities in Town Square will start at 6 and music will begin around 6:30 p.m. There will be food, wine and beer will be available.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.

Using AI Tools for Business

JCC Small Business Center (virtual)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become a tool that can benefit every business owner. You will get an introduction to the basic concept of AI tools such as ChatGPT and learn specific ways to utilize them in your everyday business tasks. This class is appropriate for both emerging entrepreneurs looking to start a business and those who are established. The presenter is Shanna Capps. Attendees must be pre-registered, and MUST be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit https://www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280430056.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.

Stepping into the Past

Tobacco Farm Life Museum

One Saturday a month the Tobacco Farm Life Museum has demonstrations and displays of traditional arts, crafts and trades. This month, the TBL is hosting a 40th anniversary celebration.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m.

Babylon Dreamer Steely Dan & Supertramp Show

The Clayton Center

Celebrate the hip stylings of Steely Dan and the magical melodies of Supertramp recreated live with astonishing authenticity by Babylon Dreamer. The 10-piece band spent a year painstakingly bringing Steely Dan and Supertramp studio hits to life in one spectacular show. For more information, visit www.theclaytoncenter.com/calendar.aspx?EID=1446.

Friday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.

2023 Micro Fire Department Fall Raffle

The Farm at 95, Selma

Make plans to visit the 2023 Micro Fire Department Fall Raffle. Jim Quick & Coastline will be the live entertainment, and the raffle tickets are $20 each. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/events/910350164046084.

Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.

End of Season Bash - Cruisers, Chrome & Kershaw!

Bulldog Harley Davidson, Smithfield

Join us in saying hello to autumn and goodbye to the riding season with a bang. The Bulldog’s End of Season Bash is Saturday, October 14, featuring country legend Sammy Kershaw. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/events/1362334081016857.

Saturday Oct. 14, 9 a.m.

14th annual Feel the Burn 5K/10K

Princeton Volunteer Fire Department

Come out for the 14th Annual Feel The Burn 5K/10K and Community Open House. There will be several food trucks onsite for lunch and the station will be open for tours. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1284930542152727 to find out more.

Thursday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m.

Lonestar in concert

The Clayton Center

Multi-award-winning country band, Lonestar, has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years. The band first found success with their 1995 self-titled debut album, which premiered the hit “Tequila Talkin,” along with “No News.” Other honors soon followed. Ticket information is available at www.theclaytoncenter.com/calendar.aspx?EID=1207.

Friday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.

Movie Night at the Grove

Benson Singing Grove

Check out Hotel Transylvania in the Grove. There will also be a food truck and inflatables, as well as a black and orange egg hunt. To learn more, call 919-894-5117.

Monday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.

Business Legal Structures

The structure of a small business affects taxation, legal and financial liability as well as decision-making. Before selecting a small business structure, you should understand each structure, its unique legal, accounting, and tax consequences. This webinar will review: The various structures a business can take such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, etc. The pros and cons of each business structure type Legal, accounting, and tax consequences of each type The presenter will be Dennis Watts. Attendees must be pre-registered, and MUST be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit https://www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280430062.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m.

Spotlight Artist Meet-N-Greet and Book Signing

Selma Civic Center

Johnston County Arts Council has been the heart and soul of the local arts community for the past 50 years, inspiring and nurturing creative talent in the region. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the arts council is proud to announce the release of the premium-color coffee table book, Johnston County Creates. Featuring some of the most inspiring and celebrated artists in the area, this book is a tribute to the artistic excellence that has thrived in Johnston County over the years. Join the council at the Selma Civic Center to celebrate the launch of the book. The Spotlight Artist Meet-N-Greet celebration will be an evening filled with excitement and inspiration as you meet and interact with some of the most talented artists featured in the book. Get your copy here: johnstoncountyartscouncil.wufoo.com/forms/z131nwi11r13b3s.

Thursday, Oct. 26, noon

Product Price and Cost

JCC Small Business Center (virtual)

There are many factors that go into making your business profitable, but one of the key components is having a clear understanding of what your product or service actually costs you and then pricing it effectively. This session will look into this complicated issue of business and help you analyze the numbers and get you on the path to making money! The presenter is tenBiz, Inc. Attendees must be pre-registered, and MUST be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit https://www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280430040.

Friday, Oct. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Boo Bash Halloween Party

Sarah Yard Community Center, E. Lee St., Smithfield

Check out free games, crafts, food and a costume contest at the Boo Bash Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 27.

Friday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.

Last Friday in Clayton

Last Friday is first and foremost an eclectic nightlife experience at the intersection of art, music, and a walk-able historic main street. Last Friday is a celebration of all Downtown Clayton has to offer, and it’s always on the Last Friday of the month. This is the last one for 2023. It’s a night when Claytons Main Street stays up late. A night where you can stroll the sidewalks at your leisure, and visit all of the unique establishments serving up food, drinks, arts, and artisanal goods in a festive community atmosphere. It’s a night where you’ll hear music drifting out of open doorways, taste amazing concoctions, and make friends everywhere you go.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Trunk or Treat

Smithfield Community Park, Durwood Stephenson Pkwy.

Don’t miss a trunk or treat event at the Smithfield Community Park on Saturday, Oct. 28. For more information or to register a trunk, call Smithfield Parks and Recreation at 919-934-2148.

Recurring events

Wilson's Mills Farmers Market

Homegrown vegetables, handmade crafts and household items, fresh baked goods, and more! Live music or DJ to add to the fun of shopping for all your favorite things! This event occurs every first and third Saturday now through the end of October!

NAMI Support Groups and Classes

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County for both those who are in recovery with mental illness (NAMI Connection) and for their caregivers, loved ones and friends as well (NAMI Family Support). For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, visit www.namijcnc.net, email namijcnc@gmail.com or call 919-980-5277. 

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m.

Smithfield Running Club

Join the Smithfield Running Club each week to meet new people, get back in shape, train for races and explore the growing downtown area of Smithfield. For more information, find them on Facebook by searching for Smithfield Running Club or email smithfieldrunningclub@gmail.com. 

Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.

Cleveland School Rotary Club

Cleveland Draft House, Garner

Cleveland School Rotary Club meets bi-weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.

Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting

Golden Corral, Smithfield

Come for dinner and learn about this volunteer service club with a focus on actively supporting children’s programs. Learn about Smithfield and neighboring communities from weekly presenters. There are community and social opportunities as well. Visit www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.

Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.

Trivia Party

Clayton Center for Active Aging

Join the folks at Clayton Center for Active Aging with trivia each Wednesday at 2 p.m. Call 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919-553-4350.

First and third Tuesdays, Noon

Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club

Virtual meeting via Zoom

This small group of service-minded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County. 

First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Smithfield Lions Club

Golden Corral, Smithfield

This group gathers for fellowship and business. The dinner is self-pay. The meal begins at 5:30 and the meeting begins at 6. Come learn about the club and how it helps with local community service projects. For more information, contact Karen Brown at 919-934-2555.

First and third Thursdays, 6:45 p.m.

Clayton Civitan Club meeting

Clayton Civitan Building, McCullers St., Clayton

Join the Clayton Civitan Club for its monthly meetings. Call 919-550-0694 for more information.    

First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting

Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield

Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meets the first and third Thursday of each month. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are welcome. The lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com. 

First Tuesday, Noon

Clayton Visual Arts meeting

The Clayton Center

Clayton Visual Arts is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to bringing art to Clayton. Its members are artists, educators and art lovers. CVA engages and promotes the visual arts and strives to emphasize quality, diversity and accessibility to all local artists. Please consider joining and help support the arts in Clayton. Monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at The Clayton Center in the York Room on the second floor. They also host monthly artist receptions on the first or second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. For more information, visit www.claytonvisualarts.org or contact CVA president Bronwen Fullington at bronwen.fullington@gmail.com.

Second Monday, 6 p.m.

PACT meeting

Virtual Meeting via Google Meet

Parents of Adult Children in Transition meets the second Monday of each month. To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.

Second Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Freedom Ministry

Total Construction, 3719 N.C. 42 W, Clayton

Freedom Ministry is a Christian-based organization providing support for veterans, active duty military and spouses. To learn more about the group, call 919-909-6422.

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting

Golden Corral, Smithfield

Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email jimnow42@gmail.com.

Second Wednesday, noon

The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting

TWCC building, Church St., Clayton

The Woman’s Club of Clayton is a nonprofit philanthropic organization made up of professional women who share a common goal: to work together to improve our local community, socially, physically, culturally and educationally. Please consider joining to help serve those in need of assistance. TWCC meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August). For more information visit www.twccnc.org or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.

Second Thursday, 6 p.m.

Triangle East Writers

Join a hard-working group of local writers and poets, beginner to advanced, who network, critique each other’s work, listen to guest authors and organize open mics and write-ins around the county. It’s free and open to the public. The meeting rotates to different venues around the county. For this month’s location or more information, email facilitator Cindy Brookshire at triangleeastwriters@gmail.com.

Second and Fourth Saturday

Farmer’s Market

S. 3rd Street, Smithfield

The Twisted Willow and the Oak City Collection are hosting a farmer’s market on every second and fourth Saturday of the month until November. Check out fresh local produce and treasures from local artisans. To learn more, text 919-817-0010 or 919-333-5252.

Every other Monday, 6 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of Clayton

Virtual meeting

The Kiwanis Club of Clayton serves the community with emphasis on school youth Kiwanis programs. It advises two local high school KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) clubs and one elementary school club and meets each month. Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.

Third Monday, 7 p.m.

Vietnam Veterans of America

Smithfield American Legion Post 132

The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting

Johnston County Ag Center

The Johnston County Beekeepers Association serves beginner and experienced beekeepers with educational programs and experiences. They teach and encourage better apiculture methods and promote cooperation and sharing among beekeepers, homeowners and farmers. The monthly meetings are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@jocobee.org.

Third Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

Widowed Persons Fellowship Group

Parkside Cafe, Pine Level

The Widowed Persons Fellowship Group, Johnston County, cordially invites widowed males and females to join them at their monthly self-pay dinner meeting. There is no charge to join their group. Come and see what they’re all about. Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.

Third Tuesday

Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting

1302 W. Market St., Smithfield

The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. Attend in person or visit www.us02web.zoom.us/j/9216132965 to attend via Zoom. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email AACJCDP.chair@gmail.com or call 954-696-7833. 

Third Thursday

Johnston County Republican Women

The Johnston County Republican Women meet on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December). Their meeting location changes monthly. For more information email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.

Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Disabled American Veterans meeting

Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road

Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.

Clayton Rotary Morning Club

Virtual meeting via Zoom

Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet. Learn more at www.claytonrotaryclub.org.

Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.

Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings

JCC Workforce Development Center

Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. Meetings can also be offered via Zoom if requested by a member. For more, visit www.claytontm.com.

First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Four Oaks American Legion meeting

American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks

All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.

Caring Hearts Civitan Club

Cleveland Draft House, Shotwell Road, Clayton

Caring Hearts Civitan Club would like to invite anyone interested in helping others in the Johnston County area to come to its meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding July. The club is a service-based volunteer organization that seeks members who are like-minded and would like to partner with other clubs and support worthy causes. Dinner begins at 6 and the meeting at 7. Those interested in attending or making a presentation about their organization should email grahamhound1966@gmail.com.