Smithfield, NC (August 31st, 2021) – Autumn is an excellent time of year to explore Johnston County. Starting in September visitors and locals will find many unique outdoor festivals and events to enjoy, and several that honor JoCo's agricultural heritage. Placement at the juncture of I-95 and I-40 makes JoCo a convenient location to visit on the East Coast.

September

One of the more popular and unique festivals in JoCo is Benson Mule Days, which began in 1949 in the charming farming community of Benson whose leaders wanted to honor the hard-working mule and the importance of agriculture in the region. This festival boosts mule competitions, rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides. This year's Mule Days will take place the 23rd through the 26th of September.

Other September events include the Four Oaks Acorn Festival on the 12th, Bentonville Battlefield's Life on Campaign Infantry Program on the 18th, the NC Grape Stomp Festival at Gregory Vineyards on the 19th, as well as pick your own grapes at Myrick Vineyards throughout the month. New to the area and also on the 19th of the month, a Family Fun Fest out at Flower's Plantation.

October

The Selma Railroad Days Festival is always the first weekend in October, which is the 2nd this year. Railroad Days includes a 5K run, parade, crafts, food, children's area, and even a large model train display at the Selma Train Depot, along with a variety of entertainment. Later in the month make sure to attend the Clayton Harvest Festival, happening the 27th through the 31st. This event 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.

Other October events include Saturdays at Sonlight Farms, evenings at Clayton Fear Farm (not for the faint of heart), a Monster Truck Throwdown at GALOT on the 8th and 9th, and the Echoes of Battle program at Bentonville Battlefield on the evening of the 23rd (also not for the faint of heart).

November

Look ahead to early November even and put one more Bentonville event on your calendar... the annual Fall Festival. Bring the family and celebrate fall at Bentonville Battlefield on Saturday the 6th. Planned activities include wagon rides, old-timey kids games, music, townball (19th century baseball), antique tractors, historic demonstrations and more! Bring a blanket or chair and listen to live music.

Other weekly events to look for in the coming season include live music, outdoor movie nights, and community markets. Find it all on our calendar this fall!

The Johnston County Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the entire county.  For more information, contact Ashby Brame, abrame@johnstoncounty.org or call 919-989-8687, or visit the Johnston County Visitors Bureau website at www.johnstoncountync.org.

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