Ham & Yam Festival
Smithfield's Oldest Community Festival in Downtown Smithfield
The Ham & Yam Festival is a fun-filled celebration of Smithfield and Johnston County’s most beloved flavors—country ham and sweetpotatoes! With live music, delicious food, and exciting entertainment, this festival has grown into a must-visit event for locals and visitors alike.
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One of the original events and festival’s biggest highlights is the “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, where school-aged children turn sweetpotatoes into creative works of art. Students are a big part of making the Ham & Yam Festival special, they even design the annual t-shirt! Visitors can explore over 200 vendor booths, featuring local businesses, artists, craftspeople, face painters, nonprofits, and more. Live performances on three stages, including the Neuse River Amphitheater keep the energy high, while kids enjoy a variety of games, inflatables, and activities designed just for them.
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This family-friendly event is the perfect way to experience great food, local talent, and small-town charm all in one place. Mark your calendars and join the fun! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, news, and festival photos!
40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival
May 2nd, 2026
Get ready, Smithfield! We’re counting down to the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival, and we’re going BIGGER and BETTER than ever! Mark your calendars for a full day of food, fun, and fantastic entertainment right here in Downtown Smithfield.
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The celebration kicks off with the Hog Trot 5K and Piglet Stampede, then the festival takes over downtown with something for everyone! Start your morning with our favorite tradition, a ham biscuit fresh off the grill, then browse more than 200 vendors offering crafts, specialty goods, and all the festival treats you can only find at the Ham & Yam. Car lovers will enjoy the Southland Car Club Show, while kids can spend the day in the family fun zone with rides, inflatables, face painting, and more!
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Live music will keep the energy soaring on three stages throughout the day, featuring incredible local and regional acts — and we’ll close it all out with a FREE national headliner concert! Plus, don’t miss exhibits from our talented local students, showcasing their creativity and spirit.
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This family-friendly tradition has been bringing our community together for four decades, and this year promises to be unforgettable. Follow us on Facebook and stay tuned for more announcements — you won’t want to miss the party!