Downtown Smithfield NC

09/16/2026

Looking for something fun to do the first weekend in October? In love with the Golden Age of Hollywood and that starstruck feeling?

Then you HAVE TO come to the Ava Gardner Festival in Downtown Smithfield!
Step back in time to celebrate Hollywood royalty right here in her hometown. Enjoy special museum tours and wine tasting, classic film screenings, stunning exhibits, and shopping along our charming downtown streets!
When: First Weekend in October
Where: Downtown Smithfield, NC
Grab your friends, put on your glamorous oversized sunglasses, and come make a weekend of it!

The 2026 Ava Gardner Festival focuses on Ava's life in Spain, inspired by her personal independence and celebrating the ongoing cultural interaction between Spain and Ava herself. Join the Ava Gardner Museum in celebrating Ava’s international legacy through live flamenco performance, movies from h...

09/14/2026

Save the Date! Oktoberfest is back in Downtown Smithfield for its 3rd annual celebration on Saturday, October 10th!

Gather your family and friends for an afternoon packed with traditional German food, brews, competitive games, and street fair fun! Whether you're entering the Stein-Holding competition or painting pumpkins with the kids, there’s something for everyone.

🍻 Event Details:
🗓️ Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 South 3rd Street, Downtown Smithfield

Oktoberfest Trivia: "Sweet Caroline" is an Oktoberfest festival staple right alongside the Chicken Dance!

Tag who you're bringing in the comments below!

09/12/2026

Only 4 more Saturdays until Oktoberfest! Come out for great food, beer, games, music, street festival, pumpkin painting and a gaudi of a good time! What are you most excited for about Oktoberfest? Put in the comments below! Prost!

09/11/2026

Friday Night Plans just go so easy! Come check out great music, explore downtown, and enjoy everything Smithfield has to offer! Parks and Recreation Thanks for putting on a great concert tonight!

09/10/2026

Big thanks to our local Fire, Police, EMS, and support personnel! From festival duty to daily protection, they keep Downtown Smithfield safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone.

It’s First Responders Week—take a moment to thank the heroes who always answer the call for our community!

09/10/2026

Mark your calendar for 10/10—your taste buds (and your spouse) will thank you! 🥨🍻

"What do you want to eat?"
"I don't know, what do you want?"

We just saved you from having that conversation 500 times. From Munich to Market St, Downtown Smithfield is taking care of lunch for Oktoberfest on October 10th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM!

Whether you’re craving authentic German sausages and tangy sauerkraut or just want to keep it classic with soft pretzels and hot dogs, we’ve got something for everyone (even the picky eater in your relationship).

09/08/2026

Happy Labor Day from Downtown Smithfield! Today, we’re celebrated the hard work, passion, and dedication of our local business owners, artisans, entrepreneurs, and workforce who make our historic downtown thrive. Thank you for bringing life, flavor, and community to Market Street and beyond. Enjoy a well-deserved day off with family and friends!

09/07/2026

The latest episode of Smithfield Sidewalk Stories is out! Listen anywhere you listen to podcasts. In the episode Heidi and I give our opinions on these Fall "This or That" drop you answers in the comments below! We also interview Seth Wall with Public Works and start on celebrating Smithfield's 250th with the history of Smithfield!

09/01/2026

✨ Attention Johnston County High School Young Women! ✨

Ready to share your story, showcase your talent, and win up to $1,000 for college? 🎓👑

Applications are NOW OPEN for the inaugural Essence of Ava Downtown Smithfield Scholarship Spotlight Pageant on October 24th! Inspired by Ava Gardner’s passion for education and women’s empowerment, we’re looking for unique, confident local high school girls to step into the spotlight.

Winner receives $1000 scholarship & the title Miss Downtown Smithfield
Runners up receive $500

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity—apply by October 5th at www.downtownsmithfield.com! 💖✨