Downtown Smithfield NC

06/18/2026

One of our favorite things to do at Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is sit down with new business owners and help plan for their next chapter in Downtown Smithfield.

Today, we had the pleasure of meeting with Danielle and Aaron Hilton as we finalized plans for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new bookstore, Once Upon a Crime, opening soon at 230 E. Market Street.

Finding the right mix of businesses to fill our downtown storefronts is one of our primary goals. We work hard to recruit businesses that add to the unique character and vitality of Downtown Smithfield. But just as important as finding the right businesses is finding the right people to become part of our growing community.
Danielle and Aaron embody both.

Their passion for books, community, and creating meaningful connections is inspiring. Once Upon a Crime will specialize in thriller, suspense, mystery, and crime fiction while offering a variety of other genres for readers of all interests. More importantly, they're committed to creating a welcoming space where people can gather, connect, and build friendships through a shared love of reading.
We couldn't be more excited to welcome them to Downtown Smithfield and watch them write this next chapter.

Join us for their Ribbon Cutting and then be sure to stop by for the Grand Opening celebration!
📚 Ribbon Cutting: Thursday, June 25 at 1:00 PM
📚 Grand Opening: Saturday, June 27
📍 230 E. Market Street, Downtown Smithfield

Please help us welcome Danielle, Aaron, and Once Upon a Crime to Downtown Smithfield!
Once Upon A Crime

06/17/2026

Help us celebrate America's 250th Birthday in true Smithfield style on July 3rd!

Starting at 4:00 PM, Downtown Smithfield will come alive with Revolutionary War reenactments at the amphitheater, a classic car show, vendors, games and activities, delicious food, FREE watermelon slices, and entertainment for the whole family.

🎶 Enjoy an incredible lineup of live music throughout the evening, and get ready for a spectacular fireworks show at 9:10 PM, perfectly paired with the sounds of the BC Big Band!

Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a great night out with family and friends, there's something for everyone.

Grab your lawn chairs and come celebrate 250 years of American independence with an evening full of hometown pride, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun. It's going to be the best party in Johnston County!

Downtown Smithfield
July 3, 2026
4:00 PM – Fireworks at 9:10 PM

Bring your family, bring your friends, and let's celebrate together

06/16/2026

🗽 Red, White, and Blue-Ribbon Volunteers Needed! 🇺🇸

This Independence Day, we’re looking for a team that is dedicated, dazzling, and full of 100% American spirit.
It takes a village to bring our community's favorite holiday traditions to life, and just a few hours of your time can make a massive difference. Come help us behind the scenes, meet some great people, and celebrate freedom through community service!

👉 Slots are filling up fast! Grab your festive volunteer shift here: https://eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=15305

In addition to our volunteers, we also have to thank our sponsors for all their efforts to bring this event to life - Bright Leaf Hot Dogs CARSTAR Brightspeed First Citizens Bank, Duke Energy, & KS Bank

06/15/2026

🍷🎨 Walk Tickets: $25.00 purchase at www.downtownsmithfield.com
Great Wine, Gorgeous Art, Giddy Downtown!
New Date: June 19th
Proceeds supporting Johnston County Arts Council

Here’s a taste of what’s waiting for you:
✨ Pop-Up Art Galleries showcasing incredible talent
🛍️ Makers Market packed with unique local finds
🏆 Sidewalk Art Competition (watch the creativity happen live!)
🍇 ...and of course, plenty of great wines to sip along the way!

🎟️ Tickets are on sale NOW for $25.00!

Don't wait—secure your glass and your spot today. Click the link below to get your tickets before they sell out! 👇

Tickets: www.downtownsmithfield.com or https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29458

06/15/2026

This week for Market Street Moments: Meet Jeffery Hamilton.

If you have ever stepped into a community event in Downtown Smithfield, chances are you have been greeted by Jeffery Hamilton. Long before he was named the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce’s "Citizen of the Year," Jeffery was perfecting the art of the perfect welcome.

I first met Jeffery at a Business After Hours event. As a networking novice, I was incredibly nervous, but there he was—smiling warmly and holding open the door. He instantly put me at ease. A few weeks later, at my first Athena Awards, Jeffery was there again, holding the door, and again any nerves I had melted away with his gentleness and kindness. It is a simple gesture he has repeated countless times, a beautiful reflection of who he is: a man who literally and figuratively opens doors for others.

A lifelong Smithfield resident, Jeffery’s roots run deep. From childhood days riding bicycles to the old Howell Theater and playing in the Neuse River - his passion is preserving local history. As a major advocate for the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and Activate Selma, Jeffery is driven by a simple mission: "Lifting everyone up, repairing old buildings, and seeing what we can do together."

For Jeffery, community growth isn't just about infrastructure; it's about connection. When asked to describe Downtown Smithfield in one word, he chooses "hospitable." He notes that even as the region grows, the area continues to welcome newcomers with open arms.

Whether he is enjoying a concert downtown at the amphitheater on the Neuse River or planning with DSDC, Activate Selma, or the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, Jeffery lives out his own advice to anyone looking to make a difference: "Just do it." Through pure compassion, Jeffery Hamilton continues to feed the soul of Downtown Smithfield, one open door at a time.
Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Activate Selma NC

06/14/2026

Looking for plans this week? Downtown Smithfield has you covered! 🙌 Check out what’s happening around downtown:
✨ MONDAY & WEDNESDAY: Reading with Royalty at the Library! A beloved storybook princess is visiting for a special storytime. 👸📚
✨ WEDNESDAY (12:15-12:30 PM): Lunch Bunch Music kicks off! Grab lunch and enjoy a live music break, thanks to Smithfield First Presbyterian Church & Johnston County Arts Council.
✨ FRIDAY (6/19): Celebrate Juneteenth with us at the historic Freedmen's School Dedication. 🏫❤️
✨FRIDAY NIGHT (6/19): The rescheduled Spring Art & Wine Walk is officially ON! 🍷🎨 Come downtown Friday evening to explore the beautiful artwork
✨ NEXT SUNDAY (6/21): Father's Day! 👔 Start planning your celebration for Dad in downtown today! 👉 See the image below for our full weekly schedule! 📅

06/13/2026

Buy your tickets for Wine Walk, Friday June 19th. Artists Market, Sidewalk Chalk Competition, Pop Up Art Galleries
Tickets Here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=29458

06/13/2026