Family events in Johnston County, NC

Stop by the Caldwell County Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds.

Cardboard boats race along a timed course that starts at the boat ramp and finishes at the bridge. Each boat must carry two people and be made of cardboard. Event rules are available on the town’s special events page. A rain plan is set, and if river levels are too high the race will take place at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center.

Children five and older can explore woodworking in a welcoming class led by instructors with professional contracting backgrounds. Over the course of ninety minutes, participants learn foundational hand tool skills, practice safe tool use, and complete a wood project to take home. All equipment and materials are provided, and each child receives a snack and a drink. Parents may assist if they choose. Instruction is currently offered in English only. The cost is $60 per child, with discounts available for siblings. To reserve a spot, email Oldecabinconstruction@gmail.com. There are 16 openings left.

Skate night returns as the indoor gym at the Clayton Community Center transforms into a roller rink. Glide across the basketball court to music from a live DJ in a family friendly setting. Bring your own roller skates or roller blades. Pre-registration is required. Residents pay $6 and non-residents pay $9. Light snacks and refreshments are provided. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate safety gear. Participants 15 years of age and younger must have a parent or guardian present for the entire event. Only roller skates and roller blades are permitted, not scooters, skateboards, or bicycles.

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the animated classic Watership Down at Main Street Community Garden. The movie will be shown under the stars, and you are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the event runs through the evening with local vendor exploring, dinner or drinks nearby, and prize giveaways throughout the night.

Come out for BRYAN’S SNEAKER SHOWCASE, a fun, family-friendly event where you can buy, sell, and trade sneakers. There will be live performances, games to play, food available, and chances to shop for clothes. Parking is free, and doors open at 11:50 AM.

Bring your kid to Pottery Camp Studio for an easy, hands-on summer art camp session for rising 1st through 6th graders. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with campers exploring a mix of creative mediums like clay hand-building, canvas painting, fused glass, board art, mosaics, art journaling, mixed media, and painting techniques on bisque. Each week features different projects so campers can keep building skills and making new treasures. All materials are included, and the cost is $225 per week.

Jump Around JoCo offers summer open play sessions for elementary-aged children inside an inflatable indoor playground where kids can bounce, jump, and slide while burning off energy. The sessions run weekly throughout the season, and the climate-controlled space keeps families comfortable on hot or rainy days. Admission is $15 at the door, making it a convenient option for playdates, meeting friends, or simply finding an active outlet during the break.

These relaxed summertime meetups create an easygoing space for families to connect and play. Attendees can pack a lunch, bring favorite toys, or simply come as they are. Some gatherings include a theme or a brief devotional, while others are unstructured playtime. If the weather cooperates, activities take place at the playground. Open to babies and older children, as well as parents, grandparents, and caregivers, it offers a welcoming chance to spend time together.

All My Rowdy Friends headlines a Downtown Clayton Concert Series event presented by Nancy Jo's Homemade, with Nicholas Vernon opening. The nationally touring Hank Williams Jr. tribute brings an Outlaw Country variety show to Clayton, delivering a performance that channels the spirit of Bocephus. Live music fills Town Square in a family friendly setting that features a free bounce house for kids and a photo booth for shared memories. Nearby restaurants and food trucks provide dinner options, local merchants welcome shoppers, and drinks are available while the music plays. Support comes from Nancy Jo's Homemade, Deep River Brewing Company, Universal Chevrolet, Old Mill Group Real Estate, C & C Auto Glass, Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, HTR: Hometown Realty, The Dog Wash, and Spinning Mill Loft.