Events in Johnston County today

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.

Bulldog Harley-Davidson in Smithfield hosts a Sturgis-style celebration featuring live music by Cowboy Kid Rock Tribute, food from Sneadboys on Wheels and Gents' Bounty BBQ, vendors, and misting stations to keep cool. Attendees can wear their favorite Harley gear and enjoy a lively gathering with great music, great food, and friendly faces.

The Triangle Wedding Show is back at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, offering a chance to meet dozens of wedding vendors across categories like planners, photographers, caterers, and venues. Guests can stop by the Jim Graham building to sample bites, gather wedding day inspiration, and connect with vendors to help build their dream team. Admission is free to $35.

Paints & Pints is an in-person, laid-back paint-and-sip experience where you can relax, drink a pint, and follow along with a guided group painting. Tickets include all materials, two hours of instruction, and one drink ticket. You’ll also take home your own 11x14 canvas panel.

Join Jigsaw Dating for an in-person speed dating event at a local coffee shop where you can meet single people ages 25 to 40. The night runs on a speed dating format with short rounds to chat and get to know different people, plus conversation card prompts to help break the ice. A host will check you in on arrival and guide the event, and gender balance is guaranteed. Check-in closes 15 minutes after the event start time, and tickets are non-refundable.

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.

Tantra Speed Date is a guided, PG-rated matchmaking experience designed to help singles connect beyond small talk. After check-in and an icebreaker game, the event shifts into a ceremony and facilitated dating stations where you meet multiple people in a mindful, structured setting. The night includes doors open and check-in timing, followed by door close once the main portion begins.

Enjoy a high-energy tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty with The Travelin’ Band. Expect classic roots rock and swamp rock favorites performed with nostalgic, period-inspired styling, plus a crowd-friendly vibe built for sing-alongs and audience participation.

Stephen Wilson Jr. is coming to the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh for a country and Americana style show, with The Lone Bellow also on the lineup. The concert starts at 7:00 PM.

Local performers bring live music to the bar area at Cleveland Draft House, creating an upbeat setting for a relaxed night out. Weekly food and drink specials add to the experience, making it easy to settle in with friends while the music plays. Arriving early can help with seating.

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.

Catch Bronco live for a big night of Mexican music, featuring cumbia, norteño, and grupera styles. The show is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

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.

Celebrate the launch of a fresh set with a prerelease that offers the earliest chance to see what it brings to the game. Each participant receives a Prerelease Pack, constructs a 40 card deck in Sealed format, and then plays in a relaxed, friendly setting. It is a welcoming way to discover the set together and enjoy casual games.

Enjoy live local entertainment on the patio at Cleveland Draft House. Settle into a relaxed outdoor setting with friends, and take advantage of food and drink specials throughout the event.

Step into the Marvel Multiverse for a tabletop roleplaying session built around Spider-Man heroes. You’ll play as characters from the Spider-Verse, guided by professional narrators through a timed “Timestream Adventure” where you’ll face off against The Collector and try to escape his gallery. Tickets include a 30-minute introduction, pre-made characters, and all the game materials you need like dice and tokens. Doors open at 1:30 PM, and the full session runs about 4 hours for ages 18+.

Join Jason Adamo for North Carolina Songwriters in the Round featuring eight local North Carolina artists. The doors open at 5:00 PM, with the show starting at 6:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $17.50 up to $130.25, including an available VIP 4 table option.

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.

Yarn and thread enthusiasts gather at the library for a relaxed session to work on projects alongside others in a friendly setting. The format is open, allowing participants to arrive and take part as their schedules allow.

This free World Tavern Poker event welcomes both new and experienced players. Participants can collect points toward Tavern, Regional, and National Championships, with more than $100,000 in prizes awarded annually. Food and drinks are available during play. Registration is offered online in advance or in person on site.

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.

A new recurring Triangle Women’s Network meetup in Clayton is gathering at Boba Beans Bistro, designed for women who want meaningful connections in both business and everyday life. The group emphasizes genuine relationships, a spirit of cooperation instead of competition, and a warm welcome for anyone attending for the first time. Attendees sign in, make a name tag, enjoy something to eat, and start chatting with someone new. The group then comes together for short introductions so each person can share about their work, family, interests, and any support they are looking for, helping everyone get to know one another. Participation is flexible, and the space is open to business owners and non-owners alike, offering a low-pressure setting for belonging and connection.

All levels are welcome to join a fun full-body cardio Afrobeats dance workout. It’s a great way to get moving midweek, with a focus on cardio and whole-body energy.

The Philharmonik is bringing their alternative hip hop, spoken word, R&B, soul, and funk sound for a live show at Kings in Raleigh. Doors open for the 7:00 PM showtime.

Connect with local women business owners at the Garner League of Women (GLOW) Luncheon, a free networking luncheon that meets monthly on the second Thursday. The event runs from late morning into early afternoon, and everyone is welcome to order lunch from the menu. Come for conversation, connections, and community through local business circles.

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.

At Mystical Mysti Candles, this yoga experience pairs thoughtful movement with a restorative reset for mind and spirit. Each session moves from centering breathwork into purposeful mobility, strength, and flow so the body feels open, supported, and aligned. Participants leave feeling balanced, connected, and clear. The practice wraps up with a short sound bath or a guided meditation, helping the nervous system absorb the work and easing the return to the week. It suits newcomers and seasoned yogis who want a mindful, intentional class. The last Thursday evening class of each month features a fully guided meditation facilitated by Patty Adams, RYT-200.

Enjoy a free concert featuring Antique Outlaws, with DJ Butch Halpin setting the tone with upbeat tracks. Vendors will be on site with food and shopping options. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating while taking in the music.

Music Bingo comes to Cleveland Draft House in Clayton with Brock Entertainment in an updated format for an even more entertaining experience. The evening features music-themed bingo with plenty of prizes, food, and drink specials available all night.