Ham & Yam Festival: What to Expect in Smithfield on May 2
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If you’re new to Smithfield—or just haven’t experienced one of its biggest traditions—the Ham & Yam Festival is one of the best ways to get a feel for the community in a single day.
Now in its 40th year, the festival has grown into a full-scale downtown event that brings together residents, local businesses, and visitors from across Johnston County and beyond.
A Tradition Rooted in Local Culture
Ham & Yam started as a celebration of two agricultural staples that helped shape the region—country ham and sweet potatoes. Over time, it’s evolved into something much larger: a day-long gathering that reflects both the history and the continued growth of Smithfield.
For those considering a move to the area—or looking at opportunities here—it offers a real look at how the community comes together.
What You'll Find on May 2
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, May 2, with downtown Smithfield fully activated from morning through the afternoon.
Here’s what to expect:
Live music across three stages, including a headline performance by Sister Hazel
Local food vendors, from traditional barbecue to creative festival fare
Arts, crafts, and retail booths featuring local makers and small businesses
Family-friendly activities, including kids’ events and interactive experiences
Pig races, a BBQ competition, and the Piglet Stampede
The 5K Hog Trot, which kicks off the day’s activity
You can grab your own Ham & Yam merch here!
The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible for both longtime residents and first-time visitors.
Powered by Downtown Smithfield
The festival is organized by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, whose work continues to shape and support the downtown experience year-round.
We recently featured Executive Director Heidi Gilmond as part of our “Your Future Neighbor” series, where she shared her perspective on what makes Smithfield unique—and why events like Ham & Yam play such an important role in building community.
Events are also a big part of what we do. Our Ham & Yam Festival and Fourth of July celebration are our largest signature events, and throughout the year we host events designed to bring people downtown, showcase who we are as a community, and drive foot traffic for local businesses.
You can learn more about the festival and see the full schedule here:
More than an Event
One of the things that stands out about Ham & Yam is how it activates downtown. Streets fill with people, local businesses see increased traffic, and the overall energy reflects a community that is both established and growing.
For anyone evaluating Smithfield—whether as a place to live, invest, or open a business—it’s a unique opportunity to experience that dynamic firsthand.
Local70 Will Be There!
At Local70, we see events like Ham & Yam as an important part of what makes Smithfield work.
We’ll be on-site throughout the day, connecting with residents and visitors and continuing our “Future Neighbor” conversations—learning what people value and what they’d like to see more of as the area grows.
If you plan to come, please stop by to say hello—we'd be thrilled to meet you. We've practiced our setup and are ready for your visit!
