
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival takes place Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., in Historic Downtown Smithfield. Smithfield is in Johnston County, about a 34 minute drive southeast of Raleigh.
Check out a big list of spring festivals in the Triangle!
The festival features a full day of art, music, kids’ activities, food and more.
A popular feature of the festival is the “What’s That Yam Thing?” in which children turn sweet potatoes into works of art.
Event Schedule
- 8 am: 5k Hoglet Trot and Piglet Stampede begins on the Greenway
- 8 am: Judging begins for the Whole Hog BBQ Competition with awards at 11 a.m.
- 9 am – 5 pm: Southland Car Club Car Show is present in Downtown Smithfield
- 9 am – 6 pm: Shop local artisan and craft vendors
- 9 am – 9 pm: Enjoy Yamma Jamma Kids Zone and Carnival

Music Schedule
2nd Street Stage
- 11:00 am: Artistry in Motion
- 11:30 am: Johnston County Choir
- 12:30 pm: Malik Howell
- 2:30 pm: OnBeat Drum Group
- 3:00 pm: ALA Johnston Elementary Choir
- 3:30 pm: Miss Smithfield McKayla Young
- 4:00 pm: Carolina Stallion Steppas
- 4:30 pm: Breakaway-teen Rock Band
Third Street Stage
- 10 a.m.: SouLe & The Superband
- 12 p.m.: DNR
- 2 p.m.: The Johnston Brothers Band
- 4 p.m.: 2Dihg4
Neuse River Amphitheater Main Stage
- 1 p.m.: The WEJ
- 3 p.m.: Paige King Johnson
- 5 p.m: Wade Hill & The Revival
- 7 p.m.: Aaron Tippin
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