There are many sites - and sights - to see in Johnston County, especially if you like arts and culture.

Johnston County Arts Council

The Council promotes the importance of art and culture through dance, music, theater, storytelling, literary arts, visual arts, folk arts and its Artists-in-the-Schools program. JCAC was founded in 1972 and today secures grants to provide financial assistance and services to local artists and nonprofit arts and service organizations.

Festivals and Celebrations

Johnston County communities know how to throw a party. Every April, the town of Cleveland hosts a Strawberry Festival, while Smithfield has a Ham & Yam Festival in May and a Friends of the 4th Independence Day in July. Other celebrations include an Acorn Festival and Oaktoberfest in Four Oaks, Kruisin' Kenly Festival, Benson Mule Days, the Harvest Festival in Clayton, and the Johnston County December Festival of Trees in Smithfield.

Historic Attractions

Those wanting to take a journey back to a simpler time can choose from a variety of museums in Johnston County. The Johnston County Heritage Center is in Smithfield, as is the Ava Gardner Museum dedicated solely to the late Hollywood starlet who was born in nearby Brogden. Also in the community are the Benson Museum of Local History, and Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site where the largest Civil War battle in North Carolina history was fought. Selma Antique District, while not a museum, still preserves history with its array of antique shops and malls, all within walking distance of each other.

Music and More

For music enthusiasts, Clayton Center stages musical theater performances, some concerts and author appearances. In Selma, visitors and residents can enjoy the American Music Jubilee, a two-hour variety show that has become a favorite with tour and church groups from around the country. Every June, Benson hosts the State Annual Singing Convention, while in Smithfield, Johnston Community College hosts the popular Country Music Showcase, a bimonthly show that allows local singers to perform with a live band in a professional setting.

Theatrical Performances

Neuse Little Theatre, an actors group in Smithfield, holds four performances each year at the former American Legion Hut overlooking the Neuse River. Meanwhile, Benson Little Theatre has been hosting performances since 2000 at the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium, while the Clayton Youth Theater has been producing quality shows by young people since 2007.