40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival
Smithfield's Oldest Community Festival in Downtown Smithfield
Join Us on May 2nd, 2026
The Ham & Yam Festival is a fun-filled celebration of Smithfield and Johnston County’s most beloved flavors — country ham and sweet potatoes! With live music, delicious food and exciting entertainment, this festival has grown into a must-visit event for locals and visitors alike.
One of the original events and festival’s biggest highlights is the “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, where school-aged children turn sweet potatoes into creative works of art. Students are a big part of making the Ham & Yam Festival special, they even design the annual t-shirt! Visitors can explore over 200 vendor booths, featuring local businesses, artists, craftspeople, face painters, nonprofits and more. Live performances on three stages, including the Neuse River Amphitheater keep the energy high, while kids enjoy a variety of games, inflatables, and activities designed just for them.
This family-friendly event is the perfect way to experience great food, local talent, and small-town charm all in one place. Mark your calendars and join the fun! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, news and festival photos!
Get ready, Smithfield! We’re counting down to the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival, and we’re going BIGGER and BETTER than ever! Mark your calendars for a full day of food, fun, and fantastic entertainment right here in Downtown Smithfield.
The celebration kicks off with the Hog Trot 5K and Piglet Stampede, then the festival takes over downtown with something for everyone! Start your morning with our favorite tradition, a ham biscuit fresh off the grill, then browse more than 200 vendors offering crafts, specialty goods and all the festival treats you can only find at the Ham & Yam. Car lovers will enjoy the Southland Car Club Show, while kids can spend the day in the family fun zone with rides, inflatables, face painting and more
Live music will keep the energy soaring on three stages throughout the day, featuring incredible local and regional acts — and we’ll close it all out with a FREE national headliner concert! Plus, don’t miss exhibits from our talented local students, showcasing their creativity and spirit.
This family-friendly tradition has been bringing our community together for four decades, and this year promises to be unforgettable. Follow us on Facebook and stay tuned for more announcements — you won’t want to miss the party!
Festival Performers
Sister Hazel
Blending Southern rock energy with heartfelt storytelling, Sister Hazel has built a loyal national following with their signature sound and authentic spirit. Best known for their chart-topping hit “All for You,” the band delivers a high-energy live performance rooted in rich harmonies and relatable lyrics.With a career spanning decades, Sister Hazel continues to connect with audiences through music that feels both nostalgic and fresh. As the Ham & Yam Festival headliner, they bring a dynamic show that perfectly captures the community-driven, feel-good atmosphere of this beloved Smithfield tradition.
Rockie Lynne
Rockie Lynne is a seasoned singer, songwriter and guitarist known for his soulful blend of blues, classic rock, and Americana country. He is the subject of the award-winning documentary film, Rockie Lynne: Where I Belong, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, the Tubi Network and airing on PBS stations nationwide.Known for his chops as an electric guitar player, he and his band bring a warm, authentic sound that connects deeply with audiences, combining his expressive guitar work with heartfelt harmony vocals. Rockie lives up to his reputation for turning every show into a memorable experience and his performance at the Ham & Yam Festival. www.rockielynne.com
The WEJ
A band of brothers from Smithfield, NC, The WEJ brings raw energy, tight musicianship, and a deep love of music to every performance. Known for rocking faces off, they seamlessly blend nostalgic classics with modern-day underground hits, creating a sound that resonates with audiences of all ages. Their shows are equal parts high-energy and heartfelt, featuring both crowd favorites and original songs that highlight their creativity and local roots—including what they proudly claim should be North Carolina’s state song. As part of the Ham & Yam Festival lineup, The WEJ embodies the spirit of hometown talent and the power of live music to bring a community together.
Big Love
Big Love is a six-piece dance band based out of Raleigh NC. We play a variety of great music that gets people moving, from the classics to current hits and including jazz, disco, pop, funk, R&B, and beach. We are professionals with years of experience providing top-notch music and entertainment. All that experience means that we know what it takes to make your event run smoothly. From staying in contact with you to using music to match or drive the mood of the moment, we're here to make your event easy, fun, and memorable. Special requests? Bring 'em on. We'll do what it takes to accommodate your wishes.
Meet Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
For generations, Stevens Sausage Company has been a proud part of North Carolina’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. Known for their high-quality country ham and sausage products, Stevens Sausage has built a reputation for tradition, flavor, and community commitment. Their long-standing support of of the Ham & Yam Festival helps celebrate the people and traditions that make Johnston County special, and we are grateful for their continued partnership and dedication to our community.
A proud supporter of the Ham & Yam Festival, Agri Supply has been a trusted name in farm, ranch, and outdoor solutions for over 50 years. From tools and equipment to supplies for every corner of your property, they are committed to helping communities like Smithfield thrive. We’re grateful for their sponsorship and support in keeping this beloved festival growing strong!
Boss Hog
Keeping Smithfield homes and businesses pest-free, Aruza Pest Control is proud to sponsor the Pig Races at the Ham & Yam Festival!
Whole Hog
Connecting communities with news, music, and entertainment, WRAL and QDR help keep Smithfield in the loop. We’re proud to partner with them to share all the excitement of the Ham & Yam Festival with the region!
Porky Pig
Kornegay Farms, The Tarva Group, Johnston County Visitors Bureau, and Brightspeed are proud special event sponsors of the Ham & Yam Festival. From fresh, high-quality farm experiences to reliable communications solutions, they help make this celebration of food, fun, and community unforgettable.
Big Yam
Sweet Potato
Spud Buddy
Tater Tot
Event Details
Stay on track throughout the day with the Ham & Yam Festival schedule. Find performance times, contests, activities, and special events happening across downtown so you don’t miss a moment.
Explore the Event Schedule
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to be part of the Ham & Yam Festival? We’re always looking for volunteers to help make this event a success. Browse the opportunities below and submit your application to get involved.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support one of Downtown Smithfield’s most beloved traditions while gaining meaningful visibility in the community. Sponsorship opportunities for the Ham & Yam Festival allow local businesses and organizations to connect with thousands of attendees, show their support for downtown, and be part of a festival that brings people together year after year.
From brand recognition to on-site presence, sponsorships help make this event possible while showcasing your commitment to the community.
View Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities for this year are now closed.
We’d love to connect with you about future opportunities—please reach out to learn more.
Vendor Opportunities
Be part of one of Downtown Smithfield’s most anticipated events of the year. The Ham & Yam Festival brings together thousands of visitors for a full day of food, shopping, and community fun, creating a great opportunity for vendors to showcase their products, connect with new customers, and be part of a long-standing downtown tradition.
From local makers to food vendors and small businesses, vendor participation helps create the vibrant festival experience attendees return for year after year.
Apply to Be a Vendor
