Ham & Yam Festival

What started as friendly competition with Smithfield, VA for who produced the best country hams, well, that's been settled. For nearly 40 years, the bragging rights belong to Smithfield NC. The Ham & Yam Festival has grown into a culinary celebration with mouth-watering country ham biscuits, and all food vendors offering tasty sweet potato foods, desserts, and smoothies. Come early to pick up a few free sweet potatoes our local farmers drop off for festival goers.

Throughout the day, the Ham & Yam Festival provides three stages of live music, including a headliner act on the main Amphitheater Stage. For the very unique, stop by the “What’s That Yam Thing?” tent to see who won this quirky art contest. Local school-aged children are given the opportunity to turn sweet potatoes into works of art. Families will also enjoy the kid's activities area with inflatables, crafts, face painting, and more. Shop along the four blocks of Historic Downtown Smithfield at the hundreds of booths manned by local artists, and craftspeople. Check the website for schedule of events.

See you in Smithfield, down by the river!