The Ham & Yam Festival has grown into a celebration of the agricultural products that Smithfield and Johnston County are known for with live music, country ham biscuits, and sweetpotatoes galore! YUM!
The festival hosts the "What’s That Yam Thing?" contest, a favorite for school-aged children given the opportunity to turn sweetpotatoes into works of art. Visitors wander through the festival area filled with more than one hundred booths occupied by local artists, craftspeople, and makers, face painters, local non-profit organizations, and more.
This family-friendly event keeps crowds entertained with performances on the new Neuse River Amphitheater, children’s games, and inflatables. Don't forget to follow our Facebook page for more news and pictures!
Festival Features
Look ahead to an array of fun, family-friendly activities during this year's festival!
5K Hog Trot and Piglet Stampede on the Greenway
Classic Car Show hosted by Southland Car Club
Live music on three stages throughout the area
BBQ Competition hosted by the Firefighters Association
Kids Zone filled with games, rides, petting zoo, and more
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: Johnston County Choir
12:00 pm: ALA Johnston Elementary Choir
1:00 pm: Sweetpotato Pie Eating Contest
2:00 pm: Gospel Rap
3:00 pm: Pastor Todd Drum Group
3rd Street Stage
12:00 - 1:30 pm: DNR
DNR is a dynamic musical collective showcasing the diverse talents of its members. Bassist David Doscher began his journey in the early '80s, later exploring R&B with The Hackensack Men & The Trenton Horns. Drummer Chuck LaPorte, originally from Vermont, has extensive experience performing with various bands. Guitarist John Oswald, a Raleigh native, brings years of rock and church band experience. Vocalist Mark Turner, a Navy veteran, discovered his passion for singing during the pandemic, inspired by classic rock and R&B. Adding depth to the band's sound is keyboard player Lance Armstrong, the original! A Louisiana native, he played with the 14-piece swamp pop band Big River Express before moving to NC in 2017 and joining Ray Cross and the Country Diamonds.
Managed by Chris Whitehorne, DNR blends influences from Southern rock to jazz fusion, delivering high-energy performances that captivate audiences. They will kick off the festivities on the 3rd St Stage, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. With their engaging sound and chemistry, DNR is a must-see act at any event. Rock on!
2:00 - 3:30 pm: The Johnston Brothers Band
The Johnston Brothers Band is a lively four-piece group hailing from Clayton, NC, dedicated to celebrating the greatest tunes of the Baby Boomer generation. With a passion for classic hits that everyone knows and loves, this fun-loving band is guaranteed to keep the party going on 3rd St. Their energetic performances will have you singing along and dancing the night away to the timeless melodies that defined an era. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, or soul, The Johnston Brothers Band delivers an unforgettable experience that brings together music lovers of all ages. Join them for a fantastic time filled with nostalgia and good vibes!
4:00 - 5:30 pm: 2Digh4
2Digh4 (pronounced Two Die Four) is a lively country/rock/pop band from Fuquay-Varina, NC, founded by brothers Landon and Aubrey Digh in 2014. With performances at major events like the Carolina Country Music Festival and the N.C. State Fair, they've gained recognition for their original songs, including "Indefinitely," which topped the Country Digital charts. Their first single, "North Carolina," debuted on radio in 2019, and their latest single, "Dang, Bro!" was released in October 2022.
Featuring Landon on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Aubrey on lead guitar, Mike Kachman on bass, and drummer Melody Digh, 2Digh4 is known for their engaging style and profound storytelling. They're excited to top off the 3rd St stage with classic hits and original tunes that keep the party going!
Neuse River Amphitheater Main Stage
11:00 - 12:30 pm: The WEJ
Get ready to kick off the day at the Ham & Yam Festival with an electrifying performance by The WEJ on the Neuse River Amphitheater stage! This band of brothers from Smithfield, NC, is passionate about music and ready to rock your faces off with their high-energy set. From nostalgic classics that will have you singing along to modern underground hits that showcase their unique sound, The WEJ brings an unforgettable mix of musical talent and stage presence. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the excitement as they set the tone for a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic performances!
1:00 - 2:30 pm: SouLe & The Super Band
Get ready for an unforgettable performance at the Ham & Yam Festival with SouLe & The SuperBand! This powerhouse group of top-notch musicians brings soul, R&B, blues, and jazz to life with electrifying energy and precision musicianship. With years of experience on the Legacy Motown circuit, SouLe and Black Diamond will have you grooving to timeless hits, capturing the essence of legendary artists through dynamic vocals, smooth harmonies, and show-stopping dance moves.
Backed by an all-star lineup—including musical director Delaney McQuaig on guitar, Bill Beamon on sax, Phil Mazarick on keyboards, and a rock-solid rhythm section featuring Ken Smith and Carrio Graham—this band knows how to bring the party to life. Whether you're a longtime fan of classic soul and R&B or just looking for an incredible live music experience, SouLe & The SuperBand will take you on a journey through music history. Don’t miss them at the Neuse River Amphitheater as they light up the stage at this year’s Ham & Yam Festival!
3:00 - 4:30 pm: Paige King Johnson
Growing up in Angier, North Carolina, Paige King Johnson spent her childhood imitating the legends of classic country and performing at local fairs and festivals. Encouraged by her biggest fan—her grandfather—she picked up a guitar and found her voice in songwriting. After high school, she traded horse pastures for Music City, attending Belmont University to study Music Business. There, she honed her storytelling skills and built a reputation with her raw, classic country sound.
A five-time Carolina Country Music Awards winner, Johnson’s impact extends beyond the stage. In 2022, she was named North Carolina’s first-ever "Got to Be NC" musical ambassador, using her platform to promote local agriculture through music. Her debut single, "Water Down The Whiskey," climbed to #29 on Music Row charts. Most recently, she fulfilled a lifelong dream, stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle alongside Pam Tillis—a milestone in a career that continues to rise.
5:00 - 6:30 pm: Wade Hill & the Revival
Born and raised in Clayton, North Carolina, Wade Hill grew up with a deep love for Classic Country, Gospel, Southern Rock, and Classic Rock, shaping a unique sound that effortlessly blends multiple genres. Though music was always a passion, it wasn’t until his college years on the shores of Wrightsville Beach, NC, that he picked up a guitar and began honing his craft. With a voice often compared to Travis Tritt, Wade draws inspiration from legends like George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Chris Stapleton, and Bob Seger.
Following the shutdown of 2020, Wade Hill and The Revival emerged, kicking off their journey by opening for fellow North Carolina native Jason Michael Carroll. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with acts like The Marshall Tucker Band, The Malpass Brothers, and Aaron Hamm & The Big River Band, among many others. With their debut album, "The Sanctuary," set for release in early 2025, the future is looking bright. Keep an eye on these guys and don’t miss their upcoming shows!
7:00 - 8:30 pm: Aaron Tippin
With his signature Southern drawl and a wide smile, Aaron Tippin proudly calls himself the "luckiest hillbilly that has ever lived"—and he’s got the stories to prove it. From surviving lightning strikes and in-flight emergencies to thriving in the music industry for over three decades, Tippin’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Along the way, he’s earned six gold albums, one platinum, and released more than 30 hit singles, including "You’ve Got to Stand for Something," "Kiss This," and "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly," which climbed into Billboard’s Hot 100.
While luck may have played a role, Tippin’s success is built on hard work, raw talent, and an unwavering dedication to his values. His music resonates with fans because it speaks to the heart of the American spirit—God, country, and family. A true voice for the working man, Tippin doesn’t just sing about perseverance and pride—he lives it. That’s why we’re thrilled to have him as the headliner for this year’s Ham & Yam Festival!
