Ham & Yam Festival 2026

The Ham & Yam Festival is proud to support and showcase the incredible work of our local nonprofit organizations. This category is designed for community groups, civic organizations, charitable programs, and mission-driven initiatives that want to connect with the more than 15,000 visitors who fill Downtown Smithfield during this signature event. Nonprofits are welcome to share information, promote services, raise awareness, offer activities or demonstrations, and fundraise through the sale of approved items. All displays, materials, and interactions should be family-friendly and reflective of your organization’s mission.

With over six blocks of entertainment—including three stages of live music, a car show, kids and adult activity zones, delicious food, and a full day of festivities—the Ham & Yam Festival offers nonprofits a valuable opportunity to engage supporters, build visibility, and strengthen connections within the community.

Get ready for some smokin’ hot competition at the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival, proudly presented by the Smithfield Firefighters Association! The Whole Hog BBQ Cook-Off is back, and this year we’re expecting more than 15,000 festival visitors to fill Downtown Smithfield, making it the perfect stage to showcase your skills and flavor.

Registration is open until April 15th and limited to 15 teams, so don’t wait to secure your spot! Teams will begin load-in at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 1st, and meat will be distributed at 6:00 PM, marking the start of the competition.

Judging will begin at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning, with the order of judging determined the night before. This event is sanctioned by the NC Pork Council, ensuring a professional and exciting competition.

Once judging is complete, teams must have their unseasoned pork chopped and placed in the designated area by 10:30 AM. Pans will be provided.

Bring your best recipes, fire up your pits, and get ready to impress thousands of festival-goers in this ultimate celebration of Carolina barbecue!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!

Become a Sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival! Join us as a sponsor for the 40th Annual Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, NC, and gain exposure to over 20,000 attendees in a vibrant, family-friendly environment. As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and diverse audience through prominent event signage, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Your support will help make this beloved community event possible while aligning your business with a fun, local tradition. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including special recognition and exclusive opportunities to engage with festival-goers. Be part of the excitement and help us make this year’s festival the best one yet!