Community Events


If you are interested in knowing how you can participate in any of Clayton Parks and Recreations special events, please email Lauren Lambert, our Marketing and Special Events Coordinator.

Check back often and like us on Facebook and Instagram  to get the latest information about upcoming special events

All Town of Clayton events can be found here

Happening in Clayton:


Easter Egg Hunt

Thank you for joining us at our 2023 event! Stay tuned for 2024 dates! 

Flower Fest & Plant Sale

Join Clayton Parks and Recreation and The Johnston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers for Flower Fest & Annual Plant Sale. Native, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, house plants, & more! Also for sale - trees and shrubs grown by local nurseries and a selection of handmade crafts & garden art. 

Flower Fest will feature FREE family fun! Bounce Houses, garden crafts, garden tours, face painting, music, and more! Clayton Community Center - 715 Amelia Church Rd., Clayton NC 27520 

Plant Sale ONLY - 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.           Flower Fest & Plant Sale - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. 

Run the Branch 5k

Clayton Parks and Recreation annual 5k is officially BACK! In honor of the Year of the Trail, we are hitting the greenway! Runners, joggers, and walkers are invited to join us on May 6th at 9:00 a.m. as we "Run the Branch!" Participants will begin at Municipal Park and head down Sam's Branch Greenway and back.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Early bird registration is $30 and guarantees you a t-shirt! Price increases to $40 between April 23rd - race day.

For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Clayton/RuntheBranch5k

Thank you to our current sponsors: Image Builders Embroidery, and Hometowne Realty

NC Senior Games

Are you 50 or older? Do you know someone that is 50 or older? Get out for some fitness, fun and friendship! For more than three decades, the Johnston County Senior Games has been celebrating athletes in events ranging from the 100-meter dash to cornhole, from pickleball to basket-weaving. Email Joni Hubble-Zeneberg for more information.

Spring Special Needs Dance

Throw on your hawaiian shirts and join us at this fun and festive luau themed dance! This dance is open for children and adults of all ages with physical and/or mental disabilities. Volunteers from Clayton Youth Council and other organizations help make this possible. Refreshments will be provided and support staff is welcome! Although pre-registration is not required, it is suggested! 

May 20th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The Clayton Community Center - 715 Amelia Church Rd., Clayton NC 27520

Boo Bash - Halloween Special Needs Dance

Our annual free Halloween dance and trunk or treat for participants with special needs will take place outside under the covered porch at the Clayton Community Center! Wear your favorite costume and come dance the night away! Volunteers from Clayton Youth Council and other organizations help make this possible. Refreshments will be provided and support staff is welcome! Although pre-registration is not required, it is suggested! 

October 27th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The Clayton Community Center - 715 Amelia Church Rd., Clayton NC 27520

Annual Fall Fling

This event is free to the public and offers a variety of games, pumpkin painting, face painting, and more! Hop on a bail of hay and enjoy our interactive, non-scary, storybook ride through the woods! Tour the community garden, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the day! 

Stay tuned for our 2023 date!

Downtown Clayton Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat in Downtown Clayton! This holiday tradition is designed for those with little legs to put on their costume and take over Main Street… marching down the street and sidewalks where they are greeted by local business owners waiting to hand them goodies and treats. Once you've filled up your bags, stop by Town Square to snap a festive picture and play some games! Meet in Horne Square to get things started - 348 E Main St.

October 31st from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Downtown Clayton - 348 E Main St. 

Merry Municipal - See you in November of 2023! 

Join us out at Municipal Park for a FREE walk through light display! 325 McCullers Street, Clayton NC 27520


248553404_4237690419686312_5472529376209344443_n (1)