Johnston Now Magazine

05/30/2026

Looking for something to do tonight?

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

PUMP IT UP PRINCETON

Join us in Downtown Princeton for good music, good food, and good times! 🎶🎵

05/28/2026

How cool is this?!? Mark your calendars!

THE 2026 SUMMER BAR CRAWL IS HERE 🌍⚽

Saturday • June 20th • Starts at 5PM at Clayton Rocks🍻

We’re turning Downtown Clayton into an international soccer-style party for one massive summer bar crawl. Each participating bar will represent a different country with specialty cocktails, themed vibes, country colors, and nonstop energy all night long

🎟️ Your ticket includes:
✅ Drink ticket (one specialty drink at a participating bar)
✅ Rally towel
✅ Passport Game Card
✅ Event swag
Grab your ticket here: https://ticketscandy.com/e/2026-downtown-clayton-summer-bar-crawl-18219

And yes… one bar is even turning their patio into a TURF SOCCER FIELD ⚽🔥

Participating Bars & Countries:
Clayton Rocks — Ireland
Ladida Wine Shop — France
Revival 1869 - A Drinkery — Curaçao
The Cardinal — USA
First Street Tavern — England
Church Spirits & Cocktails of Clayton — Spain
Fare Game — Portugal
Elixir VI — Brazil
Crescendo.Clayton — Argentina

🍻 Wear the colors of your favorite country/bar and get ready for one of the wildest themed crawls of the summer.

Tag your crew. Pick your country. Let’s pack Downtown Clayton.

05/28/2026

While the May issue was a couple of days late, the June one is actually early. We're still getting them around the county, but go ahead and check out the digital version:

05/24/2026

How cool is this?

🎨✍️ CALLING ALL ARTISTS: SHOW OFF YOUR TALENT & WIN $500! 💰✨

Do you love creating larger-than-life art? Want to turn the streets of Downtown Smithfield into your personal canvas? We are officially seeking Sidewalk Chalk Artists for our upcoming Spring Art & Wine Walk on Friday, June 12th!

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a talented hobbyist, we want you to help us bring the pavement to life.

📋 The Details:
Cost: 100% FREE to enter!

The Canvas: You'll get a prime 8x8 square right in the heart of the action.

Supplies: A basic set of vibrant chalk is provided for you.

Timeline: You can start bringing your masterpiece to life starting at 12:00 PM.

🏆 The Prize & Judging:
As attendees enjoy the Wine Walk, they will vote on their favorite designs. The crowd favorite will walk away with a $500.00 GRAND PRIZE 💵, announced live on stage during the Liquid Pleasure concert at the Neuse River Amphitheater!

💡 Pro-Tips for Competitors:
While we provide the basic chalk, we highly recommend bringing a few comfort items to help you create your best work:

🧘 Knee pads or a soft cushion to sit on.

🧽 Blending sponges or rags to get those smooth gradients.

☀️ Sunscreen & a water bottle to stay hydrated while you work!

🔗 Spaces are limited! Ready to take the challenge? Secure your free 8x8 square and register today at: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=46989

05/21/2026

😍

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Haley Fowler and her adorable dog, Charlie! Haley and Charlie won this year's annual JNOW Magazine Pet Photo Contest. They were featured on the cover of May's magazine and were presented with a special gift from the contest sponsors, The Dog Wash NC and The Groom Gallery NC ! Many thanks to our sponsors for making this fun contest possible, and to all the people who entered their heart-warming pet photos! You can flip through the entries by grabbing a copy of the magazine at the distribution point closest to you, or the online edition at www.johnstonnow.com

05/14/2026

Last chance! Nominations for 2026 close tomorrow, May 15!

Know someone who goes above and beyond? A local leader, teacher, first responder, veteran, business owner, volunteer or organization making a difference in our community?

Now is the time to nominate them before the deadline passes.

Help us celebrate the people who deserve to be recognized! Fill out the form here: https://johnstonnow.com/honors/

05/12/2026

Join us in wishing Randy Capps a very happy 50th birthday!

05/07/2026

Behind the building at Brightleaf Pest Control is one of the nicer dog kennels one would expect to find behind a place of business. It’s not really a kennel, though. It’s Hunter’s office. Hunter is a springer spaniel who works for Brightleaf Pest Control doing a very specific job —…