September in Clayton, NC is one of the best months to be out and about. The weather begins to ease from summer's peak, the evenings come alive with live music and community gatherings, and there is a palpable sense of energy as the fall season approaches. For residents of Portofino — just minutes from downtown Clayton — the September 2026 calendar is packed with can't-miss events.
Downtown Clayton Concert Series: September 11
The free Downtown Clayton Concert Series at Town Square (110 W. Main St.) continues through September. On Friday, September 11, the series features CD & The Mix with Peridot Sun — an evening of live music on the lawn at Town Square. Activities begin at 6:00 PM with music starting at 6:30 PM.
Here is what to expect:
- Free admission — bring a blanket or chairs and settle in on the lawn
- Food trucks serving everything from barbecue to tacos to desserts
- Adult beverages available for purchase
- Kids' activities to keep the little ones entertained
- Family-friendly atmosphere with neighbors and friends
From Portofino, it is a quick 10-minute drive to Town Square. Park at the Clayton Center lot or along Main Street and walk over.
Marty Manous: Blues Bash 2026 at The Clayton Center
If you are a fan of live blues music, mark your calendar for Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 PM. Marty Manous: Blues Bash 2026 takes the stage at The Clayton Center for a night of soulful, electrifying blues performance. The Clayton Center is a premier performing arts venue located at 111 E. Second Street, just a few blocks from Town Square.
Tickets go fast for these shows, so it is worth booking in advance. The venue also hosts a full schedule of concerts, theater productions, and community events throughout the year. For Portofino residents, having a professional performing arts venue minutes from home is a genuine quality-of-life perk.
Last Friday in Clayton: September 25
The monthly Last Friday in Clayton celebration continues through the fall. On Friday, September 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, downtown Clayton transforms into a lively street festival with live music, local vendors, food specials, and a true community block-party atmosphere. Participating shops and restaurants offer evening specials, and local artists set up along Main Street.
Last Friday runs from April through November, making September one of the last opportunities to enjoy it in warm weather before the cooler fall evenings arrive.
Every Saturday: Clayton Farmers & Community Market
The Clayton Farmers & Community Market operates Saturdays from April through November at the Clayton Center parking lot (111 E. Second Street). September is peak harvest season in North Carolina, which means you will find:
- Heirloom tomatoes, okra, peppers, and sweet corn
- Local honey, jams, and baked goods
- Fresh-cut flowers and seasonal plants
- Handmade crafts and artisan products
- Live music and community information booths
For Portofino residents, the market is an easy Saturday morning trip. Stock up on produce for the week, grab a coffee from a local roaster, and enjoy the relaxed pace of small-town life.
Movies in the Garden
The final Movies in the Garden screening of the summer season takes place on Saturday, August 22 at the Main Street Community Garden (just ahead of September). But September marks the transition to fall programming at the garden, so watch for upcoming announcements about harvest-themed events and volunteer days.
Why Portofino Residents Have the Best Access
One of the underrated advantages of living in Portofino is how close it is to everything Clayton has to offer. The community's location on the eastern edge of Clayton means you are:
- 10 minutes from downtown Clayton and Town Square
- 5 minutes from Flowers Plantation shopping and dining
- 15 minutes from the Clayton Farm and Community Market
- 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh for larger concerts and cultural events
After a night out at a concert or community event, coming home to the peace and privacy of Portofino — through the gated entrance, past the equestrian pastures, and into your own half-acre wooded lot — is the kind of contrast that makes this community truly special.
Want to learn more about the lifestyle at 297 Bonaventure Dr in Portofino? Schedule a tour with Phil Slezak and see for yourself why this community is so sought after.
Phil leads one of the top-producing real estate teams in the Greater Triangle and Brunswick County areas — with over $100 million in sales.