Downtown Festivals and Events

Downtown hosts events almost every weekend, if not 2-3 events a weekend. Here are a few of the big ones by season!

Summer

NC Field of Honor
American flags line the field in front of ASOM honoring our soldiers, veterans and their families, hosted by the Downtown Alliance and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Blues ‘n Brews
Sponsored by Cape Fear Regional Theatre, this one day event features a sampling of over 100 beers and a great taste of the Blues by some of the region’s most popular bands.

Fayetteville after Five
From May to October, the Dogwood Festival brings you monthly free concerts every third Thursday at Festival Park ranging from rock to country to beach music and more! This free event brings thousands of people out for a great time.

Fall

Historic Hauntings
This hour-long haunted hayride explores the eerie encounters and mysterious happenings of downtown Fayetteville. Ghostly re-enactors and story-tellers take you through historic Fayetteville’s most infamous haunted locations and historic sites are visited where legendary ghosts are known to inhabit. Sponsored by the Dogwood Festival.

Reading Rocks!
Cumberland County Schools hosted a walkathon each October to help promote literacy and raise money for books and other needed materials. Over 20,000 participate in this interactive walk each year.

International Folk Festival
Held in late September with the Parade of Nations and Festival Park activities, this Art Council-sponsored festival celebrates our multi-cultural community. Southeast Tourism Top 20 event.

A Dickens Holiday
Held the day after Thanksgiving, this is an old fashioned Christmas celebration complete with carolers, a candlelight procession and Victorian costuming. Produced by the Arts Council with the Downtown Alliance.

Spring

Dogwood Festival
With approximately 30 different events including everything from sporting events to concerts, street dances to children's events, the festival maintains a "something for everyone" philosophy. Southeast Tourism Top 20 event. North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events 2009 Festival of the Year.

Winter

Christmas Rotary Parade
A definite Fayetteville favorite, this parade gets you in the mood for Christmas with floats coming down Hay Street. Produced by the Rotary Clubs of Fayetteville.

Year Round

Downtown Fayetteville Farmer’s Market
Held twice a week starting in early spring at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, the Downtown Fayetteville Farmer’s Market brings you the best in locally grown produce, local honey, eggs, fresh flowers and more. Wednesdays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4th Fridays. Hosted by the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market Association.

4th Friday
4th Friday continues to be a true celebration of the arts and downtown. Folks of all ages get a taste of Fayetteville's art and entertainment while enjoying the small galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers. Sponsored by the Downtown Alliance.