Annual Events & Festivals

There's always something fun to do.

No matter the season, we have a reason to celebrate our town. With monthly events, hugely popular annual celebrations, and festivals celebrating everything from international folklore to our beloved dogwood. Here is a sample of annual events. To see a all events, visitor our event calendar.

Monthly

Fourth Friday

Website
Join us in Downtown Fayetteville as the District comes alive with performances every 4th Friday of the month (March-October) from 6 to 9 pm. A variety of buskers are on the streets throughout the District. There will also be various vendors and food carts to explore, as well! Explore the vibe in Downtown Fayetteville! During the 4th Friday event, visit our over 200+ businesses, restaurants, and attractions.

Events by Month

January

Martin Luther King , Jr Parade

Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

This downtown parade features a variety of school bands, churches, and civic groups - all celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

February

Indoor Skydiving Nationals

Website
Top skydiving competitors come from all over the world to compete in this exciting two-day event at Paraclete XP's premier wind-tunnel facilities. Spectators enjoy watching the world's best go head-to-head and supporting the home teams.

April

Dogwood Festival

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

Website
The city's marquee festival is also one of the biggest in the Southeast. It features a midway/carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, inflatable/bounce houses, arts and crafts, a classic car show, a street fair with shopping, and lots of fun for the entire family.

May

Fort Liberty Fair

Website
This popular fair takes place every spring and is open to the public. Unlimited carnival rides and live entertainment are included in the admission price, with a variety of family-friendly shows and concerts scheduled daily.

June

Dogwood Festival

Juneteenth Jubilee

Website
The Jubilee is designed to provide a welcoming, educational and entertaining event for our community and visitors. It focuses on the holiday's history and promotes a spirit of unity and progress. Attendees can expect national touring headliners, local performing acts, food trucks, vendors, artists, history tours, games and other entertainment for the entire family.

July

Hope Mills July 4th Celebration

Hope Mills July 4th Celebration & Parade

Website
This Independence Day celebration kicks off in the Town of Hope Mills with a traditional parade in the morning. In the evening, the celebration continues at Hope Mill's Municipal Park with great entertainment, good food, children's games, a horseshoe tournament, vendors, and a fireworks show.

Fort Liberty July 4th Celebration

Website
This is one of the most spectacular 4th of July shows in the region. The festivities include today's hottest musical acts, parachute free-fall demonstrations, the popular flag ceremony, fireworks, and food and beverages.

August

Umoja Festival

Website
This festival, organized by the Umoja Group, is a celebration of African-American heritage. The day's activities include storytellers, vendors, band performances, a health fair, and more.

September

Cumberland County Fair

Website
This fair showcases and preserves the history and legacy of the agricultural communities in Cumberland County; celebrates the diversity of local arts and crafts; provides fun, healthy family entertainment with music, motorsports, and animals and encourages an environment of friendly competition for all ages.

Greek Festival

Website
Enjoy mouthwatering Greek dishes, including homemade pastries, traditional Greek dancing, arts and crafts, a full marketplace, and more.

International Folk Festival

Website
A celebration of cultural diversity takes place each year at The Arts Council's International Folk Festival, everybody's favorite trip round the world, in downtown Fayetteville; festivities include the Parade of Nations, live performances, authentic cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, children's area and Native American Cultural Showcase.

October

Halloween at the Bootanical Garden

Website
This Halloween event at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden features hundreds of Jack-O-Lanterns, lights, and luminaries along garden trails. Arts, crafts, treats, and other special event tables line the walkway for family fun.

November

Holly Day Fair

Website
The largest holiday gift and craft show in Eastern North Carolina is a one-stop holiday shopping event that draws an average of 22,000 attendees and more than 200 vendors. Showgoers have an extensive selection of unique, handcrafted, and manufactured products to choose from.

A Dickens Holiday

Website
Historic downtown Fayetteville is transformed into a charming Victorian experience each year. Horse-drawn carriages ride down Hey Street, children pose with Father Christmas for pictures, Ebeneezer Scrooge makes his rounds, and townspeople gather for the candlelight procession and fireworks.

December

1897 Poe House in Christmas Splendor

Holiday Jubilee

Website
This special event, hosted by the Museum of the Cape Fear, encompasses the traditions of holidays past. Visitors enjoy listening to a Victorian caroling concert by the Coventry Carolers on the Poe House front porch and taking in the elaborate Christmas decor during this open-house event.

Holiday Lights at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Holiday Lights In the Garden

Holiday Lights in the Garden

Website
Lights sparkle and illuminate a mile-long pathway to showcase the Cape Fear Botanical Garden's winter beauty during the holiday season. S'mores-roasting, free crafts for children, visits and photos with Santa, holiday gift shopping, and more add to the delightful festivities.