Fayetteville, known as the City of Dogwoods, will bring free concerts, activities for children, a classic car show, food trucks, vendors and more to the community as the 43rd Annual Dogwood Festival kicks off this weekend.
Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez, who started the role four months ago, said she can’t wait to hug old friends and meet everyone coming.
“This festival isn’t about one person, one team or one organization,” Suarez said. “It’s about all of us. It’s the small businesses, the families, the volunteers, the artists and the dreamers. My goal, now and always, is to uplift and honor the spirit of community over self, because when we come together, incredible things happen.”
Saurez said the largest outdoor event in Fayetteville will highlight the best in live music, street food, carnival rides and art.
“Rain or shine, we are going to have an amazing time,” Suarez said. “We’ve got over 25 incredible food and drink trucks, 110+ amazing vendors and a mix of inspiring nonprofits and local businesses ready to bring the energy. There’s truly something for everyone at this year’s Fayetteville Dogwood Festival!”
She also added that thanks to feedback from downtown merchants on Person Street, there will be more programming in that area including street yoga, bands, games including Axes and Armor and U Got Game and more vendors.
“My hope is that every person who attends the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival feels seen, heard and truly celebrated,” Suarez said. “From the very beginning, my heart has been set on creating something that brings people together. It’s not just for fun, but to remind us all of the power in the community.”
Festival information
- Admission to the festival including the concerts in Festival Park is free.
- Though current weather forecasts show possible scattered rain on Saturday, the festival is a rain or shine event.
- Over 25 food trucks will line the promenade and Festival Park. On Friday night, a Food Truck Rodeo will line Green and Gillespie Streets from 6 to 9 p.m.
- The Midway (carnival rides) will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m.
- A free Kids Zone with bounce houses, games and other activities will be located in Festival Park.
- Street closures begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday on Hay, Person, Green, Gillespie and Mason Streets along with Ray Avenue. The Hay Street and Franklin Street parking decks will be open. The City of Fayetteville has a map of city-owned parking that can be downloaded using the ParkMobile app.
- While admission is free, upgrades will be sold on the Dogwood Festival website including Best Seat access for $45 and access to the VIP tent with two drink tickets for $65. Every VIP/Best Seat ticket purchase enters you into a random drawing to win a Meet & Greet with Josh Ross or Drew Baldridge.
- No coolers, pets, weapons or outside alcohol can be brought into Festival Park.
Saurez said the festival would not be possible without “our phenomenal sponsors and amazing community.”
“This celebration wouldn’t be possible without the people who have generously given their time and talents to make this weekend unforgettable,” Saurez said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us bring this beautiful vision to life. Let’s make some memories, Fayetteville!”
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 25
5 to 11 p.m.
- 5 p.m.: The Simpletones (Festival Park)
- 6:15 p.m.: Opening Ceremony and Welcome (Festival Park)
- 6:45 p.m.: Fear State (Festival Park)
- 8:30 p.m.: Echostone (Festival Park)
- 6 to 9 p.m.: 4th Friday Poetry Cypher on Hay Street and a children’s area on Person Street with MM Digging, bounce houses and live performances
Saturday, April 26
7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- 7:30 a.m.: Pure Barre Pop-up Class (Festival Park)
- 10 a.m.: Downdog for Dogwood Street Yoga (Person Street)
- 11:30 a.m.: King BMX
- 1 p.m.: Air Born Aerial (Festival Park)
- 1:15 p.m.: Line Dance (Person Street)
- 1:30 p.m.: King BMX
- 3:30 p.m.: Nicholas Vernon (Festival Park)
- 3:30 p.m.: King BMX
- 5:45 p.m.: The Guy Unger Band (Festival Park)
- 7:30 p.m.: Josh Ross (Festival Park)
- 9:15 p.m.: Drew Baldridge (Festival Park)
- All Day — Six bands and DJs on Person Street
Sunday, April 27
Noon to 6 p.m.
- Noon: Car Show begins (Person Street)
- 1:30 p.m.: King BMX
- 2:30: The Phoebes (Festival Park)
- 3:30 p.m.: King BMX
- 4:30 p.m.: Throwback Collaboration Band (Festival Park)
- 5 p.m.: Car Show winner announced (Person Street)
For more information, visit www.thedogwoodfestival.com or the Dogwood Festival Facebook page.
Jami McLaughlin writes for CityView. She can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com or at 910-391-4870.
