This story first appeared in CityView magazine’s September 2026 edition.
From traditional dances to global cuisine, the 48th Annual International Folk Festival, presented by the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, returns on September 25–26, promising a celebration of the diverse cultures that call Cumberland County home.
Many of the groups represented in the festival were drawn to Fayetteville due to the presence of Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the world by population, which supports a total of over 260,000 people.
A Return to Local Roots
In 1978, when the International Folk Festival (IFF) was founded, it looked vastly different to what we know it as today. In its early years, the festival featured more countries, but had less attendees. It began featuring 45 countries with around 10,000 attendees, and this year it is expected to feature about 25 countries and attendance projected at 75,000 people.
John Malzone, a co-founder of the festival and longtime civic leader, has a theory on why the number of countries represented has shrunk to almost half in the last 48 years.
“Some of the communities have assimilated into the American culture and they’ve lost some of those [traditions]” Malzone said. “That is a job, to keep up those heritages, the recipes, the dances, the music, you have to have somebody who understands them, and who is willing to teach them, and then you have to have parents who make their kids listen.”
While the festival has evolved significantly since its founding, this year’s event focuses on creating a more genuine, community-driven experience. The organizers are focusing primarily on highlighting local performers, artists, and groups from Cumberland County, a shift from the previous several years when the festival highlighted out-of-town groups as the main event.
This strategic shift aims to deepen the event’s community connection by showcasing the diverse talents already thriving locally.
Malzone expressed enthusiasm when learning that the Arts Council plans on revising the acts to feature local cultural groups.
“Good, that’s good,” Malzone said. “One of the problems with anything is when you try to be something that you’re not, you kinda lose the flavor, so I’m glad to hear that.”
Friday, September 25
Sarah Busman, the Arts Council’s vice president, urged attendees to spend time at the festival on both days to ensure they experience the full range of what the festival offers.
The festivities begin Friday at 6 p.m. It kicks off with performances from El Centro Hispano. Downtown businesses are staying open until 9 p.m. when the festival shuts down for the evening.
“Coming on Saturday is awesome, and there’s so many amazing things, but if you don’t come on Friday and see Friday also, you’re missing half the festival and it’s really exciting and different, and you’re missing what downtown Fayetteville really has to offer,” Busman said.
Saturday, September 26
The festivities continue Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Friends of Civil Affairs “Around the World Run” starting at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This run can be completed as a 5k or 10k. Registration is required.
At 10 a.m. the Parade of Nations begins on Hay Street. The parade features floats, dancers, bands, and more and is such a sight to see. Different groups often carry flags or banners of the country and culture they are representing and some groups may even hand out items pertaining to their culture.
Festival Park is open from 12–7 p.m. and includes the art market, international cafe, and stage performances..
Both days of the festival are free to attend.
Engage and Learn
Adika Iqbal, co-founder of the Azerbaijan Friendship Organization, is excited about the opportunity to perform at the festival on Saturday and increase awareness about her culture.
“It’s a very fast paced dance we do,” Iqbal said. “I think once you see it in person, you will love it, so I am encouraging everyone to come and watch us. Sometimes we would invite folks to come and join us to dance and it is the joy that gives us seeing other people performing our dance.”
Iqbal wants to let attendees know that it’s OK to be curious and ask questions when they don’t know where Azerbaijan is, or about the culture.
“I would love [attendees] to approach, ask us questions. We never feel offended if they don’t know where Azerbaijan is,” Iqbal said. “We love to tell about our country, tell about our culture, or anything that they have questions. Please stop by, say ‘hi’, and ask questions and we would love to answer any of their questions and share our culture.”
Layout of the Festival
On one side of Festival Park, you will find the international cafe, where local non-profits make food that is traditional to their family, community, and culture. Vendors and the art market will be located in the park’s field.
“For our art market, we are asking for only homemade items, which kind of makes IFF unique,” Busman said.
There will also be a children’s area between the field and Ray Avenue. The kids area will include arts and crafts, bounce houses, and performances.
“You can kind of walk down the international cafe, walk over the bridge. Catch some good music or dancing there,” Busman said. “So that’s a great opportunity to, you know, take your food, go for a little walk around, go shopping, it’s a great place to find gifts for the holidays or for yourself.”
