This October, audiences will see a very different side of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Beginning Oct. 3, the Cameo Art House Theatre will debut The Smashing Machine, a gripping new sports drama starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.
Far removed from Johnson’s usual action-packed blockbusters, this film is being hailed as a career-defining performance that strips away the star’s larger-than-life persona and reveals his most vulnerable work to date.
Directed by Benny Safdie, best known for co-directing the acclaimed Uncut Gems and Good Time, the film traces the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant yet troubled fighters in mixed martial arts history. Kerr rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. With a background in wrestling and a ferocious fighting style, he earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine”, a name that carried both glory and burden.
Outside the cage, Kerr faced painful battles with addiction, personal demons and the pressure of living up to his reputation.
Safdie’s past films have dived deep into complexity, painting a portrait of triumph and collapse, resilience and fragility. And this film’s center Dwayne Johnson, who I didn’t even recognize when I first saw the trailer, puts aside his Hollywood polished image to embody the grit of a man defined as much by his struggles as by his victories. Just like Safdie’s Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler doesn’t appear to be the same ol’ Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s Boldest Transformation
Audiences may know Johnson as the charming powerhouse who dominates franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji and Black Adam. He’s built a career on charisma, comedic timing and the physicality that once made him a household name in professional wrestling. But in The Smashing Machine, all of that is stripped away, supposedly.
Johnson underwent a rigorous physical transformation, not just through training, but also by embracing prosthetics that altered his face and physique. Early promotional stills shocked fans; he appeared heavier, wearier, almost broken, far from the superheroic presence of his blockbuster roles.
In interviews I’ve seen, Johnson admitted that the process was frightening.
“It was scary to step away from everything I’ve built and be this vulnerable,” he said. “But Mark Kerr’s story demanded honesty. It demanded that I disappear into him.”
That honesty paid off. At the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Johnson broke down in tears as the audience gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest of the festival. Critics immediately began praising the performance as a revelation, calling it the most profound work of his career.
A Story Beyond the Ring
While The Smashing Machine features fight sequences, it isn’t simply a sports film. The real drama lies in the quiet, painful moments away from the cage. Johnson’s Kerr struggles with substance abuse, with the weight of fame and with the strain on his marriage to Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
The film explores their relationship with unflinching detail. The love, the disappointments and the emotional cost of a life spent chasing dominance. Blunt’s performance has been singled out as a crucial counterpart to Johnson’s, grounding the story in human stakes rather than athletic ones.
Adding to the authenticity are appearances by real combat sports icons such as Bas Rutten, a close friend and former training partner of Kerr and boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Their presence lends credibility to the film’s depictions of the MMA world and blurs the line between fiction and documentary.
Safdie’s Distinctive Style
Director Benny Safdie brings his trademark intensity to the project. Known for capturing the raw energy of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Safdie avoids glossy cinematography in favor of something closer to documentary realism. Handheld cameras, long takes and natural lighting immerse the viewer in his films.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
Critics are already comparing the film to classic character studies like Raging Bull.
Since its Venice debut, The Smashing Machine has been generating serious awards chatter. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing early reviews, Johnson is being mentioned as a potential contender for Best Actor during awards season.
GQ described the film as “the first great Dwayne Johnson movie,” while Vanity Fair noted that Johnson “disappears into the role in a way few thought possible.” For a performer who has long been seen as a charismatic entertainer rather than a dramatic actor, the shift is monumental.
Showtimes and Ticket Information
The Smashing Machine opens at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Oct. 3. Showtimes and tickets will be available on the theater’s website at cameoarthouse.com. Given the film’s acclaim and buzz, seats are expected to fill quickly.

The Crown will soon come alive with the sounds of skates scraping the ice, pucks being shot into nets and fans cheering on their team as the Marksmen’s 2025-26 season starts, Oct. 18.
The Marksmen finished in fifth place in the Southern Professional Hockey League’s regular season, sending them to the 2025 playoffs. The team hopes to continue their success and do it again.
“Our success comes from a combination of things,” said Andrea Barr, social media coordinator for the team. “First and foremost, having a dedicated and consistent coaching staff and hockey operations. Amongst all the changes to players in a league like ours, you must have leaders at the helm who think about the bigger picture and plan for long-term success. Also, we’ve been lucky enough to welcome a vast array of talented hockey players to Fayetteville over the last few years, but really, we attribute that to working on building a culture that players want to be a part of. From the rink (Crown), to player apartments, to the golf, restaurants, and attractions that make up our community - and we can’t forget the FANS! – That is what draws players to want to be a Marksmen.”
The team has been around for over two decades, although the name and ownership have changed throughout that time. Originally the Force, then the FireAntz, the team has been a staple in the community for 25 years.
“Hockey has a long history in Fayetteville,” Barr said. “The Marksmen officially began in 2017 when current owner and CEO Chuck Norris, a U.S. Army Veteran who served here at Fort Bragg, purchased the team. This upcoming season marks our ninth season here in Fayetteville, and our eighth season on the ice (COVID).”
Fans of the team can anticipate the regular season excitement they’ve come to experience with the Marksmen. From themed nights to jersey giveaways and new merchandise, to skating with the team after games, fans will be able to get in on the action with their favorite local hockey team.
“We can’t give away too many secrets just yet, but we’re really excited about this season’s specialty jerseys! On top of that, we’ll be rolling out brand-new merchandise throughout the year, so there will be plenty of fresh gear to rep the Marksmen,” Barr said. “One thing we can share is that we’re introducing an exclusive Season Ticket Holder merchandise line, giving our most loyal fans something extra special to show off their pride around the Sandhills this year.”
Marksmen hockey isn’t just about the fans coming to watch the team play, however. The entire team believes in supporting the community and growing the game. Barr said the team will continue to run youth clinics in the spring and fall called “Mini Marksmen.” These clinics are designed for players aged 4-17, where they can learn to play or sharpen their skills with the Marksmen players.
“We also work with groups in our areas to host tournaments, both on ice and on cement – called ‘ball hockey’, as well as host ‘Mites on Ice’, where local youth skaters play a small game during intermission at one of our Marksmen home games. Supporting the next generation of hockey players is something we’re proud to continue this season and beyond,” she said.
The season will start on Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Crown. The Marksmen will be facing off against the Knoxville Ice Bears. Tickets can be found at https://marksmenhockey.com/schedule/. The team will then have the next two weekends as away games before coming back on Nov. 1 against the Roanoke Railyard Dogs. The Nov. 1 game is also Dia de los Muertos night, and a jersey auction for the special Los Zorros game jerseys will be held after the game.
Barr mentioned that skating with the players will be held after every Saturday night home game and a few select holiday games. The full schedule can be seen on their website.
As for Barr and the Marksmen, they are excited for the puck to drop.
“Personally, I’m most excited to see the Crown Coliseum full of smiles and energy again. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of fans cheering—whether it’s for a goal, a big hit, the DJ playing a favorite song, or even winning a promotional game. That atmosphere is what makes game nights so special,” she said. “As an organization, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back and create those unforgettable moments that keep people returning year after year. Our goal is always to deliver more than just hockey—we want every fan to leave with memories that last a lifetime.”

Harnett County residents Kristi Bennett and Aric Allen are bringing Hounds Town, a national doggie daycare, boarding and spa brand, to Fayetteville this fall. The Fayetteville location on Ramsey St. will be the seventh one in the state. The grand opening date is to be announced, but the couple plans to introduce the concept at the Haymount Festival, where they’ll share services, pre-opening sign-ups and opening promotions.
Bennett and Allen said they chose Hounds Town for its proven behavior-first model and decades of canine-management expertise.
“We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel,” the owners said in a statement, adding that the franchise’s straightforward operations and emphasis on dog psychology made the brand the right fit for the market. The couple, whose household includes a U.S. Navy veteran, said the area’s large population of service members and shift workers also influenced their decision to offer extended hours.
Billed as a “town designed just for dogs,” Hounds Town locations provide fully interactive doggie daycare, overnight boarding and pet spa services. The Fayetteville site will feature expansive play areas for all-day, off-leash socialization; large luxury suites for overnight stays; and a day spa with bathing services. Dogs are grouped by size, temperament and play style to foster safe, natural pack behavior. Boarding guests play during the day and rest in private suites at night, with optional spa add-ons before checkout.
The founders of Hounds Town built the system on professional canine experience: the brand’s creator is a former New York City Police Officer who helped launch the NYPD’s canine unit, later served as the department’s Canine Training Officer and is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. Bennett and Allen are confident that pedigree, combined with the franchise’s straightforward operations, gave them confidence that they could deliver a safer, smarter experience for local pets.
“It’s a proven model that works,” they said.
Bennett and Allen said their decision to open in Fayetteville grew from dissatisfaction with current options.
“We weren’t happy with the services available,” they said. “Families deserve an all-inclusive place that puts dogs first, from structured social play to boarding and grooming, and that also works for real-world schedules.”
Marketing for the new location will be led, at least in spirit, by the couple’s basset hound Lola, affectionately dubbed the Head Hound in Charge and “marketing officer.” Lola will appear at community events and in social-media updates as the franchise builds relationships with local shelters, rescue groups and small businesses.
At the Haymount Festival this fall, the team plans to outline first-day procedures, including temperament assessments that ensure each dog lands in an appropriate play group. Staff will take pre-opening reservations for evaluations and distribute information on vaccination requirements, safety protocols and planned hours. Pricing and specific opening-week specials will be announced closer to launch.
Hounds Town’s approach centers on simplicity for pet parents and enrichment for dogs. The brand emphasizes continuous, supervised play over rotational kenneling, which it says produces calmer behavior at pickup and better overall health. Daily communication, optional report cards and guidance on at-home enrichment are part of the Fayetteville plan, the owners said. They also intend to offer extended morning and evening hours designed for commuters, hospital staff and military families.
As the seventh Hounds Town in North Carolina, the Fayetteville franchise will add capacity for a fast-growing region.
Residents can meet the team at the Haymount Festival, follow along on social media and sign up for grand-opening updates and exclusive offers. The opening date will be announced after final inspections are complete. Until then, the owners say, Lola will keep doing what she does best: greeting new friends, sniffing out photo ops and reminding the community that a wagging tail remains the best marketing there is.

When Rocky Dimico started Flights and Fables, a Fayetteville-area travel agency, they had one goal in mind: to help travelers step into the worlds they’d always dreamed about, from the rolling hills of New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings filming locations to the cobblestone streets of Europe’s fairy-tale towns.
That imaginative approach is paying off. At this year’s WORLD25 Lone Star Gala, held on Sept. 18, Dimico was honored with two of the organization’s top awards: the Sales Innovation Award and the Monarch Agency of Excellence Award.
The Sales Innovation Award recognizes a travel entrepreneur with the most creative sales and marketing strategies, from unique campaigns to new ways of reaching niche audiences.
The Monarch Agency of Excellence Award is given to agencies that demonstrate outstanding achievement and support of WorldVia Travel Network’s preferred and strategic partner suppliers, programs, products, events, community, and core values. Out of nearly 3,900 agencies, only 30 received this distinction in 2025.
“Winning both of these awards is an incredible honor,” said Dimico. “I’ve worked hard to build a travel agency that’s not only innovative but also deeply personal. These awards recognize my amazing clients and partners who trust me to bring their travel dreams to life.”
Flights and Fables specializes in fantasy-themed travel, trips inspired by beloved books, films, and legends, as well as curated journeys to Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and river cruise destinations.
Dimico’s passion for creating immersive experiences has set the agency apart nationally while serving clients locally in the Fayetteville and Raleigh areas.
For more information about Flights and Fables, visit www.flightsandfables.com or contact Rocky Dimico at rocky@flightsandfables.com or 984-977-8482.

(Photo courtesy of Flights and Fables’ Facebook page)

If you’re familiar with David Crowder, one characteristic will stand out above all others – and no, it’s not the epic beard, despite it being a great accompaniment to his old-school dark-rimmed glasses and high-top sneakers. No, it’s that he’s the personification of the first half of Proverbs 15:13 (KJV): “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance…” He’s always smiling. Crowder is disarmingly personable, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and humbly considers himself as utilitarian rather than a Christian music phenom. You get the feeling he is not simply content, but genuinely joyful with a kid-like eagerness to make music that points to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He refers to it as the Jimmy Buffett effect.
Each song Jimmy Buffett did, he, in some way, transported his listeners to flip-flops and a beach. Each song Crowder creates or performs must also bring his listeners to the same place, a place where we know we’re all sinners, but if we give our lives to God and recognize that Jesus died so we could not only live, but live in total freedom, we already are free. The freedom is release from fear, from sadness and from the crushing weight of guilt and shame. Crowder proves that not only can that be done and done well, but that it can be done in wildly different but equally beautiful ways. If you don’t like cookie-cutter, all-sounds-the-same, messaging-isn’t-right Christian music, Crowder is definitely your guy.
So many types of music present themselves in Crowder’s work that it’s futile to even try to pigeonhole it. When he first started making music for a church as a junior attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he felt a great weight to get it right. He wanted to ensure that every song the David Crowder* Band played represented biblical truths and enriched the hearer’s relationship with God. Lyrics that sounded nice, but that missed the point of Jesus’ truths, might provide a false sense of comfort at the cost of true salvation. So, Crowder reasoned that old-time hymns had been around a long time and were fully vetted. He started there.
Even now, nearly 30 years later, Crowder will often play a hymn. For example, his rendition of “Come Thou Fount” on the David Crowder* Band’s “All I Can Say” album is invigorating. Then he’ll switch to something like “Child of God” from Crowder’s “I Know A Ghost” album, which is “swampy,” full of handclapping, foot-stopping, banjo-fiddle-mandolin Appalachian porch music.
But he’s also appreciative of the artistry within the Christian hip hop community. The David Crowder Band* collaborated with Lecrea on “Shadows” for the 2011 “Passion: Here for You” live album, and electric bassist JR Collins appeared on Crowder’s hard-charging “Higher Power” from the “Milk and Honey Tour” album. Then he’s working with Zach Williams to put out the decidedly country single “Still” with accompanying day-on-the-water video. He’s sung a mountainy, pared-down version of “My Sweet Lord” with Emmylou Harris for the “Neon Steeple” album. In other words, his music spans all audiences, just like Jesus talking to all peoples.
David Wallace Crowder was born in Texarkana, Texas, 54 years ago this coming November. He’s been married to his wife, Toni, an architect and interior designer, for over 25 years. They live in Atlanta, Ga. From an early age, he started tinkering on the piano, so his mother made him take lessons. He didn’t enjoy the experience, but he couldn’t know then how well it would serve him throughout his career. At seven, he devoted his life to the Lord through a simultaneously humorous and potentially traumatic set of circumstances.
The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the gospel and Christian music industries. Crowder’s “Grave Robber” (2024), “Higher Power” (2022) and “Wildfire” (2019) were all recognized for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. In 2017, Crowder received a Dove Award in the Short Form Video category for “Run Devil Run,” and in 2015, the “Neon Steeple” album received recognition for packaging.
Awards validate an artist’s creativity, but living a life that is free of fear and letting others know how joyous that is, is what being born again is all about. When the David Crowder* Band disbanded, Crowder faced life-altering uncertainty. He loved making music, but his wife, who had managed the band, expressed her desire to follow her own dreams of working in architecture and interior design.
Crowder didn’t know what to expect. The couple moved from Texas, where they’d always lived, to Atlanta, an upheaval that added to the angst. This season of not knowing what he was supposed to be doing prompted him to lean on God to work out what he couldn’t envision. If God could lead the Israelites through the wilderness, then clearly, he could guide the Crowders to what they needed to be doing. It turned out that God’s plan was perfectly, uniquely and personally detailed, not just for Toni, but for Crowder himself.
The couple ended up in the Cabbagetown section of Atlanta, a residential area for what were once employees of the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills, established in the 1880s. Crowder began revisiting his childhood interest in bluegrass music. It turns out that Ralph Peer took recording equipment to this area of the city and began collecting the music he found there, including, much to his chagrin, the first known recording of “hillbilly” music.
In 1923, Peer recorded a song by Fiddling John Carson: “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane.” The Scots-Irish men and women, working the mill and stomping the grounds, would have been listening. The song was a huge success. And, it was recorded at the Nassau Street Studio, which was only about two miles from where the Crowders were now living on Carroll Street.
And that is how God works. Crowder determined that it was time to focus on his wife’s dreams. He was uprooted, unsure of the direction or how it would all work out, but in that process, God showed him that he’d had a plan for him, too, and that it dovetailed perfectly with his wife’s dreams. That’s grace, letting go to serve our spouses and being shown that God will guide us not only to be better husbands and wives, but that all along there’s a plan specifically designed for us, too.
Crowder will be performing Oct. 12 at the Crown Coliseum, 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville. Contemporary Christian worship band Passion Music and worship leader Kari Jobe Carnes and husband Cody Carnes are slated to warm up for Crowder. His pastor Louie Giglio will also take the stage. Attending the event supports Awakening Foundation, which provides meals, child sponsorship, and bible translations. For tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/the-grace-and-glory-tour

(Photo courtesy of Anna Deaton, Oak View Group/The Crown)

This fall, Fayetteville once again transforms into a nightmare realm of horror as Backwoods Terror Ranch makes its much-anticipated return. Hosted at Sweet Valley Ranch, this immersive haunted attraction invites thrill-seekers to step into the terrifying world of Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a man whose obsession with immortality and genetic manipulation plunged him into madness. From Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, visitors can brave three heart-stopping haunted attractions that promise to push fear to new limits.
The Legend of Dr. Surgeon
Let’s set the scene with the legend of Dr. Surgeon. The legend begins with Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a once-prominent plastic surgeon in Connecticut during the late 1800s. Known for pushing the boundaries of science, Surgeon’s unorthodox treatments eventually led to his exile from the medical community. Obsessed with eternal youth, he uprooted his family to Fayetteville, where he purchased a sprawling property, now known as Sweet Valley Ranch.
Here, Surgeon’s reputation as a visionary cloaked his darker pursuits: experiments in cross-species gene splicing, not only between animals but also between humans and beasts. As local suspicions mounted, he opened an asylum under the guise of caring for the mentally ill. The screams that echoed from his estate no longer drew concern; after all, who questions the cries of the insane?
But with failed experiments came mounting bodies, and the surgeon needed help concealing the evidence. Enter the Delamorte family, a sadistic clan from Texas who operated the property’s slaughterhouse. Together, Surgeon and the Delamortes wove a tapestry of horror that would haunt Fayetteville for generations.
Today, their legacy is resurrected in three chilling attractions that bring this dark history to life.
Sunnyside Sanctum
The journey into terror begins at Sunnyside Sanctum, once a towering institution intended to be both prison and sanctuary. Originally designed to house society’s most dangerous minds, the asylum eventually collapsed after a violent uprising. Patients seized control, forcing the surviving staff to flee and leaving the asylum in ruin.
Now, the Sanctum stands as a decaying labyrinth where the inmates have created their own twisted society. The air is thick with dread, and the walls seem to whisper warnings to those who dare enter. Each step through its crumbling halls heightens the risk of becoming a permanent resident. With its eerie history and unsettling atmosphere, Sunnyside Sanctum sets the stage for a night of relentless fear.
The Slaughterhouse
From there, guests are thrust into the grisly world of the Slaughterhouse, where the horrors of Surgeon’s failed experiments are laid bare. Once an abattoir for livestock, it became the Delamorte family’s gruesome workshop. Here, Surgeon’s hybrid creations, “huminals,” were butchered and sold alongside regular meat in local markets. But before the final round-up, these creatures revolted, massacring workers and escaping into the nearby woods.
Inside the Slaughterhouse, visitors encounter blood-soaked walls, chilling cries, and gruesome displays that force them to confront the true meaning of inhuman cruelty. The cries of victims echo through the dark corridors, and each room reveals disturbing scenes of torture, dismemberment, and forbidden science. For many, it’s an unforgettable experience, one that may leave them questioning their next meal.
The Dystopian Abyss
The terror culminates in The Dystopian Abyss, an outdoor haunted trail that plunges visitors into a nightmarish wasteland. This attraction blends psychological horror with relentless jump scares, ensuring that no moment feels safe. Tormented monsters lurk in the shadows, stalking guests as they wind their way through the abyss. The trail’s design disorients the senses, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.
Just when survivors think they’ve escaped, they stumble into Clownville, where sinister jesters with painted grins turn chaos into carnival-style terror. Every corner hides a new scare, and the clowns’ unpredictable antics keep guests constantly on edge. It’s a twisted finale that ensures your heart will still be racing long after you leave.
Backwoods Terror Ranch is open on select nights from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1:
• Oct. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Oct. 19 & 26: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 24–25, 31 & November 1: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ticketing Options:
• General Admission (all three attractions): $40–$55 (depending on night)
• VIP Fast Pass: $60 (includes all three attractions, VIP parking, a souvenir tumbler with unlimited punch refills, and a lighted necklace)
Single Attraction Tickets:
• Slaughterhouse: $12–$15
• Sunnyside Sanctum: $14–$17
• Dystopian Abyss: $22–$25
The ranch is located at 2990 Sunnyside School Road. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, though fast passes are recommended for peak nights. Purchase online tickets at https://backwoodsterrorranch.com/dates-times/
Why Backwoods Terror Ranch Stands Out
Unlike traditional haunted houses, Backwoods Terror Ranch offers a fully immersive storyline grounded in local lore. Every scream, set piece, and scare actor ties back to the legend of Dr. Surgeon, making the experience more cohesive and engaging than random jump scares. Each attraction is meticulously crafted to appeal to different fears. The variety ensures that no two screams are alike—and that everyone finds themselves tested at some point.
For those seeking a truly bone-chilling experience this Halloween season, Backwoods Terror Ranch delivers. It’s more than just a haunted house—it’s a deep dive into a terrifying legend brought vividly to life. The combination of immersive storytelling, high-quality set design, and dedicated scare actors ensures that each visit is unforgettable.
Whether you’re navigating the lawless halls of Sunnyside Sanctum, braving the gore-soaked Slaughterhouse, or surviving the twisted carnival of Clownville, one thing is certain: at Backwoods Terror Ranch, fear is guaranteed.
Gather your bravest friends, steel your nerves, and step into the nightmare. Just remember—once you enter Dr. Surgeon’s world, there’s no turning back.

Trap music, guided painting, free food, and conversations about mental health and self-expression—sounds like a fusion of the popular “paint & sip” and “trap karaoke” phenomena, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what it is! But it’s kid-friendly.
Picture a space where youth can spend the evening dabbling in grounding activities like freestyle painting, talking about what’s important to them, and participating in giveaways, all while live DJ vibes fill the room. That’s exactly what Molding Young Moguls, the youth services department of Community Outreach Advocates Resource and Referral Agency, has planned for youth who attend Beats & Brushes on Oct. 14.
“Our young people have real thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the things that affect them, and they deserve to be heard,” said program manager Brandy McGirt. “By giving them tools, resources, and safe spaces to express themselves, we can prevent crises and build a healthier, safer community for everyone. By building strong minds, we build strong future leaders.”
McGirt says she wants the community to know that strong mental health is just as important as physical health, and should never be seen as taboo. Instead of lecturing kids about their well-being or waiting for a crisis, Beats & Brushes keeps things accessible and fun with mental health and wellness tools “strategically embedded throughout the night.” She says their goal for the event is to “create a safe space where young people feel empowered to let down their walls, have fun and express themselves.” They’ll even have a licensed mental health professional present, providing resources and sharing a brief presentation.
Co-hosting the third annual Beats & Brushes are Alcohol & Drug Services and the Tia Hart Foundation. Molding Young Moguls often partners with a variety of organizations to host events, including their Community Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Talent Expo, and Freedom Day community cookout. Some youth members have even created recurring events such as Teen Talk Circle, an event formulated around the evidence-based Restorative Circles model. McGirt describes it as “an opportunity to address topics and events that affect their social and mental wellbeing in a judgement-free, positively affirming environment.”
With so many youth-centered events to choose from, why choose Beats & Brushes over any other? McGirt says attendees have so much fun, they don’t want to leave.
“Participants are always surprised at how much fun they have at these events! We have the toughest time getting people OUT the door at the end so we can clean up. Folks want to hang around to talk, recap and just continue to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Youth who attend wish they’d had resources like this sooner, according to McGirt.
“One of the most memorable comments I remember receiving was from a young adult who’d gone through the system who said, ‘I wish I had somebody like you 5 years ago. I know that would’ve helped me a lot,’” she shared.
Many youth want tools to deal with their mental health, but don’t know where to begin. Beats & Brushes brings them those tools.
It’s also about people who care for youth.
“This event is designed for everyone — whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a community member who cares about youth,” McGirt explained. “You’ll leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected. Plus, your presence shows our young people that their voices and well-being truly matter.”
“Come on out!” She encouraged attendees, “Our team can’t wait to meet you!”
Beats and Brushes will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 270 New Freedom Church Road. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/47VNxHj

This October, history and the supernatural collide in Hallowe’en Revels: Séance and Secrets at the 1897 Poe House. Hosted in partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, the immersive theatrical event promises an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense, and Victorian-era intrigue. Performances will run Oct. 10 and 11 and 17 to 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The story unfolds in the elegant but eerie rooms of the historic Poe House, where audiences will meet Mrs. Poe, a grieving widow desperate to reconnect with her departed husband. To bridge the gap between the living and the dead, she seeks the help of Madame Graham, a celebrated medium whose talents—and tricks—have captivated the county. Guests are invited to step into a world of flickering candlelight, hushed whispers, and spiritual suspense as they participate in a séance that blurs the line between history and haunting.
More than just a ghost story, the production offers audiences a glimpse into the fascinating world of 19th-century spiritualism. In the Victorian era, séances, mediums, and supernatural investigations were popular social entertainments, rooted in both genuine grief and a cultural obsession with the afterlife. Hallowe’en Revels explores not only the allure of these practices but also the skepticism that arose as debunkers and scientists sought to expose fraudulent mediums. This rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the chilling, interactive experience.
Each 45-minute performance takes place inside the 1897 Poe House itself, offering a rare chance to enjoy live theater within the walls of one of Fayetteville’s most iconic landmarks. With groups limited to just 15 people per show, the setting is intimate and atmospheric, ensuring that every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights adds to the tension.
Due to the space restrictions and the immersive nature of the performance, tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot. Tickets are $12.51 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/42a8dnhh.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the séance, as late arrivals will not be admitted once it begins. Visitors should also be prepared to walk, stand, and navigate stairs during the 45-minute experience.
For those seeking even more history, regular daytime tours of the Poe House are available, offering a detailed look at the home and the family who once lived there. For more information on tours, visit the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex website at https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/.
This Halloween season, dare to cross the threshold of the Poe House—if you’re brave enough to discover what secrets the spirits may reveal.

The Cumberland County Golf Championship has long been a highlight on the local amateur golf calendar. It remains the county’s premier amateur golfing event, and the tradition continues for the 57th consecutive year as the area’s most talented golfers gather at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, October 10 through 12.
This tournament brings together men, women, and youth competitors for three days of challenging golf played under official USGA rules—the same standards that have defined the event since its inception in 1968.
The CCGC format includes 54 holes of stroke play for the men’s divisions and 36 holes for the women’s division. For the first time, the minimum age for tournament participation has been lowered from 16 to 15 to accommodate the growing number of talented young golfers in Cumberland County. The tournament committee made this decision after discontinuing the youth division, but wanted to provide younger players with the experience, challenge, and opportunity to compete alongside adults.
Tournament Director Bill Bowman noted the Championship Flight is determined after the first 36 holes, meaning younger players could very well be included—giving seasoned competitors a run for their money. Their participation adds another exciting dimension to this year’s tournament and reflects a commitment to both tradition and progress. Bowman refers to these rising athletes as “the future of the CCGC.”
Tournament Format
The structure of the championship mirrors the rules and standards of the USGA. The men’s division, seniors, and super seniors will play 18 holes each day, totaling 54 holes of competition. The women’s division will play 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday. Each division will be flighted after 36 holes.
On Sunday, the Championship Flight will play from the Black Tees—the most challenging test Gates Four has to offer. This flight determines the 2025 Cumberland County Champion.
A Week of Tradition
The CCGC begins with a Welcome Champions’ Reception in the ballroom of Gates Four Golf & Country Club. Hosted by Gates Four, Healy Wholesale, Up & Coming Weekly, and tournament sponsors—with last year’s champion Chip Collins as the honored guest—this gathering welcomes past winners and renews old friendships as players share stories, recall triumphs, and prepare for the competition ahead.
It’s a fun and social reminder of how important this 57-year-old tradition is to the Cumberland County community.
On Sunday afternoon, following the final round, the new CCGC champion will be honored with a Winners’ Reception and Awards Presentation at the Gates Four Pavilion. This closing event celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie and is also hosted by tournament sponsors, with food and beverages provided by Gates Four and Healy Wholesale.
Defending Champion
Last year’s championship was one of the most exciting ever, with Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West—a talented golfer and ten-time CCGC champion—vying for his 11th title against top challengers John Masotti, Chris Holland, and Chip Collins. The 2024 title ultimately went to Collins, who shot an impressive score of 216, edging out Masotti (217) and Holland (218) by just one stroke. Now that’s exciting golf.
Collins’ win marked his third CCGC title, with previous victories in 2002 and 2008. Bowman anticipates all four competitors will be targeting the 2025 title come the final day.
The Course and Community
All rounds will be played at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, a course known for its beauty and challenge. Originally designed by Willard Byrd, it was redesigned in 2011 by Kris Spence and fully renovated in 1999 by Pinehurst native Dan Maples. The Maples layout demands precision and consistency across 6,895 yards—qualities that will determine the next Cumberland County Champion.
Kevin Lavertu has served as the club’s general manager since 2010 and works closely with the tournament committee to ensure the course is in championship condition and that the three-day event runs smoothly and professionally.
Bowman designated Gates Four as the official home of the championship in 2017, citing the course’s competitiveness, excellent condition, and the professionalism and hospitality of its management team.
Everyone Is Invited
One message both Bowman and Lavertu want to share with the golfing community: Everyone is invited. The CCGC tournament is the best golfing value in the county. The entry fee is only $125 for three days (54 holes) of great golf on an outstanding course. Women golfers pay $95 for their two days. All golfers get a free practice round before the tournament, free range balls, Vicky’s famous breakfast biscuits each morning, and on-course beverages and snacks provided by Healy Wholesale all three days.
Participants also enjoy a Champions’ Welcome Reception before the tournament, the Winners’ Reception and trophy presentation after the tournament, gift bags, and door prizes. That’s unbeatable value. The CCGC and Gates Four welcome all golfing enthusiasts.
Supporting Literacy and Education
The CCGC also supports a vital community cause: literacy and education in Cumberland County.
The tournament benefits the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free reading and educational resources to children, teachers, and parents throughout Cumberland County municipalities and Fort Bragg.
Both Up & Coming Weekly and the Kidsville News! Foundation proudly support the Cumberland County Literacy Council. This partnership bridges the connection between golf competition and community service.
Registration and Information
Players interested in competing in the 57th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship can register online at www.cumberlandcountygolfclassic.com. For questions regarding eligibility, divisions, or logistics, contact Bill Bowman directly at (910) 391-3859.
With the tournament only days away, Bowman is focused on final details—confident that this year’s event will be just as exciting as last year’s while upholding the honor and legacy of North Carolina’s oldest and most continuously running golf tournament.

(Photo: Chip Collins was the winner of the 2024 Cumberland County Golf Championship, becoming a three time winner of the event.)

When most people think of Oktoberfest, images of lederhosen, beer steins, and German folk music might come to mind. However, in Hope Mills, Oktoberfest takes on a uniquely creative twist with Beardtoberfest. Hosted by Cape Beard, it is a facial hair competition that blends the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with the flair of Comic-Con and the artistry of competitive bearding.
This year’s event will take place on Oct. 18, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom in Hope Mills. Admission is $15, and competition entry is free; all proceeds benefit the Karen Chandler Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients in Cumberland County.
A Festival with Heart
Beardtoberfest is more than just an entertaining evening of quirky competitions—it’s a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and community impact. Since its founding, the event has raised over $68,000 for this charity, directly supporting local families in their fight against cancer. Beyond the dollars, Beardtoberfest introduces many attendees to the Karen Chandler Trust for the first time, spreading awareness about the organization’s mission and the services it provides.
“Beardtoberfest brings people from all walks of life together,” says Steve Brack, Vice President of Cape Beard. “At its core, it’s about raising money for a cause that means so much to our community, while having fun in the process.”
Origins and Evolution
Beardtoberfest wasn’t always the Comic-Con meets Oktoberfest extravaganza it is today. Brack explains that the event began over a decade ago when members of Cape Beard were inspired by other beard and moustache clubs hosting competitions. The name “Beardtoberfest” was gifted to them by the Beard and Moustache Club of North Carolina, which had stopped holding its winter competition. Originally, the event had a Star Wars theme, making it the first of its kind in the world.
“After 10 years, we decided to switch it up and embrace a Comic-Con theme,” Brack says. “That way we could feature a wider range of characters on our posters, merchandise, and decorations.”
This year’s theme puts a playful spin on Gotham City with a Batman and Robin twist.
One tradition, however, has remained unchanged: the event’s introductory music.
“It’s been the same since the beginning,” Brack says with a laugh. “People expect it, and it sets the tone for the night.”
Categories for Everyone
Beardtoberfest prides itself on inclusivity, offering 13 categories to ensure that everyone—from children in costumes to freestyle beard stylists—has a chance to shine. Categories range from “Children’s Costume Contest” and “Lady: Creative” to meticulously judged divisions like “Full Beard: Natural 12 inches and more” and “Freestyle.”
“We wanted to cover all the facial hair possibilities,” Brack explains. “But we also had to keep the number manageable, so the event doesn’t run into the early hours of the morning.”
Judging and Community Spirit
Judges are carefully selected to ensure fairness and expertise.
“We look for three judges who understand the finer points of facial hair—style, color, texture, personality—and two more who are typically local supporters of the event,” Brack says. “Everyone is always excited to take part.”
Be sure to stay tuned to Cape Beard’s Facebook page to see their announcement of the judges this year for Beardtoberfest at https://www.facebook.com/cape.beard.9.
The real magic of Beardtoberfest is in the audience. For many first-time attendees, what starts as a curious outing quickly becomes a night of cheering, laughter, and amazement.
“It may sound a little odd at first,” Brack admits, “but once you’re there, you get swept up in the fun.”
Looking Ahead
With steady growth over the years, Cape Beard envisions Beardtoberfest expanding even further.
“In the next 5–10 years, we see it continuing to grow, pun intended,” Brack jokes. “The club hopes to bring in high-profile guest judges and perhaps even introduce new categories or themed partnerships.”
For newcomers considering stepping onto the stage, Brack has simple advice: “Do it! It’s free to compete, it’s a great time, and you might just walk away with a trophy.”
Don’t miss Beardtoberfest happening on Oct. 18. It will be held at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, starting at 7 p.m. Whether you’re sporting a perfectly groomed moustache, a wild freestyle beard, or just want to enjoy a night of fun, food, and philanthropy, Beardtoberfest promises an experience like no other.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Beard’s Facebook page)

Every time I hear the words “domestic violence,” I immediately think or say, “Run for your life.”
Every 9 seconds, a woman is assaulted in the United States, and 1 in 3 women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, with nearly 10 million people subjected to domestic violence each year. Globally, over a quarter of women in relationships have experienced some form of violence from an intimate partner.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The “Remember My Name” Domestic Violence Vigil is Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse in downtown Fayetteville.
“We have been doing this event for as long as I can remember, and Judge Beth Keever started it,” said Deborah Cashwell, victims’ witness coordinator for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and community partner of the Domestic Violence Vigil. “We always have it in October because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we raise awareness about domestic violence and try to get the community involved.”
The solemn event features keynote speaker Michelle McKenney. She is a veteran, therapist, entrepreneur, speaker and author.
“We are happy that she is sharing her experiences with domestic violence, and I am sure it will be heartfelt,” said Cashwell.
Amy White, from the Cumberland County CARE Center, is the Mistress of Ceremony. Chief District Court Judge Toni King will give the opening remarks. Cumberland County Commissioner Chairman Kirk deViere will deliver remarks. Cumberland County Commissioner Glenn Adams will facilitate the balloon release. “We have released doves in the past, but this year we will release balloons to remember the lives that were lost from domestic violence,” said Cashwell.
The 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Chorus will perform. Representatives from Fort Bragg will be in attendance. Retired Chief District Court Judge Beth Keever will read the names of the victims who have died during the past year in North Carolina due to domestic violence. LED candles will be lit in remembrance of each victim.
“This year, there are not that many victims who lost their lives to domestic violence compared to last year,” said Cashwell. “Those names will be listed in the program, and we will say their names.”
She added, “We will ring a bell for the victims in Cumberland County when their name is called.”
According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) website, from Jan. 1, 2025, to Sept.10, 2025, there have been 47 domestic violence murders in North Carolina, which is down from 94 domestic violence murders that took place in 2024. The website tracks deaths that are a result of domestic violence, and the list includes the names of victims killed by their current or former partner, as well as third parties who are killed because of intimate partner death. Intimate partners include same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partners.
Domestic violence not only affects the victims, but it also impacts their families as well. It is very disheartening to have to make funeral arrangements to bury your loved one due to the act of domestic violence. If you are currently in a domestic violence situation, please heed this message. You have got to love yourself enough to leave and/or run for your life. You deserve a life of peace and happiness. You are not alone, and there are resources to assist you. The Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
The faithful organizers of the Domestic Violence Vigil include The Cumberland County District Court, the CARE Center for Family Violence Program, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Hope Mills Police Department, Army Community Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Phoenix Center.
Information tables will be set up to talk to individuals who have questions and to share resources for domestic violence, such as how to do a safety plan, how to obtain a protection order, how to get out of a domestic violence situation, and more.
“Bringing these resources to let people know what is out there might get somebody thinking and say that they can go to the CARE Center or the shelter,” said Cashwell. “This is their first step of getting out of that domestic violence situation.”
Cashwell added, “There are definitely ways to do it safely because everyone’s situation is different.”
Cashwell’s goal for the event is to garner community support for domestic violence.
“This is more than just a ceremony, this is a call to action for reminding us how deeply domestic violence affects individuals, their families and the community,” said Cashwell. “I would like to see people become more aware of domestic violence, volunteer with some of these community partners, support one another and come up with some solutions.”
Please wear purple to the event. All attendees will receive a goody bag, and there will be a raffle for three gift baskets. The courthouse is located at 117 Dick Street. For more information, call 910-475-3222 or email Sanya Eller, court manager, at Sanya.T.Eller@nccourts.org.

Ladies, are you looking for a low-key, one-stop shop for your health questions? Cape Fear Valley Health has you covered. Their upcoming Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair is free and geared toward women of all ages. They want to help you take charge of your health and well-being by providing free health screenings, educational resources, interactive experiences, and wellness services from Cape Fear Valley Health experts, all in a supportive environment. Complete with food trucks, the event is sure to keep you energized and inspired.
“When women flourish, communities thrive,” says the Facebook event page. Shelby Vermilyea, Marketing Coordinator with Cape Fear Valley Health, says the event was inspired by a growing need for women in the community to have greater access to health education and preventative resources. “Flourish was created to give women a fun, approachable way to learn more about their health while connecting directly with experts who can guide and support them,” she explained.
Known in the region as one of the largest health systems, Cape Fear Valley Health provides a wide range of services, according to Vermilyea.
“Primary care, specialty clinics, advanced surgery, women’s and children’s care, and leading-edge treatment centers,” she listed, adding, “Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of every patient we serve.” They provide that care with a focus on excellence and compassion, often proactively bringing health resources and education to the community, instead of waiting for the community to come to them.
Past events, some of which are recurring, have included Arthritis Support Groups, Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups, Life After Stroke Support Team, Art Therapy for Cancer Patients, and Umoja Festival.
Their first-ever Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair will be held at the stunning Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a rejuvenating and calm environment for women to explore important questions about their well-being. Come prepared with any and every health query.
Whatever your need, Flourish will have resources. Vermilyea says the afternoon “will feature a wide variety of educational booths covering topics such as stroke awareness, sleep health, trauma education, OB/GYN care, senior health services, cancer prevention, high-risk breast cancer, bariatrics, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, skin health, NICU support, and more.”
Their recruitment team will also be present to share information on healthcare careers, hiring opportunities, and scholarships.
For free health screenings, attendees can visit the “Ask a Doctor” booth, a supportive space staffed by residents where attendees can ask personal questions about their health. Attendees can also participate in free cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, body mass index measurements, and blood typing.
Vermilyea invites women of all ages and their families to enjoy the event, taking advantage of the chance to connect with healthcare professionals in a welcoming environment.
“Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair will be an evening filled with education, community, and fun,” she explained. “Your health is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. We encourage every woman to join us.”

The Cape Fear Valley Health Women's Health Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 14, starting at 4 p.m. at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

Raeford is once again gearing up for one of its most anticipated traditions—the NC Fall Festival on Main Street on Oct. 18, starting at 9 a.m. This beloved event, which draws visitors from across North Carolina and beyond, will take place with more excitement, vendors, and entertainment than ever before.
Festival-goers can explore more than 170 vendor booths showcasing everything from handmade pottery and jewelry to boutique clothing, candles, woodwork, and photography. Over 24 food trucks will be on hand, serving up local favorites and flavors from across the state. Families can also look forward to live entertainment on two stages, a special Kidz Corner, face painting, and a lineup of activities that celebrate Raeford’s small-town charm.
The NC Fall Festival has deep roots in the community. What began in the 1980s as the NC Turkey Festival has evolved over the decades, but the heart of the celebration remains the same.
“Raeford wanted to bring a fun, family-friendly event that brought in crafters and businesses,” explained Melissa Crull, Executive Director of the NC Fall Festival. “Over the years, it has changed names but has always remained the same small-town festival.”
Crull emphasized that this year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet.
“Visitors can expect more booths than we’ve ever had and more activities that are free fun for the whole family. We want the kids to feel included in our festival and to have something to look forward to as well.”
At the Kidz Corner, children will enjoy a variety of games and activities at no cost.
“We have many fun and free things for the kids to do,” Crull said. “It’s important to us that families know this event is for everyone.”
Music lovers will also be in for a treat. The festival’s entertainment lineup includes gospel, bluegrass, R&B, and more, filling downtown Raeford with sounds as diverse as the community itself. With two stages, guests can wander the festival while enjoying continuous live performances.
And for car enthusiasts, the fun doesn’t stop at the vendor booths. The NC Fall Festival Car Cruise-In will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the same day. All makes and models—classic cars, custom builds, muscle cars, imports, and even motorcycles—are welcome. The event is free to enter, with no registration required.
“Shine up your ride and cruise on over,” the invitation reads. Attendees can also enjoy a 50/50 raffle, food vendors, and great music while admiring rows of polished chrome and horsepower.
For Crull, the heart of the NC Fall Festival is about more than just the attractions—it’s about community.
“If someone has never been to a festival, I would emphasize the family-friendly fun, the small-town charm, and the welcoming of the community,” she said. “There’s something for everyone.”
With its mix of local artistry, delicious food, lively entertainment, and hometown pride, the NC Fall Festival continues to honor its roots while growing into something even bigger. Whether you’re coming for the shopping, the music, the car cruise, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, one thing is certain: this year’s festival is not to be missed. The NC Fall Festival 2025 will take place at 101 N Main Street in Raeford.

(Photo courtesy of NC Fall Festival Facebook Page)

On Saturday, Oct. 11, music lovers in Fayetteville will be transported on a breathtaking journey around the world as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the First Presbyterian Church Choir to present Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann Street, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
This highly anticipated performance marks the return of a fan favorite—one that captures the very spirit of unity through music. Forrest’s Jubilate Deo, first premiered in 2016, brings to life the global dimension of Psalm 100, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands.” Rather than limiting the sacred text to a single cultural voice, Forrest expands its reach by setting it in seven different languages, each paired with musical influences from its cultural roots.
The work unfolds across seven movements: Jubilate Deo (Latin), Ve adthdor vador (Hebrew and Arabic), Ta cao chang de yang (Mandarin Chinese), Ngokujabula! (Zulu), Bendecid su nombre(Spanish), Song of the Earth (untexted), and Omnis Terra (a culmination of languages, including English). Each section blends traditional stylistic elements—whether liturgical chant, Middle Eastern modes, African rhythms, or Chinese folk colorings—with Forrest’s signature lyrical and cinematic style.
In the composition Song of the Earth, untexted describes a vocal section or passage without specific written lyrics. Rather than performing actual words, vocalists use sounds such as “ah,” “mm,” or similar vowel combinations to create mood and emotional impact.
The result is a kaleidoscope of sound that highlights the universality of joy and praise. Voices and instruments intertwine to evoke the vibrancy of global traditions yet seamlessly return to the common thread of celebration. From the reverent grandeur of Latin liturgy to the exhilarating pulse of Zulu rhythms, audiences will experience both the diversity and the unity of the human spirit.
For fans of powerful choral harmonies, dynamic orchestral textures, and music with cultural depth, this performance promises to be an unforgettable evening. Jubilate Deo is more than a concert—it is an invitation to witness how music can bridge worlds and reflect a shared humanity.
Tickets are available through the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s website, and seating is expected to fill quickly. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available for military personnel, teachers, seniors, and college students. Purchase online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1237498?performanceId=11631931.
Don’t miss this chance to experience Dan Forrest’s extraordinary work and celebrate a night where, truly, “all the earth sings as one.”

Fayetteville fandom, it’s time to rejoice! The inaugural Fan Fest will take over the Crown Complex and Downtown Fayetteville on Oct. 17 through 19, for one of the biggest events in the county, celebrating the worlds of anime, comics, cosplay, gaming, science fiction, fantasy, and everything beyond and in between. Experience two days of costumes, celebrity panels, vendors, food, and most importantly, friends. Fan Fest promises to be an unforgettable time, for the smallest attendee to the seasoned festival-goer.
Grab your friends or your family and head to The Sweet Palette, 101 Person Street, for the Fan Fest Comics and Cupcakes kickoff on Friday, Oct. 17. The Dragon’s Lair Art Team is hosting this family-friendly event. Grab a cupcake, find a table, and start sketching. The art team will be providing feedback on sketches for interested artists. Admission is $1, and all proceeds go to the Karen Chandler Trust, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting cancer patients and their families. The fun doesn’t stop there… for the adults. 226 The Warehouse will host the official Fayetteville Fan Fest Kickoff Party featuring Raleigh’s DJ Jimmi V. Doors open at 8 p.m. and admission is $15, with VIP options available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/skpndgg.
Saturday and Sunday, Fan Fest takes over the Crown. Dress to impress… and maybe win a contest for a full day of over 80 vendors, live music, lip syncing, and panels from some fan favorites. Doors open at 10 a.m., with D.J. Moniy on the ones and twos, getting the crowd ready for a full schedule of entertainment. Organizers have pulled out all the stops to create a festival that people will be talking about and anticipating next year’s lineup.
Gamers, make sure to tap in at the Stop Button gaming competition. They’ll be crowning the best in the Crown for a Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter 6 tournament.
Cosplayers, no need to worry, Fan Fest has you covered. Litmus Cosplay is hosting the cosplay competition.
“From armor builds to anime icons, superheroes to original creations—this is your moment to shine.”
Special guests this inaugural year will include Alice Wolves, a nationally known cosplayer, Giovannie Samuels from Nickelodeon’s All That and That’s So Raven, Marilyn Ghigliotti, and Vincent Periera from Clerks and Clerks III. Fayetteville native, mental health advocate, award-winning writer, and Survivor: Edge of Extinction star, Keith Edward Sowell, will also be present. If the lineup of special guests wasn’t tempting enough, organizers are bringing back the highly popular Nerd Slam, a nationally recognized competition.
“Nerd Slam is a high-energy, interactive event where contestants compete for prizes. Participants dive into the worlds of anime, comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and fandoms, turning their passion for “nerdy” culture into a king of the hill WINNER TAKE ALL!!!”
Fan Fest can’t be contained to the walls of the Crown. After the Crown closes the doors Saturday night, the party continues around the city with “Side Quests.” The Side Quests will take place across the city and include family-friendly and 21+ only events. Participating businesses include Archives, Gaston Brewing Company, Stop Button, Vibe Gastropub, The Sip Room, and Winterbloom Tea. A full list of “Side Quests” and festival schedule can be found online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/fayettevillefanfest-20696/?srsltid=AfmBOorHjUdBZjhxIEv_FT8nR5h56IJ2gDQH6V3VS7efOnGidNfDFwo5.
Tickets can be purchased at the Crown Complex box office during business hours or online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/fayetteville-fan-fest-2025-saturday-fayetteville-north-carolina-10-18-2025/event/2D006305AC0F2C87.
Sponsors have been a vital part of making this new edition to the Fayetteville Festival scene successful and fun. Those include Base Con, VerseCon, Poetry-n-Motion, LLC, Bowens Counseling Services PLLC, Fayetteville Heckler, Fit4Life Hope Mills, and FayToday News.
LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens, Director of Programming, is beyond excited to see the vision he and other organizers have been planning for quite some time now, stating, “Fayetteville Fan Fest is designed to be for everyone who loves fandom and community—from lifelong collectors to casual fans, families, and people who just want to experience something new and fun in Fayetteville.
“At its heart, Fan Fest is for anyone who wants to connect through stories, creativity, and fandom—no matter your age, background, or level of experience. Fayetteville Fan Fest has the potential to add value to Cumberland County on several levels: It brings a large-scale pop culture festival to the area, something usually reserved for bigger cities. This diversifies the county’s cultural offerings and makes Fayetteville a hub for fandom and creativity. The festival offers accessible, family-friendly programming like the Autism Trunk or Treat, making it inclusive to all residents. Side Quests and after-hours events encourage people to explore Fayetteville beyond the Crown Complex, spreading foot traffic across the city. This strengthens the county’s image as a place where arts, culture, and entertainment thrive, helping long-term tourism and community pride,” he said.
Fan Fest has been a passion project for Bowen and others.
“The idea for Fan Fest was born from a vision between Keith Gibbs of The Raleigh Llama, LLC and me to bring something fresh and exciting to Fayetteville—an event that goes beyond a traditional convention and creates a festival-style atmosphere with panels, celebrity guests, artist showcases, gaming, live performances, and family-friendly programming. The goal was to give local fans the same level of experience you’d find in larger cities while still highlighting Fayetteville’s own culture and community,” he explained.
Fan Fest truly has an impact on Fayetteville. The first step is community involvement. Purchase tickets, explore the Side Quests, and enjoy Fan Fest 2025!

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has officially launched an extensive search for a new music director, marking a significant leadership transition as the esteemed Maestro Stefan Sanders prepares to conclude his impactful tenure at the end of the 2025–2026 season. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the orchestra’s history, as it approaches its 70th anniversary celebration.
Sanders, who has masterfully served as music director since 2017, has been widely acclaimed for transforming the artistic landscape of the orchestra while substantially expanding its community footprint. During his nine-year tenure, he has consistently pushed boundaries and elevated performance standards to new heights. He will continue to guide the FSO through the upcoming season before transitioning to focus on his expanding responsibilities with the Central Texas Philharmonic, where his innovative approach to orchestral leadership has garnered significant attention.
The symphony’s board of directors has carefully crafted a comprehensive and community-centered search process, reflecting their commitment to finding a leader who can build upon Sanders’ remarkable legacy. Applications for the position will be accepted through Nov. 1, with the board emphasizing their search for a multifaceted conductor. The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional musical prowess while showing a genuine dedication to music education, innovative programming approaches, and meaningful community collaboration. The board has established a detailed set of criteria that encompasses artistic excellence, leadership capabilities, and community engagement skills. For more information or to apply, visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org
During the 2026–2027 concert season, which coincides with the orchestra’s milestone 70th anniversary celebration, finalist candidates will each have the opportunity to guest conduct a full concert with the orchestra. These performances will serve as public auditions, creating an inclusive selection process that involves not only the musicians but also patrons and community stakeholders. Each concert will feature carefully selected repertoire that allows candidates to showcase their conducting style, interpretative abilities, and rapport with both the orchestra and audience.
Under Sanders’ distinguished leadership, the FSO has achieved remarkable growth across multiple fronts. The orchestra has significantly expanded its education initiatives, introducing innovative programs that reach thousands of students annually. Sanders has boldly diversified the orchestra’s repertoire, seamlessly blending traditional masterworks with contemporary compositions and introducing audiences to previously underrepresented composers. The FSO has also premiered several original works during his tenure, establishing itself as a champion of new music in the region. Perhaps most notably, the orchestra has strengthened its vital connections with Fort Bragg and local educational institutions, making classical music more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences across Cumberland County.
While the departure of a long-serving conductor traditionally creates a period of uncertainty, FSO leaders are approaching this transition with optimism and vision. They see this change as an opportunity to build upon their strong foundation while exploring new artistic directions and community partnerships. The search committee, comprising board members, musicians, and community representatives, is committed to finding a leader who can honor the orchestra’s rich history while steering it confidently into the future.
The new music director will be announced following the completion of the 2026–2027 season and will officially begin their tenure in the fall of 2027. This carefully planned timeline ensures a smooth transition and allows the incoming director adequate time to plan their inaugural season. The selected candidate will inherit an orchestra that has been transformed under Sanders’ leadership, with a dedicated musician roster, engaged audience base, and strong community support system in place.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Facebook Page)

Another community organization is backing the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine because of the positive impact it’s expected to have on Cumberland County and the broader Southeast region.
The Cumberland Community Foundation announced a $1 million grant to the medical school at its annual Founders & Friends event.
It’s the largest grant ever awarded from the foundation’s unrestricted endowment fund, and will go towards the school’s $120 million in startup costs and scholarships for students.
“We are pleased to announce support that will improve the quality of life in southeastern North Carolina and increase our access to quality healthcare in the future,” Ricky Lopes, chair of the foundation’s board of directors, said in his remarks.
The grant comes a little over a month after the Duke Endowment gave $1.5 million to the medical school. Not including the foundation’s grant, the medical school has raised approximately $23 million in cash and commitments, Brad Johnson, director of marketing and communications for Methodist University, told CityView. That brings the school close to the $30 million fundraising goal announced at its topping off ceremony in April.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the foundation for awarding this to us,” Dr. Hershey Bell, founding dean of Methodist University’s College of Medicine, told CityView. “This is truly a medical school for the county, for the region, for the city of Fayetteville, and for the community foundation to recognize that and support it means the world to us.”
First announced in 2023, the medical school is a partnership between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health, North Carolina’s eighth-largest health system. The school expects to welcome its first class of 64 students in July 2026 and has already hired over 50 full-time employees to educate them, Bell said. Seventy employees will be on staff by the time students arrive, and another 30 — for a final total of 100 — will come on board by 2028.
The school is currently pending accreditation from the Liaison Commission on Medical Education, the accrediting organization for medical schools providing MD degrees. However, Bell said he expects a congratulatory call from the liaison about three weeks from now.
Bell, Lopes and leaders from Cape Fear Valley Health and Methodist University have touted how the future medical school will improve health outcomes and Cumberland County’s economy. Both Michael Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, and Stanley Wearden, president of Methodist University, spoke about how the school will help address the region’s “doctor desert” at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s State of the Community event in August.
Southeastern North Carolina has a shortage of several types of medical care, including mental health, primary and maternity care, according to a 2025 report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the nonprofit
March of Dimes.
“This is really what this school is about: Producing physicians for our region for the future,” Bell said.
Physicians are already coming to Cape Fear Valley Health because of the medical school, Bell said, and Methodist University is seeing an influx in professors applying to work at the school. In total, the medical school expects to create over 800 jobs in the community, Lopes told the over 100 Founders & Friends event attendees.
Bell expects more employers to come to the county as a result of the medical school.
“When businesses look to open in communities like ours, they look at two things really,” Bell said. “Is there good education for my employees’ children and is there good health care for my employees and their families?”
The potential impact a successful medical school would have on Cumberland County is why Lopes encouraged those in attendance to consider donating.
“Many of you have already supported this transformational resource for our community,” Lopes said. “And we hope others will do the same.”

UCW Editor’s Note: This article has been edited due to space constraints. To read the article in full, visit https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/methodist-university-cape-fear-valley-health-school-of-medicine-medical-school-receives-1-million-dollar-grant-from-cumbnerland-community-foundation/

City of Fayetteville
Early voting for the City of Fayetteville primary runs through Oct. 4 for the ten mayoral candidates and the nine city districts. The official primary election is on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
On Sept. 22, the Fayetteville City Council heard from the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation who presented a $22 million expansion for SteelFab, a steel fabrication plant, which would bring 42 more jobs with an average annual salary of $66,700 to the community. The current factory is on Shaw Mill Road and has 58 employees. The council approved giving SteelFab $327,487 to build its expansion here. Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the FCEDC, said a similar grant request is pending for the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 6.
Here are a few more City announcements:
• The citywide fall cleanup event, Fayetteville Beautiful is scheduled to take place on Oct. 4 with supply pickup starting at 8 a.m. at 121 Lamon Street. Anyone interested should register at fayettevillebeautiful.com and select a location on the interactive map to reserve the space.
• The Historic Market House is getting a new facelift with new LED lighting, which will allow for different colors for special occasions and community recognitions. This project not only includes installing decorative LED lighting, but also includes structure restoration, improving ADA access and pedestrian safety and installing informational kiosks, displaying the history of the Market House and other historic content according to City officials.
• Another new change was the honoring of a former mayor on Wednesday, Sept. 24 by naming Cross Creek Park to Mayor Beth Finch Park and unveiling a monument in her honor. Finch served as the Fayetteville City Council from 1971 to 1975 and became mayor in 1975.
• A new inclusive play space will be installed at the Dorothy D. Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center at 1600 Purdue Drive in Fayetteville. The new playground equipment being installed is an inclusive design “to provide enjoyable and meaningful play experiences for children of all abilities. The play space features sensory exploration, physical challenges and opportunities for social connection,” according to City officials. The project should be completed in November.

Cumberland County
On Sept. 15, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a transfer of governance of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (FACVB operating as “DistiNCtly Fayetteville”) to the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority. The FACVB Board of Directors moved to dissolved their board in June.
The FACVB serves to position Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, tournaments and individual travel, while the TDA promotes increased travel, tourism and use of lodging, meeting and convention facilities in Cumberland County. The consolidated board of directors works to streamline operations according to Devin Heath, president and CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville. A large portion of the Arts Council funding also comes from the TDA.
The board also approved a meeting attendance policy for boards and commissions. The new policy states that an appointed member shall attend at least 75% of meetings and appointees who miss two consecutive meetings can be removed.

Joint City of Fayetteville - Cumberland County Liaison Committee
On Sept. 15, committee members received updates for the proposed 911 operations call center, which would consolidate efforts between the City and the County to “enhance public safety, improve efficiency and position the community for a safer future.” The proposal to consolidate the 911 call center efforts was approved in April and a new Communications Advisory Board will be formed to oversee policies and procedures. Both City Council and the Board of Commissioners will hear more at their meetings in October on how to further unite the efforts.
The committee also heard from Sean Schreiber of Alliance Health, who provided updates for a new reentry program beginning in December and a partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health. Alliance Health will also be partnering with the Joint 911 Call Center to improve a behavioral health response.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce’s impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

Welcome back to the wonderful world of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Today, we enter a forest to meet a Prince, his faithful but clumsy servant, 12 murderers, and a Princess. The truth shall set you free. Unless you are questioned by the police, you are advised to consult with an attorney before answering questions. The Prince in our story gets interrogated by a Princess. Spoiler Alert: Despite telling her the truth, it turns out OK for the Prince. Remember, this is a fairy tale. Any resemblance to real life is purely coincidental.
Once upon a time, a Prince came down with wanderlust. He rode into the forest with his trusty servant to seek adventure. Near dark, he began looking for a place to spend the night. He found a cottage in the woods with a beautiful girl standing outside the door. He asked if they could spend the night. She warned him that her wicked stepmother lived there and not to eat or drink anything she offered him. The Prince did not fear witches, but he did not consume any food or drink just to be safe. The next morning, the Prince rode away before his servant finished saddling his horse. The witch offered the servant a cup of ale to take to the Prince. The servant, who was a butter-fingered lout, spilled the cup on his horse. The horse immediately died as the witch’s brew was poison.
The servant caught up with the Prince. On returning to the cottage to retrieve the abandoned saddle, they found a raven eating the eye of the dead horse. Unsure of when or if they would find food, they killed the raven and took it with them for supper. That evening, they saw an inn in the woods. The servant gave the innkeeper the raven to cook for their supper. It turned out that twelve murderers were also staying at the inn. The innkeeper was about to serve the Prince when the murderers grabbed the raven stew for themselves. After one bite, each of the murderers died because the raven had been poisoned by eating the horse’s eyeball.
The innkeeper skedaddled from the inn, leaving his beautiful daughter behind. She showed the Prince where the murderers had hidden all their stolen treasures. Being an honest man, he refused her offer to take the robber’s stolen booty.
Next, the Prince rode into a town ruled by the King. The King had a beautiful daughter who prided herself on being the greatest riddle solver in the world. She promised to marry anyone who could ask her a riddle she could not solve in 3 days. If she solved the riddle, then her suitor would have his head chopped off. Nine men tried and nine men died. The Prince, being smitten by her beauty, took up her challenge. He asked her this riddle: “One killed none, but still killed twelve. Who was it?”
The Princess was stumped. She sent her maid to sneak into the Prince’s bed chamber to try to overhear if he talked in his sleep about the riddle. On the first night, the Prince faked sleep. He snatched the maid’s robe and chased her away with a stick. He did the same on the second night, again snatching her robe. Finally, on the third night, the Princess herself stole into his room. He pretended to be asleep as the Princess whispered his riddle into his ear. He gave her the answer: “A raven ate the flesh of a dead horse that was poisoned and died itself. Then 12 murderers ate the raven stew and died.” He grabbed her royal robe when she ran from his room.
The next morning, the Princess proudly announced she had solved the riddle. She presented her explanation to the court’s 12 Riddle Masters. It appeared the Prince was doomed. Then he explained that he had been awake and given her the answer, as she would never have figured it out on her own. The Riddle Masters asked for proof. He produced the 3 robes from the maids and the Princess to prove his story was true. The Riddle Masters ruled in his favor that he had stumped the Princess. She had to marry him. He ultimately inherited the entire Kingdom when her father died.
MORAL: This is possibly the only documented time a man telling a woman the truth worked out well for the man. Remember, this is a fairy tale. Gentlemen, don’t try this at home. As Tony Soprano said to Dr. Melfi: “Is this a woman thing? You ask me how I am feeling. I tell you how I’m feeling, and now you’re gonna torture me with it?” No ravens were harmed during the writing of this column.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

What is the most popular state in the continental United States? You guessed it: our own North Carolina.
That’s the headline from a recent YouGov survey of more than 2,000 American adults. Asked whether they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, 68% of respondents expressed a favorable view of Hawaii. The second-highest favorability rating was North Carolina’s 62%, followed by Alaska (61%), Tennessee (60%), and Colorado (59%).
Of course, to say North Carolina is a highly regarded state is not to say it is equally popular across subgroups of respondents. As you might expect to see within today’s political context, assessments differ sharply by partisan affiliation.
The share of Democrats with a favorable view of California (86%) was far higher than the share of Republicans who view it favorably (23%). On the flipside, Florida was viewed favorably by 83% of Republicans and 36% of Democrats. One reason the Tar Heel State fared so well in the rankings is that the partisan spread isn’t so huge, with 73% of Republicans and 59% of Democrats expressing a favorable view.
Could this be in part because of divided government? For most of the past 15 years, Democrats have held our governorship and Republicans have controlled our state legislature. Perhaps that gives voters in both partisan coalitions a sense of empowerment. As it happens, other states with divided government also exhibited relatively modest gaps in partisan favorably, including Arizona (64% among Republicans, 57% among Democrats), Pennsylvania (52% and 66% respectively), Wisconsin (53% and 57%), and Virginia (61% and 62%).
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, however. Kentucky and Michigan also feature divided government, but much larger partisan gaps in favorability.
Other drivers of North Carolina’s national popularity are surely our strong job growth and (relatively) modest cost of living. I don’t necessarily mean that poll respondents are intimately familiar with economic statistics. But plenty of Americans know personally or have heard about people moving to North Carolina to better their economic prospects. They sense, correctly, that our state is on the upswing. Last year, only Texas experienced more net domestic migration (+85,267) than did North Carolina (+82,288).
Yet another factor is aesthetics. Hawaii and Alaska aren’t economic powerhouses, actually, yet they earn high favorability for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. North Carolina, Tennessee, and Colorado have the good fortune to be attractive to both visitors and job seekers.
While our beaches, mountains, and resort communities make a great impression, our “charm advantage” is broader than that. In a related survey, YouGov asked a favorability question about America’s 50 largest cities. When respondents were limited to assessing only the cities they’d personally visited, the one with the highest net favorability was Raleigh, at +73%. Colorado Springs (+69%), San Antonio (+69%), Virginia Beach (+66%), Charlotte (+65%), and Nashville (+65%) formed the rest of the top tier.
The cities with the worst net-favorability ratings among those who’ve visited them included Baltimore (+6%), Fresno (+2%), Oakland (-4%), Detroit (-5%), and Bakersfield (-10%).
I sometimes hear my fellow North Carolina natives grumble about culture clashes, congestion, and other growth-related challenges. I remind them of two facts. First, while we continue to import lots of people every year, the share of domestic newcomers to longtime residents hasn’t changed as much as you’d think. This is a nationwide phenomenon. Contrary to popular impression, today’s Americans are less likely to relocate across state lines than previous generations were.
Second, I point out that for every challenge associated with (relatively) high population growth, there are multiple challenges associated with low growth. Stagnation is nothing to celebrate. And the ultimate resource isn’t oil, or manufacturing capacity, or lovely fall foliage. It’s people.
North Carolina’s in-migration rate is higher than the national median. So is our fertility rate. We should aspire to do even better, to make our state the most popular place to live, work, get married, and have children. The more the merrier!

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Fayetteville is a community built on service, where resilience runs deep in the lives of all who call it home, whether through military service, supporting a loved one in uniform, or facing the challenges of everyday life. My husband answered the call of duty by serving in uniform. For me, it meant supporting him through deployments, carrying the weight of uncertainty, and embracing the unique challenges that come with military life. That journey eventually led me to my own way of serving, in cyber defense education. Not on the battlefield where my husband once stood, but in the classrooms and networks that prepare our community for the future.
Cybersecurity is more than just a career. It’s a lifelong commitment that goes beyond certifications and salaries. It’s about defending the life you live, the lives you live for, and the generations who will inherit the digital world we leave behind.
That is why so many veterans, spouses, and dependents are drawn to this field. At Fayetteville Technical Community College, more than half of our cybersecurity students have direct military ties. And it makes sense. The same qualities instilled by military service, such as resilience, adaptability, mission focus, and teamwork, are essential in cyber defense. These traits shape veterans and their dependents into uniquely qualified individuals to defend against the ever-evolving digital threats we face.
Military families are no strangers to adapting to change and shouldering responsibility. These experiences make them well-suited to protect and defend on today’s digital battlefields, where the threats are constant and the mission never ends.
Fayetteville needs you, and cybersecurity is a responsibility we all share. It is not just for corporate boardrooms or government agencies; it touches every part of our lives. From the school systems where our children learn, to the small businesses on Hay Street, the hospital networks that care for our families, and the bank accounts we check on our phones, every device and account represents a front line.
Our duty to protect these digital spaces begins with simple everyday actions that build safety and resilience, such as guiding our children to navigate the online world wisely, securing important records, and being cautious of suspicious messages. Each of these mindful steps strengthens not only our own security but also the overall resilience of our community.
In Fayetteville, service does not end when the uniform comes off, and it’s not just for those who wore it. Cybersecurity is one way we can all help protect the home front. The digital war is already here, fought on battlefields that touch every part of our lives. That makes the question personal for each of us: Are you future-ready?
For more information, reach out to Rhiannon Holley, instructor and Department Chair, Cybersecurity, at holleyr@faytechcc.edu, or call 910-486-730.

Out there! They are coming back to life! They are everywhere! -Peter West, Zombie (1979)

The Black Ops Paintball and Airsoft is presenting the Zombie Paintball Hayride and Haunted House every Friday and Saturday in Oct., beginning at 8 p.m. Black Ops & Airsoft is located at 2112 River Road, Fayetteville.
All-access passes are $45, haunted house tickets are sold separately for $30, and Hayride tickets are $30. The Oct. 3 and 4 dates have the option of half-price for youth aged under twelve years old. First Responders receive a discount of three dollars with Identification.
All ages are welcome to the Zombie Paintball Hayride and Haunted House event. Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and beverages are available at the Concession Connex from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more tickets and booking information, visit https://blackopspaintball.org/fayetteville/zombie-paintball/
Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft was established in 2012 by combat veterans as a ten-acre park with a speedball field and one small wood-ball field. Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft began in Fayetteville, just off 295 and about ten minutes from Fort Bragg.
It is now a four-hundred-acre, safe, unique, and exciting experience for all skill levels. Black Ops continuously adds playing arenas to create an exciting and dynamic field environment. They specialize in first-time experiences and scenario events.
The Black Ops Paintball crew opened a second location in Lacey, WA, right outside Joint Base Lewis McChord in 2018, and has a pro shop in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Paintball is a strategic team sport where players use compressed air or C02 powered markers to shoot gelatin capsules filled with water-soluble dye at opponents. Protective gear is essential for safety, which includes the mask, and often protective clothing, gloves, and padding
Zombies tap into deep-seated human fears such as disease, lack of control, societal collapse, providing a vehicle for exploring anxieties about the unknown, death, and human nature. Zombie narratives offer a primal fight or flight thrill, providing a sense of excitement and exhilaration in extreme situations.
The Zombies are coming! Defend yourself! The Zombie Hayride and Haunted House at Black Ops Paintball and Airsoft is the perfect way to ring in the spooky season.

(Graphic courtesy of Black Ops Paintball Facebook Page)

On Friday, Oct. 3, J.J. Brown Productions is bringing its legendary Vampyre’s Ball back to town—and this time, the darkness descends inside a twisted traveling circus. Hosted at North South Brewing Company, The Vampyre’s Ball: Circo della Notta promises an evening of murder, mayhem, and immersive theater unlike anything Fayetteville has ever experienced.
This is not just a show. It’s a world you’ll step into—where covens of vampyres lurk behind painted smiles, clowns hide daggers in their laughter, and every guest is a potential player in the mystery. The stakes are high, the characters are dangerous, and the only question is: will you survive the night, or become part of the story?
For Jennifer Johnson-Brown, owner of J.J. Brown Productions, the circus theme was a natural evolution for this year’s ball.
“I’ve always loved the circus—equal parts magic and menace,” she explains. “This year I wanted to lean into that duality, but twist it with vampyric flair. The idea of an Afro-Italian traveling circus allowed me to mix cultures, legends, and aesthetics into something that feels both otherworldly and dangerous, with a sense of glamour that hides the shadows underneath.”
Jennifer pulled inspiration from commedia dell’arte clown traditions, Somali fire rituals, and Slavic rusalka myths, layering folklore into her vampyric world. Each coven carries its own cultural echoes, giving the Ball a richness that feels both ancient and strangely possible—like these immortal beings could be walking among us, cloaked in human history.
The Vampyre’s Ball is being held at North South Brewing Company this year. The choice of venue is no accident. Jennifer has already collaborated with James and Alicia Orlando of North South Brewing Company earlier this year, and the partnership has grown into something extraordinary.
“Fayetteville deserves immersive theater that feels alive and immediate,” Jennifer says. “North South Brewing is intimate but electric—it can shift from warm and inviting to eerie and theatrical once the lights dim. Plus, their craft beer culture pairs perfectly with a night of mystery. You can sip something bold while unraveling the secrets of the covens.”
Every year, J.J. Brown Productions raises the stakes, and Circo della Notta is no exception. This year, the story centers on Ezra, the new President-Elect of the Vampyre Realm. But his leadership is fragile, and every coven under the Big Top has a motive to see him fall. Betrayal, vengeance, and ambition pulse through the circus, and it’s up to the guests to untangle the truth. Characters are more interconnected than ever. From Velislava, a vampyric rusalka whose mythic presence chills the blood, to Amberline, the sad clown with a broken heart and hidden blade, each suspect is layered with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
So how do guests go from spectators to participants? Jennifer’s answer is simple: the show is built around them.
“We build the show around them. Guests interrogate the suspects twice, which means their questions actively shape the story's unfolding narrative. Choosing a coven and Vampyre name gives them identity, purpose, and loyalty in the story, and dressing as a Vampyre themselves takes it to the next level—it makes the circus feel alive, filled with immortals from every corner of the realm.”
By the end of the show, participants don't just feel like they've attended a show; they feel like they've lived inside a mystery. This approach means no two nights are ever the same. The scripted framework—murder, suspects, and motives—anchors the story, but the improvisation between actors and guests ensures every performance takes on a unique life of its own.
Of course, no Vampyre’s Ball is complete without indulgence. North South Brewing will craft a specialty drink designed to feel like it was poured straight from a coven’s chalice. Guests will also receive a Vampyre Portrait, captured in dramatic style to immortalize their chosen identity.
“We’re even working on coven-themed keepsakes,” Jennifer says, “so people can carry their Vampyre name home with them. It turns the night from an event into a memory.”
Tickets are $35 for singles and $55 for duos. For those who want more, the Celebration Ticket upgrade promises extra gifts, drinks, and personalized touches. Pair it all with an exclusive menu from Bella Nonna, the on-site food truck, and you’ve got a feast fit for vampyres and mortals alike.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.jjbrownproductions.com/event-details-registration/the-vampyres-ball-circo-della-notte-at-north-south-brewing-company
Beyond thrills and theatrics, Jennifer sees The Vampyre’s Ball as an important contribution to Fayetteville’s growing arts and entertainment landscape.
“Fayetteville is alive with creativity, but The Vampyre’s Ball offers something rare: fully immersive, interactive theater. This isn’t a show where you sit back and watch—it’s one you step into with both feet,” says Jennifer.
“It adds a new dimension to the arts scene here. We’re blending live theater, improv, folklore, and community engagement into one electrifying experience that feels equal parts performance, game, and ritual.”
The Vampyre’s Ball: Circo della Notta is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to step into a living story where horror meets humor, secrets meet spectacle, and you become part of the mystery itself. From the clink of your chalice to the whispers of your coven, every detail pulls you deeper into a world where nothing is as it seems.
Will you uncover the truth? Or will you become just another secret under the circus tent? Gather your coven, sharpen your instincts, and prepare for a night that will haunt your memory long after the lights dim. The big top awaits.

Dust off your lederhosen and grab your friends—North South Brewing is kicking off its first annual Oktoberfest celebration Friday, Sept. 26, to Sunday, Sept. 28. This family-friendly, free-to-attend event is happening all weekend long, blending authentic German brews, hearty eats, lively competitions, and festive fun. Costumes are not only encouraged, but they’re also rewarded with contests, prizes, and keepsakes that will make this a weekend to remember.
“We want to carry on the tradition of celebrating an annual gathering of friends and family to drink and appreciate beer and each other,” said Alicia Orlando, owner of North South Brewing.
What’s Brewing: Special Beer Releases
The weekend kicks off Friday with the release of two seasonal German-style beers crafted in-house. They will be Marzen Me Crazy and Dunkel Breakin’ My Heart.
“We brew the beers how they would be brewed in Germany,” says Orlando.
“Both beers are very flavorful but highly drinkable. Marzen Me Crazy is a traditional German amber lager known for its rich, malty, and toasty flavor profile, with a low hop bitterness and a smooth, medium-bodied character. Dunkel Breakin’ My Heart is a type of German dark lager known for its malty richness, with bready, caramel, and nutty flavors from the use of Munich malts, and a smooth, drinkable character.”
These seasonal brews will debut during Oktoberfest weekend and remain on tap until they sell out, alongside North South’s year-round favorite, the Hefeweizen.
Competitions and Contests
The festivities continue Saturday with a series of crowd-pleasing competitions. The Laps and Lederhosen Beer Mile sign-ups will start at 12:30 p.m. and will start at 1 p.m. The fastest runner takes home a North South T-shirt. For those who are more drinkers than runners, a Stein Holding Contest will be held at 2:30 p.m. Divided into four categories: men, women, under 50, and over 50, the winner of each group will receive a limited-edition stein. Come dressed in Oktoberfest best and enter the costume contest at 9:30 p.m.
Drink Like You’re in Munich
Don’t forget to grab the limited-edition North South Brewing stein, a ceramic 22-ounce mug featuring the brewery’s logo and colors.
“This year’s first edition steins are made of ceramic and feature the North South Brewing logo and colors,” Orlando shares.
“The stein is 22 ounces (6 more ounces than a typical pint). If you purchase a stein, it comes with a first fill! You will be able to use the stein all weekend at North South Brewing at the same price as a normal 16-ounce pint,” Orlando said.
North South Brewing has the weekend covered with free parking, games, authentic beer, German food, and music. Trivia fans can also join the Special Oktoberfest Trivia on Sunday to close out the weekend.
Vendors interested in future events can email info@northsouthbrew.com to get involved. Pull out the dirndl, gather a crew, and raise a glass—North South Brewing’s Oktoberfest is here to start a new tradition in style. North South Brewing is located at 304 Williams Street in Downtown Fayetteville.
Orlando promises this is the first Oktoberfest from North South Brewing, but it won't be the last.
“We will absolutely hold an Oktoberfest weekend every year! Each year, we hope to make it bigger and better than the last.”

(Photo: North South Brewing all decked out for their Oktoberfest celebration.  Photo courtesy of James Orlando)