Community and celebration are coming together in a way Fayetteville has not experienced in nearly two decades. On Sunday, Feb. 22, residents will gather for a lively Sunday Funday event at The Sand Trap Lounge before heading to the Crown Theatre for the nationally touring production of Menopause 2 The Musical: Cruising Through The Change.
This collaboration marks the first time in nearly 20 years that Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper has partnered with an out-of-town promoter—signaling a new chapter for community-driven entertainment in Cumberland County.
The partnership brings together The Sand Trap Lounge, the Crown Theatre/Oak View Group, event promoter Roberts Group Live, and Up & Coming Weekly in a coordinated effort to expand Broadway quality entertainment offerings in the region. This event reflects the type of creative cooperation that is essential in the Fayetteville area, where marketing and promotion are challenging.
Unlike other North Carolina metropolitan areas, Fayetteville does not have a local television station. Without a TV station, the community lacks a true media nucleus dedicated to covering local news, events, arts, and entertainment. This creates significant challenges for local businesses and out-of-town promoters trying to market and brand themselves effectively—making community partnerships even more essential when bringing major productions to local audiences.
Crown Coliseum General Manager Seth Benalt is an integral part of this partnership. He has spent years building relationships with show promoters and strengthening grassroots outreach to connect Cumberland County residents with performances that resonate with the community. He oversees the management of the 10,000-seat Coliseum, Arena, Theatre, and Expo Center, focusing on venue operations, event experiences, and strategic partnerships.
The Roberts Group Live is promoting the Menopause 2 production and has created a unique collaboration with Up & Coming Weekly, which founder Bill Bowman describes as a “hyper local publication” focused on local news, views, entertainment, arts and culture, and profiling the people and businesses that shape the region. This partnership represents a milestone for Up & Coming Weekly, which has served Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County as a free community newspaper for 30 years. The publication is distributed every Wednesday at more than 350 locations across the county and Fort Bragg.
The pre-show Sunday Funday gathering will take place from noon to 2:15 p.m. at The Sand Trap Pub, 1514 Purdue Drive. The Sand Trap is a well-established neighborhood bar that has been part of Fayetteville’s social scene for more than three decades.
Guests can expect gourmet food catered by Two Brothers Catering, a wine tasting, music, and dancing in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages social interaction and community engagement. Gifts and door prizes from community-minded businesses—including Renaissance Day Spa, Rocket Fizz, and Hinkamp Jewelers—will also be part of the celebration.
Hinkamp Jewelers has served Fayetteville and the surrounding areas for decades and remains a family-owned business with deep community ties. Owner Wally Hinkamp, who took over in 2000, continues the family tradition of supporting local events and organizations.
Natalie Spencer, owner and creator of Renaissance Day Spa and Alternative Wellness, also brings a strong community presence to the event. The award-winning Purdue Drive location is the original home of the spa, designed to balance tranquility with social connection. Natalie recently opened a new location on Skateway Drive featuring an enclosed outdoor patio, landscaped gardens, ponds, fountains, and an outdoor lounge designed as a retreat for relaxation and luxury.
Following the festivities at The Sand Trap, guests will travel to the Crown Theatre for the 3 p.m. performance of Menopause The Musical 2. The sequel to the long-running hit continues the story of four women who first met while shopping and now set sail on a cruise. The production blends humor and familiar songs to explore friendship, aging, and shared life experiences.
The show has developed a strong following among women and multigenerational audiences. Mothers, daughters, and friends often attend together, creating an entertainment experience that doubles as a shared social outing. Its combination of comedy, music, and relatable storytelling has helped build a national fan base.
Bringing a nationally touring production to Fayetteville provides both cultural and economic benefits. Events at the Crown Complex attract visitors, support local restaurants and businesses, and strengthen the region’s reputation as a destination for entertainment and community gatherings. This collaboration also highlights the role of local media in connecting residents and businesses with opportunities for engagement. Up & Coming Weekly is a strong advocate for this grassroots approach to successful marketing.
The Sunday Funday event and theater performance are being promoted through radio and community outreach, reinforcing the importance of coordinated local marketing efforts. The initiative reflects a unified approach among partners working to expand entertainment and business opportunities in the region.
Tickets for the Sunday Funday celebration and the performance are available as a package for $75 on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/4rzBG8c. More information is available at 910 391 3859.
The Sunday Funday celebration will take place Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon to 2:15 p.m. at The Sand Trap Lounge, followed by the 3 p.m. performance at the Crown Theatre. The event offers residents an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of socializing, entertainment, and community engagement—while showcasing a model for future marketing collaborations in Cumberland County.
See you there!

(Photo: Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® New Hope 2023 Cast from left to right: Kimberly Ann Harris, Teri Adams, LaDonna Burns, and Katie Karel. The production will be part of Sunday Funday. Photo by Mark Garvin)