The undead are coming. For the 13th year, the Zombie Walk is taking over downtown Fayetteville. A free, family-friendly event, the Zombie Walk convenes the undead on Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Zombies of all ages are invited to come and enjoy the festivities.

For this year’s event, the Cool Springs Downtown District Zombie Walk is bringing back old favorites and adding some new, soon-to-be favorites: food, fun, music and a little of everything in between.
Returning this year is a performance stage on Person Street. Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Tumbao and Stone Dolls are set to entertain the undead. Each band will bring its own vibe and style of music, a sure win for the zombies set to attend.

According to their website, “The Tan & Sober Gentlemen aim to bring these traditions full circle.
They play Irish tunes, ballads and pub songs right next to the Appalachian fiddle tunes of their youth, melding the two into what they call “Irish-American hillbilly music.”

Bringing some Latin fusion is Tumbao. “¡Tumbao! offers a taste of Salsa, Funk, Cumbia, Latin rock, Reggae, and R&B, all loaded with brass - truly one of the best night parties around.” The all-female Stone Dolls will bring the best of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.

This year, another new attraction will be introduced: wrestling. Catch a show by Ring Wars Carolina Pro Wrestling team on the corner of Ray Ave and Hay Street.

But the most anticipated new addition is the Rocky Horror Sing-A-Long Trolley. Riders will hop on for a Time Warp of a time, singing along to all their Rocky Horror Show favorites. The only experience that is not free, tickets are $30 per rider. There are two trolley rides to catch, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The trolley picks up riders from the Bright Light Brewing Company at 444 W. Russell Street. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Cool Springs Downtown District’s office at 910- 223-1089.

Zombies will have more than brains to fill their tummies at the food truck rodeo and an opportunity to explore “Artist Alley” on Anderson Street and purchase new goodies from local vendors.

Zombies traveling by car can find spaces in the two downtown parking decks, Franklin Street Parking Deck, 208 Franklin Street, and Hay Street Parking Deck, 472 Hay Street.

Remember, it’s a takeover, so Hay, Anderson and Person Streets will be closed to traffic.

Don’t forget, wear your best costume for a chance to win a prize as the top undead of the night. Organizers ask that attendees refrain from bringing functioning or previously functioning weapons.

Lauren Falls, Marketing and Events Director for the Cool Springs Downtown District, is excited about this year’s event, recognizing all of the amazing sponsors who make this event possible and free.

“The Cool Spring Downtown District would like to thank BackARound Records, City of Fayetteville, Healy Wholesale, The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, Metronet and First National Bank for sponsoring the Zombie Walk,” Falls said.

While vendor spots are officially closed for this year, Falls encourages those interested in being a vendor for 4th Fridays in the 2024 season to send an email to info@coolspringfay.org.