The Fayetteville Metro Alumni Chapter and the Fayetteville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are inviting the community to gather once again for a one-of-a-kind celebration of unity, music, and flavor. Beats & Eats Vol. 2, the city's premier food and music festival, will return to Festival Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Designed to bring together families, neighbors, small businesses, and music lovers, this end-of-summer event offers a day of rhythm, culture, and connection in downtown Fayetteville. With expanded entertainment, diverse food vendors, and activities for all ages, Beats & Eats is more than just a festival; it’s an intentional effort to build community and uplift the next generation.
“Beats & Eats isn’t just about good food and great music,” said James Wilson, Chairman of the event and Keeper of Exchequer of the Fayetteville Alumni Chapter. “It’s about who we are as a city, diverse, creative, and committed to one another. We want people to leave this event feeling full, not just from the food, but from the experience.”
This year’s event focuses on family-friendly fun, featuring live DJs, line dancing, and a dedicated kids’ zone called Frank Summer Lanes. This space was named in honor of Brother Frank Summers, a devoted member of the fraternity who left a legacy of serving youth with compassion and joy. The children’s area will include hands-on games, inflatables, learning stations, and space for families to relax and enjoy the festivities together.
“Our goal was to make this event safe, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone,” said Lionel Taylor, Social Committee Chairman. “We expanded the event footprint to involve not only the local Greek-letter community but also neighborhood clubs, auxiliaries, and grassroots organizations.”
Taylor, who has overseen many of the advertising elements, says the social planning committee emphasized accessibility, safety, and family connection throughout the process.
“We want people to know they’re not just attending an event, they’re helping us shape the cultural heartbeat of this city,” he said.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of food options throughout the park, featuring everything from comfort food classics to sweet treats and innovative cuisine. Local vendors and food trucks will serve up dishes that represent the diverse palate of Fayetteville’s population, giving guests plenty of options to explore.
In addition to food and entertainment, the festival also serves a greater purpose: giving back. Proceeds from Beats & Eats Vol. 2 will directly support the Fayetteville Alumni Chapter’s Kappa League/Guide Right program, which provides mentorship, leadership training, college prep, and scholarships to young men in the Fayetteville area.
“We see this festival as a tool to invest in the future of our youth,” said Dr. Rodney McCrowre, Vice Polemarch of the chapter. “The energy of the day carries forward in the form of educational access, personal growth, and lifelong mentorship for our Kappa League participants.”
Reddick Mack, who helped organize the entertainment lineup, emphasized the spirit of celebration that defines the day.
“We’ve created an atmosphere where every generation can enjoy themselves. From the dance floor to the food tents to the kids' zone, it’s a space where people feel they belong.”
While the event is free to the public, sponsorship and VIP tent packages are available through Eventbrite, offering enhanced experiences for families and organizations who wish to support the event at a deeper level. The festival grounds at Festival Park will be set up with hydration stations, shaded seating areas, and plenty of space for dancing, dining, and connection.
As the summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, Beats & Eats Vol. 2 offers the perfect moment to come together, reflect, and move forward—stronger as a community.
“This is how we close summer with joy, intention, and unity,” said Wilson. “Grab a plate, bring your loved ones, and help us celebrate everything that makes Fayetteville home.”