Everyone is familiar with the award-winning Dogwood Festival that takes over the city every spring: a downtown staple that draws crowds in the thousands, locally and from beyond, pouring into the economy and highlighting local talent, artists, and small businesses. 

On Oct. 18 and 19, the Dogwood Festival is bringing the same vibes, but on a smaller, more intimate scale, with the Fall Festival. Two days of family-friendly entertainment, vendors, food trucks, a mechanical bull, a Renaissance magic show, knocker balls, and live entertainment will feature some of the best in local talent and some big industry names. 

The Fall Festival will take place in Festival Park and the park promenade. Those wanting a more elevated experience can purchase VIP tickets. Tickets include catered food, 2 beer tickets, access to exclusive VIP vendors, the best seats in the house, and discounts on artists’ Meet & Greets. Dirtbag Ales will be slinging the cold beer in the VIP tent.

The main stage lineup is packed with local favorites and TikTok sensations. Headlining the stage on Sunday is Clejan, a classically trained Trap Violinist, who merges the intricate and precise sound of the violin with some of the biggest Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B songs of the past and today. To purchase VIP access, visit https://www.eventeny.com/events/2025-dogwood-fall-festival-21639/. Attendees who want to lock in the best seats in the house for the main stage entertainment, but not VIP access, can purchase separate tickets online as well. Check below for the schedule of events and details. Don’t miss out on this FREE community event. 

• Car Show sponsored by Hollow Knights Car Club, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Festival Park Promenade

Come check out the cars and see who takes home the prize. Judging is from noon to 2 p.m. 

• Time Travelers 

Showtimes: Saturday (10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.), Sunday (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.), Kids Zone Festival Park

Magic is in the air. Check out this unique traveling magic show that transports viewers back in time with the legendary Captain Jim, master of trickery & tall tales, and the dazzling Lt. Lady Louisa, with a dance of swords.

• Mechanical Bull , Festival Park

Think you have what it takes to ride the bull? Test your skills on our pink mechanical bull. Tickets can be purchased at the Information Tent located at the entrance of Festival Park. Kids 12 and under are $6, and $8 for anyone 13 and older.

• 3 p.m.: The Phoebes Band

• 5:30 p.m.: The Verve Pipe

• 7:30 p.m.: Marcy Playground

Better Health Bus, 11 a.m. to  3 p.m.

Get resources and become better informed about your health with a trip to the Better Health Bus sponsored by Ciscrp. 

• Creative Corner, Festival Park, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join Andre Sansbury Jr., “Suave the Poet,” for live poetry and spoken word. 

• Ring Wars Pro Wrestling, Festival Promande, Ring Times: 11:45 a.m., 2 p.m.

• 2 p.m.: DJ Fuzzy Wuzzy

• 5:15 p.m.: CJ Monet

• 6:30 p.m.: Clejan

Attendees are reminded that the park now adheres to a clear bag policy: No bookbags, fanny packs, large bags, or coolers will be allowed in the event area. 

This year’s festival wouldn’t be possible without its amazing sponsors: Healy Wholesale Co., Inc., Drink-A-Bull, North Carolina Army National Guard, LeafGuard, Cape Fear Distillery, Renewal by Anderson, Pineview Buildings, Dogwood Nursery and Shed. 

Dogwood Festival Executive Director, Kaylynn Suarez, has been working hard to make the spring and fall festivals “a can’t-miss” event in Fayetteville and is excited to announce some news, stating, “The Fall Festival is all about fun, family, and community, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys it safely. The only change you’ll notice this year is that our partners have updated their safety requirements for event organizers using Festival Park. 

“If you joined the community for the 4th of July or the International Folk Festival, you may have already experienced these updates: a bag check and clear bag policy for all events held in the park. We ask that you come prepared and allow a little extra time for bag checks at entry. These measures are in place to keep our festival footprint secure, and we deeply appreciate the hard work of our partners and the cooperation of our amazing festival family. It’s gone smoothly at other events, and we know with your support it will at Fall Festival too. Together, we’re building not only a safe event, but a welcoming space where memories can be made and traditions can grow,” she said. 

“Our 2026 calendar is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to share that we’re expanding from 5 events to 14 throughout the year! This growth is only possible because of the incredible support we’ve received from our community, and we’re so grateful to continue building traditions together. Make sure you’re following the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss a single moment of what’s to come. The best is yet to bloom!”