Get ready to rise from the grave and shuffle your way to downtown Fayetteville. The undead are back and hungrier than ever! The 15th Annual Zombie Walk returns on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., bringing with it a night of frightful fun, outrageous costumes, and community spirit that proves being undead can be a lively affair.
This free, family-friendly event invites locals and visitors alike to don their best zombie attire and join the ghoulish gathering that has become one of Fayetteville’s favorite fall traditions.
What began fifteen years ago as a small charity event to help clean up one of downtown Fayetteville’s historic cemeteries has now grown into a massive celebration, drawing nearly 20,000 attendees each year. Organized by Downtown Cool Spring District, the Zombie Walk has become a hallmark of Fayetteville’s October 4th Friday festivities, transforming the streets into a parade of monsters, makeup, and mayhem.
“Every year we try to add a fun, new element to the Zombie Walk,” said Ashanti Bennett, president and CEO of Downtown Cool Spring District. “You’ll have to stay tuned for this year’s surprise!”
A Night of Frightful Fun
The Zombie Walk is more than just a spooky stroll; it’s a full evening of entertainment, art, and community connection. Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of live music, street performances, and art displays scattered throughout downtown. While this year’s performers haven’t yet been announced, last year’s entertainment was The Phoebe’s and The Several Devils, as well as thrilling wrestling matches from Ring Wars Carolina.
But the main event is, of course, the Zombie Processional, where hundreds of costumed participants, each more gruesomely creative than the last, shuffle through the streets in a creepy, coordinated march. The procession concludes at the District Vibe Stage, where zombies, ghouls, and goblins can dance the night away under Fayetteville’s city lights.
“The Zombie Walk is one of the more playful events in the season,” Bennett said. “Folks really put in time and effort into their costumes—you’ll see some stunning creativity on display. If you feel like letting loose in a controlled, safe environment, come downtown on Oct. 24!”

Fun for the Whole Family
While the undead might sound scary, this event is designed for all ages. Each 4th Friday includes a Children’s Area, complete with games, art activities, and seasonal crafts to keep the little ones entertained. The costume contest is a fan favorite, with multiple categories so everyone, from the tiniest trick-or-treater to the most fearsome adult zombie, has a chance to show off their look and take home bragging rights.
Community Spirit Lives On
The success of the Zombie Walk wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiastic support of Fayetteville’s small business community. Each year, downtown merchants go all out, decorating their storefronts, offering themed specials, handing out treats and samples, and even hosting their own pop-up activities inside their shops.
“Many of the merchants in our small business community decorate for the season,” Bennett noted. “Some take it a step further, hosting their own themed pop-up activities inside their stores.”
The Zombie Walk also provides an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their wares during October’s 4th Friday. Those interested in participating can apply at https://www.eventeny.com/events/october-4th-friday-october-24-2025-18280/?f
Road Closures and Event Details
To accommodate the undead parade, road closures will begin at 1 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street and expand at 4:30 p.m. to include the 100–300 blocks of Hay Street, Anderson Street, Maxwell Street, Burgess Street, Donaldson Street, Green Street, and Gillespie Street.
Bennett says there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss: “You don’t want to miss the Zombie Processional, a stroll through the District that ends at our District Vibe stage where all the ghouls and goblins can dance the rest of the night away.”
Grab the fake blood, tattered clothes, and best undead shuffle — the Zombie Walk 2025 promises a frightfully fun night you won’t soon forget. Because in Fayetteville, even the undead know how to throw a great party.

(Photo: The Zombie Walk is a Fayetteville tradition, and hundreds come dressed up to downtown Fayetteville to show off their costumes. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Zombie Walk)