Pointed hats, coordinated costumes and a little Halloween spirit will take over downtown Fayetteville when Witches Night Out returns Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Presented by the Downtown Alliance and Spark Downtown, the free event invites visitors to explore local businesses for an evening of shopping, sipping, seasonal specials and hands-on activities. This year’s plans include floral arrangements, art experiences, witchy tattoos, and board games, giving guests plenty of ways to build their own adventure.
For Robin Matthews of the Downtown Alliance, the celebration’s appeal begins with the collaboration that brought it to life.
“It started with a simple idea,” Matthews said.
Years ago, a downtown business owner invited neighboring shops to participate in a themed girls’ night out. The evening brought shoppers into the district and laid the foundation for a tradition that now welcomes women, men, groups of friends, and families.
“Today, what began as a small promotional night has become one of downtown’s favorite annual traditions for women and men,” Matthews said.
This year, organizers are expanding the experiences available along the downtown sidewalks. “This year's lineup takes the magic way beyond the shop floors,” Matthews said.
Floral Oasis will offer a workshop where participants can create seasonal arrangements, while Muse plans a live art experience. Bound and Vine will host a Witchy Night of Sips & Spells, and Awesome Tattoos will offer $100 witchy tattoos from artist Johnny Awesome, with vendors outside the business.
A new addition, The Thirsty Gamers Cafe, located next to The Sweet Palette, will offer free board game play and special witchy drinks. For visitors who prefer puzzles with their Halloween fun, Xscape Factor plans a girls’ day/night escape room special for $15 per person. Other stops will pair shopping with refreshments, giveaways, and seasonal surprises.
At A Bit of Carolina, visitors can browse while enjoying wine and snacks, receive a gift with purchase, and meet author Joanna Nunez, who will be outside with her paranormal books. Reverie Goods & Gifts also plans witchy drinks while guests shop and a gift with purchase.
Shop Cursive will offer a witchy giveaway with purchases of $20 or more, along with wine and snacks. Costumed visitors who allow the shop to photograph them for social media will receive a small gift and an entry to win a Halloween gift set.
Turner Lane’s plans include Witches Potion and terrariums. Rude Awakening Coffee House will serve witchy drinks in specialty keepsake cups, while Antonella’s and Winterbloom Tea will feature themed drink specials. The Sweet Palette will offer specialty drinks and treats, and Sori K-Pop plans a soju tasting while visitors shop.
Stevie's on Hay will have complimentary wine and snacks when purchasing a themed goblet or wine glass. Also look for their selfie stations. Fusion Salon is offering $25 blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons.
Stop at the Cameo Art House Theatre for some fresh popcorn and stay to watch "Digger,” the new Tom Cruise movie. Guests can explore at their own pace rather than follow a fixed route. Organizers plan to provide both digital and printed maps and directories identifying participating businesses and their activities. “You can choose your own adventure and enjoy the night at your own speed!” Matthews said.
Costumes are a highlight of the evening, particularly when visitors arrive with a coordinated group theme.
“We absolutely love seeing the group costumes every year,” Matthews said. “The creativity is incredible.”
Past participants have included friends in complementary outfits and families dressed around a shared theme. This year’s plans include selfie stations throughout downtown, a photo station and a best-dressed witches contest.
Although the event is free to attend, individual purchases and some activities carry separate costs. Workshops, tattoo sessions and certain other experiences require payment. Guests should check with participating businesses for prices, availability and any reservation requirements.
Shopping and photo opportunities are family-friendly, Matthews said, while some tastings and other experiences are for adults only. Beyond the costumes and seasonal fun, Witches Night Out gives downtown merchants a welcome boost during the workweek.
“Hosting the event on a Thursday brings a wonderful, energetic crowd into the district on a night that is traditionally much leaner than the weekend,” Matthews said. The timing also gives businesses room to prepare, staff their shops, and introduce visitors to what they offer.
The final business list, event map, and weather updates will be available through the Downtown Alliance’s Facebook page, Instagram account @downtownfaync, and website, faydta.com. The invitation is simple: gather your friends, plan your witchy look, and spend an evening discovering what downtown has brewing.