Entertainment

Discover unique treasures at Coffee & Vintage Pop-Up

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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Step into a treasure trove of timeless elegance and retro charm at the Coffee & Vintage Pop-Up. This event is a haven for vintage enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated mix of clothing, accessories, and home décor that spans various eras. Seasoned thrifters and those new to the vintage scene will find an array of one-of-a-kind pieces that tell their own unique stories.
From retro home décor and vinyl records to handmade jewelry and timeless accessories, there's something for everyone. Each visit to the pop-up promises a fresh selection of treasures, something new to discover and cherish.
The next pop-up is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m. Additional dates include July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20.
The Coffee & Vintage Pop-Up is more than just a market; it's a celebration of local talent and entrepreneurship. By bringing together a diverse group of artisans and small business owners, the event provides a platform for these creators to showcase their handmade products and vintage collections to a wider audience.
When the community shops at the pop-up, they are not just purchasing unique items—they're supporting the dreams and passions of local entrepreneurs. This event fosters connections within the community and helps small businesses thrive, making it a win-win for all involved.
Take a moment to indulge in Just Love Coffee's specialty drinks and delightful treats while browsing through the vintage treasures on June 21. With a 50% discount on all drinks during the event, it's the perfect opportunity to try something new from their extensive menu: A rich espresso, a creamy latte, or a refreshing iced coffee means there's a brew to suit every palate.
Pair coffee with delicious waffles and brunch favorites, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable. The cozy café setting provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon of sipping and shopping.
The Coffee & Vintage Pop-Up is designed to be a festive and fun-filled event for attendees of all ages. With upbeat music playing in the background, attendees will find themselves immersed in a lively atmosphere that encourages interaction and enjoyment.
Throughout the event, you can look forward to engaging in interactive activities, participating in giveaways, and capturing memorable moments at various photo ops. These additional features add an extra layer of excitement; there's never a dull moment.
At its core, the Coffee & Vintage Pop-Up is all about fostering a sense of community. The event transforms Just Love Coffee's shop and patio into a bustling marketplace where people come together to celebrate their love for vintage and local craftsmanship.
“We launched the Vintage Pop-Up series to bring our community together in a way that goes beyond coffee. Fayetteville is home to so many incredible small businesses, makers, and collectors, and we wanted to create a space where they could share their passion for vintage with a wider audience. These pop-ups support local entrepreneurs and foster connections - our shop and patio transform into a lively marketplace where people can sip, shop, and celebrate community,” said Victoria S. Clemons, owner of Just Love Coffee.
Visitors often find themselves striking up conversations with vendors, connecting with fellow vintage enthusiasts, and even joining in on impromptu sing-alongs. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere makes it easy to feel at home, making each pop-up a memorable experience for all who attend.
Vintage everything has recently found a resurgence, and Clemons is loving it.
“The vintage movement encourages sustainability, creativity, and individuality- values that resonate strongly with our community. What’s been especially surprising is seeing just how active and welcoming Fayetteville is to vintage vibes- there’s a real hunger here for unique, meaningful finds and for supporting local makers. It’s about finding pieces with history and character that speak to you. In many ways, it mirrors the heart of our café: celebrating what’s authentic, crafted with care and meant to be enjoyed.”
Just Love Coffee is located at 2737 Freedom Parkway. For more information, call 910-491-0309.

Fayetteville Pride Festival bigger than ever for 2025

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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Written by Adam Taylor

For nearly a decade, the Fayetteville Pride Festival has been a cornerstone of the city’s LGBTQ+ calendar—an annual gathering that brings together thousands to celebrate diversity, acceptance and the ongoing fight for equality. But this year, Fayetteville Pride is raising the bar.
Organizers have announced that the 2025 Pride Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, will take place at a brand-new venue: the spacious, climate-controlled Crown Complex.
“We listened to the community,” said Festival Director Brian Adam Kline. “People wanted a festival that reflected not only who we are, but where we’re going—a space that makes everyone feel safe, seen, celebrated and cooled off. Late June is hot as hell. With the Crown Expo Center, we’re able to do all that and more.”
The decision to move indoors, organizers say, was fueled by feedback from previous attendees who cited June’s heat and unpredictable weather as barriers to participation. By shifting the festival to a large indoor venue, the Pride team hopes to provide a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all—especially families with young children, older adults and those with disabilities. All safety measures and policies for the Crown Complex can be found on their website. https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/visit/venue-policies
Bigger Venue, Longer Hours, and Star Power
This year’s festival promises to be bigger, brighter and bolder. Not only will it feature extended hours—from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.—but it will also include headlining performances by Jean-Belle Bleu and Kyng Bea, two powerhouse entertainers known for captivating crowds across North Carolina and beyond.
Joining them on the main stage are a stunning lineup of local and regional performers: BIG MUVAA, Alda Smoke, Chastity Nichols, McKenzie O’Bishop, Tatianna Mathews and Morgan Richards. From fierce drag to soulful vocals and electrifying dance, these artists promise to bring the energy and artistry that Pride is known for. Fayetteville PRIDE’s President and Entertainment Director Krystal Maddox has curated a lineup that reflects the diversity, talent and brilliance of Fayetteville’s LGBTQ+ community.
More Than Just Entertainment
While the stage will be a major attraction, the festival’s mission goes deeper. Fayetteville Pride organizers are focused on making this event one that uplifts, educates and connects. Educational booths will return this year, led by local leaders, advocates and professionals. Topics will range from LGBTQ+ history and civil rights to mental health resources, youth support and healthcare access.
The festival will also include designated Kids and Teen Zones provided by Xscape Factor-Escape Rooms and Array Magazine, affirming areas where young attendees can feel safe, express themselves and join in the celebration through age-appropriate games, crafts and activities.
Other highlights will include the Community Arts table, where guests can participate in a collaborative art project, a bustling Craft and Goods marketplace, featuring handmade items from local artists and small businesses. This year the festival is excited to have a wide variety of food and beverage vendors serving cupcakes, mini cake loaves, chocolate dipped treats, toffee, funnel cakes, freeze dried candy, cotton candy, donuts, brownie bites, gyros, sausages, steak and cheese, blooming onions, nachos, turkey legs, corn dogs, fresh cut fries, gourmet soul food, pizza, pierogies, stromboli, chicken salad sandwiches, breakfast favorites, spring cobb salad, grits bowl, fried egg & bacon sandwiches, vegan patty melts with lemonade, slushes and other drinks to name a few. The Crown Expo Center will be serving favorite event snacks, including adult beverages served in controlled areas for those 21+, along with friendly security and police presence, to ensure safety and peace of mind for all.
Maddox emphasized that these changes are not just cosmetic—they are part of a deeper commitment to community care.
“I want the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to know that we are listening,” Maddox said. “The changes in 2025 reflect our values. Your safety, your comfort, your joy—it all matters. Now more than ever, we must come together and support one another.”
One of the biggest updates in 2025 is the addition of alcoholic drinks for adults. Thanks to the Crown Expo Center’s infrastructure and licensing, attendees 21 and over will be able to enjoy an adult beverage in clearly marked areas.
Kline stressed that this change enhances the festival’s social experience without compromising its inclusive, family-friendly nature.
“We’ve created spaces for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a drink with friends, watching a show or bringing your kids for crafts and games—there’s something here for you.”
Organizers encourage community members, allies, businesses and artists to get involved. Sponsorship packages are still available. Go to Fayetteville PRIDE’s website for more information at fayettevillepride.org.
“Fayetteville Pride has always been about community,” said Maddox. “Every part of this festival is built by and for the people who live here. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime supporter, you are welcome and celebrated.”
Pride with Purpose
Founded as a grassroots celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in southeastern North Carolina, Fayetteville Pride has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to foster equality, visibility and inclusion year-round. While the annual festival is the organization’s flagship event, its work extends into education, outreach, advocacy and support.
“Pride isn’t just a party—it’s a statement, a free space, a movement,” Kline said. “It’s about standing up, showing up and celebrating who we are. This year, we’re building something bigger—not just a better festival, but a stronger community.”
Admission to the festival is free. For more information, updates or to get involved, visit www.fayettevillepride.org or contact contact@fayettevillepride.org. The festival's full program is exclusively digital and will be available at Fayetteville PRIDE’s Facebook, Instagram and website the week of the festival.

(Poster design by James Throssel)

Dance through decades at CFBG’s grownup prom party

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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Written by Anna White

If you grew up in the wrong decade, or missed your high school prom, or jump at the chance to flaunt your fashion and fancy footwork on the dance floor, here’s an event for you: the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is hosting a prom party for grownups, and the “Dance Through the Decades” theme is bound to keep visitors jiving long past curfew.
A first-time event designed for adults 21+, the event could become annual if popular. CFBG regularly hosts school proms and the idea came to fruition after staff started noticing a trend.
“We hear from many adults that they either didn’t get to attend their own prom, or want to ‘relive’ their glory days. So this is their opportunity—with ‘spiked’ punch,” said a CFBG spokesperson.
Held Friday, June 20, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the prom party will feature music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s; beer, wine and the aforementioned vodka punch at a cash bar; a 360 degree photo booth; food trucks; vendors; a “Best Dressed” contest; a “Best Dancer” contest; and some undisclosed “surprises,” that visitors will discover as the evening wears on.
CFBG staff have exerted a massive team effort to bring the event to fruition, and they can’t wait to see visitors' outfits.
“We can’t wait to see what people wear—whether you’re bringing back your 70s bell bottoms or repping your 90s glow-up. The best part? This whole thing is meant to be playful. So no matter your dance skills or fashion sense, just show up ready to have a good time. We’ll be out there dancing right along with you.”
It has even sparked some friendly debate between team members, who are having a blast pulling the event together, according to a spokesperson.
“We were swapping prom stories, digging out old photos, and debating which decade had the best dance jams (spoiler: the team is divided). It’s been one of those projects that reminds you how much fun it is to create something just for the joy of it.”
Whether you’re a professional dancer or an amateur, CFBG says the event is for everyone, regardless of skill level.
“The worst to the best—it’s all fun!” So grab a friend or two, channel your favorite era, and get ready to groove to the DJ's best picks.
Between dancing, take a stroll in the garden grounds and enjoy the fresh air or check out the gift shop and snag a memento to remember the evening by. In addition to food trucks, Lucia’s Cafe will be open. Lucia’s Cafe offers bakery treats, coffee, lemonade, and other goodies.
Tickets are $30 ($20 for members) and available for purchase at capefearbg.org. The events team recommends buying a ticket early due to limited availability. Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located at 563 N Eastern Blvd and parking is available onsite.

(Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden has hosted several proms and dances throughout the years and will now hold a grown up prom for the adults of Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Botanical Garden)

Care Clinic’s 29th Annual Golf Charity Tournament returns

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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

A beloved community tradition returns to the green this summer as The Care Clinic hosts its 29th Annual Golf Charity Tournament on Friday, June 27. After a three-year hiatus, the tournament will be held at Gates Four Country Club, located at 6775 Irongate Drive in Fayetteville, and will begin with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
The event brings together community members, sponsors, and supporters for a day of fun and philanthropy — all in service of a vital mission. Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit The Care Clinic, a nonprofit healthcare provider offering free medical and dental care to uninsured adults in Cumberland County and six surrounding counties. With no government funding, the clinic relies on fundraisers like this tournament, along with donations and grants, to continue serving some of the region’s most vulnerable populations.
Nicole Ryan, the event organizer and development director at The Care Clinic, shared how critical the tournament is to the clinic’s sustainability and community impact.
“We hold medical clinics every Tuesday and Thursday evening, as well as the second and fourth Wednesday of each month,” she said. “Our dental clinics follow a similar schedule, and we also run diabetic clinics and lab services. Sponsorships from the golf tournament directly support all of these programs. The funds help cover the cost of medical treatments, medications, diagnostic tests, basic dental extractions, and pharmacy services.”
This year’s event will mark the first tournament held since 2022, making it a special comeback for longtime supporters and an exciting new opportunity for first-time participants and sponsors. The Care Clinic has always enjoyed strong backing from the community, and Ryan has seen both familiar and fresh faces step forward this year.
“While many of our 2025 sponsors have supported us in previous years, we’ve also seen new sponsors across all levels,” she explained. “It’s been incredibly encouraging to see how Fayetteville continues to show up. The people here are generous, compassionate, and driven by a shared desire to uplift others.”
This year’s tournament will feature all the classic elements that make charity golf outings popular: a captain’s choice/scramble format, mulligans, red tees, and contests like “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive.” New for 2025, however, is an exciting Hole-in-One Contest, offering players the chance to win a $10,000 prize — along with a $1,000 FootJoy gift card, $750 Srixon gift card, and $500 in pro shop winnings.
Gates Four Country Club, known for its beautifully maintained course and top-tier amenities, provides an ideal setting for players of all experience levels. Seasoned golfers and newcomers alike can enjoy the game with the team format, meaning everyone can contribute to a greater cause.
“It’s $75 per player, which includes a breakfast sandwich, lunch, and beverages,” Ryan said. “It’s an affordable way to spend the day giving back, and there are perks for everyone involved. Sponsors also gain recognition in the lead-up to the event and the day of, with the added benefit of having player spots on the course depending on the sponsorship level.”
With sponsorship opportunities still available, local businesses and individuals are encouraged to get involved. Packages offer various levels of visibility and engagement, from hole sponsorships to title-level recognition. All sponsors are acknowledged through signage, event materials, and public recognition — but more importantly, they help ensure that The Care Clinic can continue to meet the rising healthcare needs in the area.
The clinic's all-volunteer clinical staff, many of whom come from Cape Fear Valley Health and Womack Army Medical Center, provide vital services year-round. Their efforts allow The Care Clinic to operate free of charge, giving patients access to medical and dental care they otherwise couldn’t afford.
“We don’t receive any government funding,” Ryan emphasized. “Everything we provide is made possible by donations, grants, and fundraising events like this. It’s a true grassroots effort supported by local heroes.”
The community response since announcing the return of the tournament has been overwhelmingly positive. As Ryan noted, stepping into her role just a few months before the event could have been daunting. But Fayetteville’s warm and welcoming spirit — combined with her own expanding network — helped ensure that the tournament would not only happen but thrive.
“Fayetteville has many kind, generous members of nonprofits and businesses who make the conscious decision to give back,” she said. “This tournament is just one example of that collective generosity in action.”
Participants can register online by visiting onecau.se/golf-2025, and those interested in sponsorship can contact the clinic at 910-485-0555 or email development@thecareclinic.org for more details. Those playing for the first time or returning can support a tradition that’s helped countless individuals receive quality healthcare. The Care Clinic’s 29th Annual Golf Charity Tournament offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference.
For Ryan, the tournament is not just about golf or even fundraising — it’s about community.
“If you’ve never participated before, this is the perfect year to start,” she said. “You’re going to have a great time, meet incredible people, and support a mission that matters. It’s truly a win-win.”
With its return to the community calendar, the tournament stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. It reflects the strength of a network that refuses to let gaps in healthcare access define their neighbors’ futures. Instead, through events like this, the people of Fayetteville continue to prove that a day on the golf course can lead to a lifetime of change.
As the tournament date draws near, The Care Clinic encourages residents, businesses, and golf lovers to sign up, sponsor, or donate — because healing a community starts with one compassionate step, one generous swing, and one unified goal: care for all.
For more information, visit https://onecau.se/golf-2025 or contact the clinic directly. Sponsorships are still available, and player spots are open — but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

(Photo: Teams compete in the Care Clinic's golf tournament. Photo courtesy of the Care Clinic)