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Tuesday, 03 February 2026
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Written by Tara Kamiya
Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 536 North Eastern Blvd. will open its gates after hours for a special adults-only event that blends nightlife, nature and interactive discovery in a setting rarely seen by visitors.
Garden After Dark invites guests aged 18 and older to explore the Garden from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14, beneath the moonlight for one evening of music, movement and hands-on experiences. Designed for couples and singles alike, the event offers an alternative to traditional Valentine’s season outings by transforming the familiar landscape into a vibrant nighttime destination.
As daylight fades, a live DJ will provide music for an outdoor dance floor surrounded by illuminated pathways and glowing displays. Guests are encouraged to move throughout the Garden, where activity stations are spread across the property to create an immersive experience. Trivia under the stars will challenge participants with nature-themed questions, while oversized glowing yard games and illuminated bubbles add a playful element throughout the evening.
These features are intended to encourage interaction and exploration in a relaxed, social environment.
Live animal encounters will offer guests the opportunity to observe and learn about fascinating creatures up close. Interactive science stations will highlight the unexpected and curious side of nature, reinforcing the Garden’s educational mission while keeping the experience accessible and engaging for adult audiences.
A campfire lounge will provide a quieter gathering space, featuring softly glowing red and pink flames designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food and beverage options will be available throughout the grounds, including craft cocktails, coffee and light fare, allowing attendees to shape their own pace for the evening.
Garden After Dark represents the Garden’s ongoing effort to expand programming beyond daytime hours and traditional formats. The event is part of a broader strategy to attract new audiences while maintaining a balance between entertainment, education and environmental awareness. The Garden’s ability to host programs like this is rooted in a vision that began more than three decades ago.
In 1989, a small group of Fayetteville gardening enthusiasts united around the idea of creating a botanical garden that would inspire learning, preserve native plant life and serve as a community asset. That effort led to the formation of the Friends of the Botanical Garden organization, which helped mobilize volunteers and supporters.
The group secured a lease on 67 acres of city-owned land formerly known as Pope Park and developed an ambitious 20-year master plan to guide growth and development. Early milestones included identifying more than 450 native plant species, enrolling hundreds of legacy members and publishing the Garden’s first newsletter. These early efforts laid the foundation for the Garden’s long-term success.
Today, Cape Fear Botanical Garden functions as both a nature retreat and an educational resource, offering seasonal exhibits, youth programming, workshops and community events throughout the year. Special events such as Garden After Dark reflect the Garden’s commitment to continued evolution while remaining aligned with its original mission.
Membership support remains a key component of the Garden’s sustainability. Members receive unlimited daily admission, discounted event pricing and access to exclusive programs.
In addition, membership includes reciprocal admission to more than 300 botanical gardens across North America through the American Horticultural Society, extending opportunities for exploration and learning beyond the local area. Multiple membership levels are available to accommodate individuals, families and supporters.
Tickets for Garden After Dark are $30 for the general public and $25 for Garden members. Tickets are available online at https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000136.
As Fayetteville continues to grow, Cape Fear Botanical Garden remains a space where education, conservation and community intersect. Garden After Dark offers adults an opportunity to experience that legacy in a new way, revealing how the Garden transforms after sunset.
For one evening, familiar paths will glow, science will feel playful and nature will take on a more energetic character, reminding visitors that discovery does not end when the sun goes down.
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Tuesday, 03 February 2026
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Written by Amber Little
Last year, the luminescent blue lights of the inaugural Blueprint Awards could be seen from the front door of 226 The Warehouse, as honorees, their guests, supporters of Book Black Women, and Fayetteville leaders and decision-makers filled the space to celebrate.
The night was full of creative expression, acceptance speeches, beautiful dresses, dapper suites and an air of elegance and sophistication that only Book Black Women can bring to an event. This year’s awards ceremony will be nothing short of a physical manifestation of giving flowers to some of Fayetteville’s best and brightest.
The second annual Blueprint Awards are set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Blissful Alchemists located at 414 Ray Avenue from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dngxf9c.
Dinner and cocktail mixer hour are for honorees, but anyone wishing to participate can purchase VIP tickets, which include priority entry during the cocktail hour (Dinner is not included with this ticket). Last year’s theme was Blue, fitting for its first year.
Every inch of the space vibrated with hues of blue and crystals. This year’s theme? “...a fantastical and whimsical, concert-style experience. Enchanted décor and multiple modes of artistic expression are woven throughout the evening, honoring the event’s roots as a concert series while creating a cohesive and memorable experience for guests. I’m encouraging everyone to come dressed as if you’re stepping into an enchanted forest…because you will be,” explained Ayana Washington, Founder and Creative Director of Book Black Women.
The Blueprint Awards made a lasting impression on the Fayetteville community. It highlighted creatives in the city whose work is often not even a category for bigger community awards.
Washington was surprised by the outpouring of support and recognition, stating, “The response to last year’s inaugural Blueprint Awards exceeded our expectations. While we knew there was a need for intentional recognition of cultural excellence in Fayetteville, seeing the community show up so fully affirmed that desire. The energy in the room, the feedback we received afterward, and the continued interest confirmed that people felt proud, inspired, and seen. It was clear that this was a space the community valued and wanted to see continue.”
A few differences are happening this year, the biggest being the number of honorees.
“This year’s award categories were shaped by listening closely to the community and by engaging past Blueprint recipients in the review process. Categories were selected with an emphasis on impact, consistency, leadership, and service rather than visibility alone. We wanted the awards to reflect the many ways people contribute to the creative and cultural ecosystem, including work that often happens behind the scenes,” Washington stated.
While there may have been a scale back, this year’s honorees have more than earned their night in the spotlight.
Washington is excited for those chosen for this year, adding, “This year’s honorees represent a beautiful range of leadership and impact. Sylvia Glanton, recipient of the Innovator Award, is the founder of Future Rich Aunties, where she connects women entrepreneurs to resources and community.
"Stephanie Kegler, recipient of the Health Vanguard Award, is a fitness and expressive movement advocate who inspires wellness and holistic care.
"April Mata, recipient of the Rising Star Award, is a creative manager focused on cultivating growth among artists and creatives.
"Kia Anthony, recipient of the Cultural Stewardship Award, is dedicated to preserving and amplifying Black history through events and education.
"Sheila Cuffee, recipient of the Blueprint Icon Award, is a longtime leader and mentor supporting civic engagement and community initiatives.
"Michael Houck, recipient of the Hand-in-Hand Award, is a strategic partner whose support through grants and mentorship has contributed to artist growth. Each of these women and allies brings a unique lens of service, innovation, and community uplift, demonstrating that meaningful impact takes many forms.”
One thing that will not change is the concert portion of the ceremony. From live bands to live dance performances, last year was a beautiful journey through the arts, something Washington promises will continue this year.
“Guests can expect an elevated, intimate, and immersive experience this year. The evening blends live performances from local talent with intentional moments of recognition, creating a dynamic and engaging flow throughout the program. From the moment attendees arrive, the event is designed to feel celebratory, connected, and reflective of the creative excellence within our community,” Washington said.
The 2026 The Blueprint Awards will be one for the books and a tradition that Book Black Women, Inc is excited to continue.
“I envision The Blueprint Awards becoming a signature cultural institution in Fayetteville and beyond. Long term, I see it growing into a regional and eventually national platform that honors cultural creativity across artistic disciplines while remaining grounded in community. The goal is to build something sustainable that continues to elevate and celebrate people while they are actively shaping the community,” Washington explained.
A project this big is a massive undertaking that takes months of planning, countless “thankless” hours, and support. Book Black Women, Inc has put all of these things into creating an event that truly captures the soul of the city through its honorees. A task like this can’t be accomplished alone.
Washington said, “I would love to acknowledge the past Blueprint Award recipients who served on this year’s selection committee: Ashanti Bennett, Michaela Penix, and Kenjuana McCray. I’m also grateful to this year’s recipients for accepting the honor and trusting us with their stories. Special thanks to The Creative Studio by Jae Renee and Randy Burkhead for bringing my creative vision for décor to life, to 1910 Wine Nest for sponsoring the event, and to Blissful Alchemists for providing the venue. I’m deeply appreciative of the Book Black Women team and the Fayetteville community for continuing to show up, support, and believe in the power of the arts.”
For more information to support or purchase tickets to the show, visit www.bookblackwomen.org.
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