Cumberland County Fair comes to town
The whistle is blowing, the tracks are set, and families across the region are invited to climb aboard The Agricultural Express as the 2026 Cumberland County Fair rolls into the Crown Complex from Sept. 4–13, 2026.
This year's theme, "The Agricultural Express," celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of Cumberland County while taking guests on a journey filled with family fun, exciting entertainment, educational exhibits, delicious fair food, and cherished traditions. The train-inspired theme honors the role transportation has played in connecting communities, supporting agriculture, and helping local farmers bring their products to market for generations.
For ten exciting days, fairgoers can experience thrilling midway rides, livestock exhibitions, arts and crafts competitions, agricultural displays, live entertainment, games, vendors, and attractions designed for guests of all ages.
"The Cumberland County Fair has always been about celebrating our community and our agricultural roots," said Tony Williams, Fair Manager. "This year's Agricultural Express theme allows us to highlight the importance of agriculture while creating an exciting experience for families. We invite everyone to join us as we take a journey through the traditions, education, entertainment, and memories that make the fair special year after year."
At the heart of the fair are the agricultural exhibits and competitions that continue to showcase the talents and hard work of local farmers, youth exhibitors, 4-H and FFA participants, gardeners, craftsmen, and artisans. These exhibits provide visitors with a closer look at the industries and traditions that have helped shape Cumberland County and North Carolina.
Along the midway, guests can enjoy a variety of rides and games provided by Big Rock Amusements, offering excitement for thrill-seekers and family-friendly attractions for younger visitors. Throughout the fairgrounds, entertainment, demonstrations, and special attractions will keep guests engaged from opening day through the final ride on Sept. 13.
The Cumberland County Fair remains one of the largest annual community celebrations in the region, welcoming thousands of visitors each year while providing educational opportunities, supporting local agriculture, and creating lasting family memories.
The fair will be held at the Crown Complex. Gates open daily at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, Sept. 7. General Admission costs $11 per person. Daily specials will be offered as well. Children 3 and under are free.
Ride tickets and wristbands will be available on the Midway. Visit the website, www.CumberlandCountyFair.org, for more information. Tickets are available at the Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office, and online at Ticketmaster.com.

Fascinate-U, Book Black Women recipients of Arts Council grants
Fascinate-U Children's Museum has been awarded a $15,000 Grassroots Arts Project Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to expand arts education through new interactive exhibits, enhanced educational programming, and community events that inspire creativity in children of all ages.
The grant will allow Fascinate-U to bring art into every corner of the museum by creating a children's art gallery, an interactive magnetic design wall, and a hands-on weaving wall, while also enhancing role-playing experiences on the museum's stage and interactive music exhibit. These additions will give children new opportunities to express themselves creatively while learning through play.
Beyond exhibit enhancements, the grant will significantly expand the museum's arts programming. Funding will support art outreach programs throughout the community, provide supplies for homeschool classes, teen art classes, early learning programs, and art-focused field trips, while also incorporating more creative experiences into annual events such as New Year's at Noon, the End of Summer Block Party, Homeschool Day, and Career Day.
The grant will also help launch a brand-new community event, the Kids Made Market, where young artists and makers can showcase and sell their creations.
"Art encourages children to think creatively, solve problems, and express themselves in ways that build confidence and curiosity," said Amanda Jekel, executive director of Fascinate-U Children's Museum. "Thanks to the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, we'll be able to create lasting improvements throughout the museum while expanding opportunities for children to experience art through exhibits, classes, outreach, and community events. These investments will continue inspiring young artists and learners for years to come."
Each year, thousands of children and families visit Fascinate-U Children's Museum to explore, imagine, and learn through hands-on experiences. This grant will ensure that more children have access to meaningful arts experiences both inside the museum and throughout the community.

Book Black Women, Inc. is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $12,500 Grassroots Arts Program Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to launch The Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series, a new year-round initiative celebrating Black history through immersive live performance, music, storytelling, theater, dance, poetry, and community engagement.
"This generous investment from the Arts Council allows us to preserve and celebrate Black history through original artistic experiences while creating new opportunities for local artists and audiences," said Ayana Washington, founder and creative director of Book Black Women, Inc. "The Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series was created to educate, inspire, and connect people through the arts, and we're incredibly grateful to the Arts Council for believing in this vision."
The $12,500 Grassroots Arts Program Grant will support the development and presentation of The Yaya's Cultural Heritage Performance Series throughout the 2026–2027 season. The series features five signature productions that each explore a different era and expression of Black culture through immersive storytelling and live performance:
• Yaya's Sunday Blues – An intimate evening of blues, soul, and cabaret.
• Yaya's Juke Joint: The Musical Revue – A theatrical celebration of Southern Black music, storytelling, and community traditions.
• Yaya's House O' Funk – A vibrant celebration of funk, soul, dance, fashion, and Black joy.
• Yaya's Muse – A modern jazz, poetry, and storytelling lounge experience celebrating Black artistic expression.
• Yaya's Amateur Night – A community showcase inspired by the legacy of historic Black performance spaces and dedicated to emerging artists.
The project is administered through Cool Spring Downtown District, which serves as Book Black Women's fiscal agent. Together, the organizations are committed to using arts and culture as a catalyst for community engagement, economic vitality, and tourism by creating experiences that encourage residents and visitors to explore Downtown Fayetteville while celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.
Throughout the season, performances will take place at venues across Cumberland County. Grassroots Arts Program Grants increase opportunities for access to arts, cultural, and historical programming in Cumberland County. The grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and municipal entities that demonstrate financial and administrative stability.
To accompany the launch of the series, Book Black Women has also unveiled a dedicated online experience where audiences can explore each production, browse the season lineup, learn about artist opportunities, and stay connected with upcoming performances and community events.
Learn more at https://bookblackwomen.com/yayas-cultural-heritage-series