Downtown’s signature monthly event from March through October.
| Details |
|
| When |
4th Friday, 6pm-9pm |
| Where |
Throughout downtown |
| Cost |
Free |
Features:
- Live music and street performers
- Food trucks and vendors
- Extended business hours
- Art and culture
| Month |
Date |
Theme |
| March |
27 |
Season Opener |
| April |
24 |
Dogwood Festival weekend |
| May |
22 |
The Nerd Market (comics, anime, cosplay) |
| June |
26 |
Juneteenth celebration |
| July |
24 |
Summer peak |
| August |
28 |
|
| September |
25 |
|
| October |
23 |
Season Finale |
| Event |
When |
Attendance |
Location |
| Dogwood Festival |
Late April (24-26) |
250,000 |
Hay Street + Festival Park |
| Mother’s Day |
May 10 |
High dining |
Restaurants |
| Event |
When |
Details |
| 4th of July at Fort Bragg |
July 4 |
60,000 (on-base, spillover downtown) |
| 2026 = America’s 250th! |
July 4 |
Expect extra-large crowds |
| National Airborne Day |
August 16 |
Airborne Museum events |
| Event |
When |
Attendance |
Location |
| International Folk Festival |
Late September (26) |
70,000-75,000 |
Festival Park |
| Lickskillet Days |
October 17-18 |
Medium |
Historic Courthouse Square |
| Veterans Day Parade |
November 8 (Sat) |
~1,000+ |
Hay Street |
| Dickens Holiday |
November 27 |
20,000 |
Downtown Hay Street |
| Event |
When |
Attendance |
Location |
| Christmas Parade |
December 12 (Sat) |
~5,000 |
Hay Street |
| Victorian Christmas |
December |
Medium |
Downtown |
| Night Circus NYE |
December 31 |
High |
Downtown |
| MLK Day Parade |
January (3rd Mon) |
~2,000 |
Person & Hay Streets |
Add downtown events to your calendar:
- Dogwood Festival - Arrive early, parking fills fast
- 4th Friday - Street closures affect parking; use side lots
- Parades - Check route closures in advance
Events continue rain or shine unless dangerous conditions. Check forecasts at Downtown Guide.
