What to eat, drink, do and see at Fayetteville's International Folk Festival this weekend
Editor's note: This story has been update to reflect that the Parade of Nations and the Fiesta Latina 4th Friday events were canceled.
This weekend, the International Folk Festival, a celebration of the area’s cultures and diversity, returns to Fayetteville.
In its 45th year, the free three-day event is expected to draw more than 75,000 attendees to Festival Park and downtown Fayetteville.
Robert Pinson, president and CEO of The Arts Council, which organizes the event, said that the festival has the same mission now as when it was founded in 1978 — using art as a common denominator to celebrate diversity and bring people together.
The festival, like other artistic events and productions, took a hiatus during the pandemic, which Pinson said underscored the need for people to experience art.
“Art is no longer just entertainment. It’s absolutely essential to who we are as people and our mental health,” he said.
Fayetteville’s International Folk Festival brings visual art, as well as dance, music, fashion and food from across the globe into the spotlight.
The annual Parade of Nations scheduled for Saturday morning, however, was canceled due to inclement weather, Pinson said Thursday afternoon. At the time, he said that the rest of the festival is expected to operate as planned.
The Fiesta Latina-themed 4th Friday planned for Friday night was also canceled Thursday afternoon, according to a news release from the Cool Spring Downtown District.
Here’s a look at the menu, schedule and things to do.
What food will be at the International Folk Festival?
Festivalgoers can choose from dozens of food vendors stationed along the Festival Park promenade offering cuisines from nations like Belize, Liberia, Jamaica, India, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico, Ethiopia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Can’t decide? New this year are Taste of the World tickets, which include four samples from international food vendors. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at either of two beer tents, Pinson said.
Food trucks and concession stands will also be operating at the park and around downtown.
Will alcohol be sold at the International Folk Festival?
Brews and seltzers from Hope Mills’ Dirtbag Ales and Fayetteville’s Healy Wholesale will be available for purchase at each of the beverage tents, Pinson said. Unlike past years, wine will not be available.
This is the first time that the International Folk Festival is happening since the Downtown Social District went into effect in December. Patrons can sip alcohol purchased at designated restaurants and bars as they stroll and shop within the limits of the Social District, which is mainly on Hay and Person streets. That includes some parts of the festival, like the stage at Hay Street and Ray Avenue.
What's next for the Social District? To-go alcohol sales in Fayetteville are booming
What’s the schedule for the International Folk Festival?
Saturday
8 a.m.: The day starts with the 5K Around the World Run at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
11 a.m.: International food vendors line Festival Park’s promenade while the kids’ area offers free and paid rides. The art market along Ray Avenue opens. Food trucks operate downtown.
Noon to 7:30 p.m.: Mexican, Latin, African, Native American and Brazilian bands take the stage. See the full performance schedule here.
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Storytelling, magic, mime and other performances get underway at the Kids World of Wonder stage.
12:45 to 6 p.m.: First Nations Tribal Youth dance at the Native American stage.
1 to 6 p.m.: Hawaiian, Mexican, Filipino, Latin, Okinawan and Indian dance troupes perform on the international stage on Hay Street.
5 p.m.: Hot air balloon rides take off. Attendees can enter to win a ride at The Arts Council booth.
7:30 p.m.: SantanaWays, a California-based Carlos Santana tribute band, performs on the main stage.
Sunday
1 p.m.: Festival Park opens for festivities, including international food vendors, an arts market, and the kids’ area. Live performances from Brazilian and Latin bands and acrobatic performers commence on the main stage.
5 p.m.: Hot air balloon rides take off. Wazumbians, an Afrofusion band hailing from Ghana, performs on the main stage.
Road closures during the International Folk Festival
The following streets closures begin Friday at 4:30 p.m. and remain in effect overnight.
100, 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Hay Street
Ray Avenue from Maiden Lane to Franklin Street
Burgess and Anderson Streets at Old Street
Maxwell and Donaldson Streets at Franklin Street
Market Square roundabout from Green Street at Old Street, Person Street and Gillespie Street at Franklin Street
The following road closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday through the conclusion of the Parade of Nations:
Ray Avenue to Rowan Street
Person Street to North Cool Spring Street
The following street closures will remain in place after the conclusion of the parade through Sunday at 9 p.m.:
300 and 400 blocks of Hay Street
Ray Avenue from Rowan Street to Franklin Street, with the exception of 7 to 11:45 a.m. Sunday for churchgoers
Mason Street at Arch Street
Maiden Lane and Old Street at Burgess Street
Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com, on Twitter, or Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville International Folk Festival returns Sept. 22-24
