International Folk Festival

The International Folk Festival celebrates Fayetteville's diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, food, and traditions from around the world. This free annual event brings the global community together in downtown Fayetteville.

Festival Overview

Event Details

• Name: International Folk Festival
• Year: 47th annual in 2025
• Dates: September 27-29, 2025
• Location: Festival Park, downtown Fayetteville
• Admission: Free
• Presenter: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

History

The festival began in 1978 as a celebration of the cultural diversity within the military and civilian community. For nearly five decades, it has grown to become one of the region's premier cultural events.

Festival Highlights

Parade of Nations

Saturday morning kickoff:

• Representatives from dozens of countries
• Traditional costumes and flags
• Community groups marching
• Spectator-friendly route downtown

Cultural Performances

Entertainment throughout the weekend:

• Traditional music from many cultures
• Folk dance performances
• Authentic instruments
• Multiple performance stages

International Food Court

Culinary journey around the world:

• Food from dozens of countries
• Authentic recipes and preparations
• Vegetarian and dietary options
• New vendors each year

Arts and Crafts

Cultural marketplace featuring:

• Handcrafted items from various cultures
• Traditional artisan demonstrations
• Unique gifts and souvenirs
• Support for local and international artists

Activities for Families

Children's Area

Young visitors enjoy:

• Interactive cultural activities
• Crafts representing different countries
• Games and entertainment
• Educational experiences

Educational Opportunities

Learning experiences include:

• Cultural demonstrations
• Language introductions
• Historical presentations
• Tradition explanations

Festival Schedule

Friday

Opening evening events:

• Preview entertainment
• Food court opens
• Evening performances
• Extended hours downtown

Saturday

Main festival day:

• Parade of Nations (morning)
• Full day of performances
• All venues operating
• Peak attendance day

Sunday

Closing day celebration:

• Continued performances
• Food and shopping
• Family activities
• Festival wrap-up

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

• Location: Festival Park and surrounding downtown area
• Parking: Free public parking available
• Public transit: FAST bus service to downtown

What to Bring

Prepare for a great experience:

• Cash for food and crafts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and hats
• Reusable water bottles
• Blankets or chairs for performances

Tips for Enjoying

Make the most of the festival:

• Arrive early for parking
• Try foods from unfamiliar countries
• Watch multiple performances
• Visit the arts market
• Bring the whole family

Cultural Representation

Participating Countries

The festival typically represents:

• Asian cultures (China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, India)
• European heritage (Ireland, Germany, Greece, Poland)
• African nations and traditions
• Latin American countries
• Middle Eastern cultures
• Pacific Island nations
• Many more

Community Groups

Local organizations participating:

• Cultural associations
• Church and community groups
• Schools and universities
• Military international families

Military Community Connection

Diverse Military Families

Fort Liberty brings:

• Families from around the world
• International service members
• Diverse cultural backgrounds
• Global perspectives

Cultural Exchange

The military community:

• Shares traditions with civilians
• Celebrates heritage openly
• Builds community connections
• Creates lasting friendships

Supporting the Festival

Volunteer Opportunities

Help make the festival happen:

• Performance area assistance
• Information booths
• Children's activities
• Setup and cleanup

Sponsorship

Businesses can support through:

• Corporate sponsorship levels
• Vendor participation
• In-kind donations
• Community partnerships

The International Folk Festival showcases Fayetteville's remarkable diversity while celebrating the shared humanity that unites different cultures. This beloved tradition brings the world to downtown Fayetteville each September.