70+ Great Things to Do in Fayetteville NC | 2024 Events

Looking for Things to do in Fayetteville NC?

Fayetteville, North Carolina, is best known as the home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), a US Army base that is also the largest military base by population in the world.

Fayetteville is the 6th largest city in North Carolina, with a population of over 200,000, and is a diverse city rooted in a rich history. It’s hard not to fall in love with this place, and you’ll see why once you get there. 

The history of Fayetteville can be traced back to settlements along the Cape Fear River. The trading posts of Campbellton and Cross Creek were established by immigrants from Scotland during the mid-1700s. These settlements merged in 1783, and the town was renamed Fayetteville.

Things to do in Fayetteville NC

In the article below, you will find all the best activities, places to see, family fun activities, and so much more! 

History & Museums in Fayetteville NC

Airborne & Special Operations Museum

Address: 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Road name changing to Liberty Blvd)

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum is run by the U.S. Army Enterprise to share the importance and the history of the Special Operations and Airborne armies. Visitors usually spend about 2-3 hours exploring the museum and the museum grounds.

There are lots of informational videos, historic replicas, real historic military planes and helicopters, uniforms, photographs, and more. The museum has free admission.

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum

Address: 325 Franklin St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum is located in the restored 1890 Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot with two floors and so much information to learn about. As guests walk through the museum, they will find vintage cars, train cars, old gas station replicas, and other exhibits highlighting early 20th-century transportation. 

Self-guided tours of the museum are free, or groups can purchase guided tours. Visitors usually spend about two hours exploring, and it is a great place to bring the whole family.

Museum of the Cape Fear 

Address: 801 Arsenal Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305

The Museum of Cape Fear is a history museum complex, including the 1897 Poe House (see below.) The museum building highlights over 400 years of history in Fayetteville and the events that made the Cape Fear Region what it is today. 

There are a number of permanent exhibits, including a Civil War exhibit, an American Indian exhibit, early settlements, and textiles. 

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum

Address: 116 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Fascinate-U is an amazing hands-on science and learning museum for kids ages 1-12. The unique interactive exhibits help promote creativity and inspire children to learn new things and work with their peers. 

1897 Poe House 

Address: 206 Bradford Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Mr. E.A. Poe was a famous local businessman in Fayetteville, not to be confused with the famous American author and poet whose name he shared. His home is now open to the public to visit and see what life was like in the early 20th century and how Mr. Poe spent his days. 

The tour of the house takes about 45 minutes and highlights daily life as it was in the early 1900s, African-American history, technological advances, and more. There are suggested donations, but otherwise, tours are free.

Cultural Heritage Trails

There are 750 miles of combined trails throughout Cumberland County called the Cultural Heritage Trails. The themed areas include different areas of the county and explain history as we know it through interactive maps, descriptions, video highlights, and guided tours. Visit the website to decide which trail you’re headed on first! 

Family Fun in Fayetteville NC

Round-A-Bout Skating Center 

Address: 115 Skateway Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 & 880 Elm St, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Round-A-Bout Skating Center opened in the early 1970s and now has two locations in Fayetteville. The popular skating rink has tons of space, rental skates, an excellent snack bar, and fun weekday specials.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Address: 2051 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314

You may have heard of Urban Air, the trampoline adventure center that has activities available for everyone of all ages. Fayetteville has its very own Urban Air right outside of the downtown area. The adventure center has everything from open trampoline areas, bumper cars, trapeze, laser tag, an arcade, a kids under seven zone, and much more. 

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Address: 361 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a family-oriented trampoline park that focuses on active play and trampoline games. This is the best place in town to join in on a game of trampoline dodgeball (SkySlam) or hop on the zipline or trapeze swing. Purchase tickets online or by phone.

JP’s Jump Masters 

Address: 7005 Nexus Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28304

JP’s is a veteran-owned 20,000-square-foot trampoline facility that is fun for the whole family. They host trampoline-themed games and kids’ hours, and they have an arcade and cafe with a back patio where they host live music. 

Mountasia Golf & Games

Address: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd #100, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Mountasia Golf & Games is a well-kept mini golf course and amusement center. Mountasia features two 18-hole mini golf courses that have fun features like caves, waterfalls, and bridges, as well as black-light golf. They also have a classic arcade with all the best games and great prizes. 

B & B Bowling Lanes 

Address: 3003 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

B&B Bowling Lanes is the ultimate bowling alley in Fayetteville, with 24 lanes and all the premier bowling lane accommodations. They also have a full bar, snack bar, and pro shop.

Gillis Hill Farm

Address: 2701 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Gillis Hill Farm is a ninth-family-generation working farm that has been working on this land for over 250 years. Today, visitors from all over can visit the farm to get farm-fresh produce, visit the ice cream stand, see live events at the stage area, meet the animals, and get tours of the farm to see how farm life really works. They are open seasonally from April through October.

Putt-Putt Fun Center

Address: 3311 Footbridge Ln, Fayetteville, NC 28306

A classic family-fun mini-golf recreation center. Anyone of all skill levels can enjoy the 36-hole course. The fun center also has other games, play areas, and concessions. 

Sweet Valley Ranch

Address: 2990 Sunnyside School Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312

Sweet Valley Ranch is a working education farm on 400 acres just off of I-95. The Ranch has over 30 acres of livestock paddocks and petting zoo areas, three hay fields, four ponds, lots of animal enclosures, a produce stand, a gift shop, tiny houses, hay barns, and so much more! The farm is open year-round to visitors, and they also have yearly seasonal activities such as Dinosaur World, Backwoods Terror Ranch, and the Festival of Lights. 

ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure 

Address: 533 Carvers Falls Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311

ZipQuest has been rated Fayetteville’s number one family fun activity and will surely be a memorable adventure for everyone. ZipQuest is one of the best zip-line parks in America and has two expeditions to choose from.

Depending on your route, you can fly through the trees or take the waterfall expedition that includes suspension bridges, spiral staircases, and eight zip lines. 

Other adventures at ZipQuest include nighttime expeditions, play areas, swing shots, and more. Book your adventure ahead of time online.

Omni Fun Center

Address: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Located inside the Omni Cinemas 8 is the Omni Fun Center, a fully loaded family amusement center and arcade. The Omni Fun Center is one of the largest family amusement centers in Fayetteville and offers over 125 games and rides. Guests can also play mini-golf, pirate black light golf, laser tag, axe throwing, bowling, trampolines, and more. 

Recreation in Fayetteville NC

Axes and Armor Hatchet House Fayetteville

Address: 4005 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304

The Axes and Armor Hatchet House is an all-around recreation facility with indoor axe throwing, a rage room, and splatter paint fun that everyone in the family can get in on. Make your reservation for any of the three online before you go.

Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft

Address: 2112 River Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312

Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft was opened in 2012 by combat veterans to create a fun and safe place for people of all skill levels to try their hands at paintball or airsoft. They have over 400- acres with dynamic courses and field obstacles. 

Black-Ops Paintball & Airsoft offers great games and activities for those as young as four years old, making this the perfect family adventure! 

Deep Creek ATV Park

Address: 2601 Slocomb Rd, Linden, NC 28356

Deep Creek ATV Park is a privately owned ATV trail park with over 15 miles of maintained ATV trails, mud pits, bogs, weather tunnels, and more. They are open year-round, and they have nighttime hours. Deep Creek ATV Park is only a place for people with their own ATVs, as they do not rent them out. 

Golfing

There is nothing like getting out on the golf range during a relaxing vacation! There are several amazing golfing opportunities all around Fayetteville. Here are our favorites.

⛳ Highland Country Club | Address: 1105 Highland Country Club Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28305
A private country club proud of providing classic Southern hospitality and a number of wonderful activities. 

⛳ Stryker Golf Course | Address: 1219 Bragg Blvd, Fort Liberty, NC 28307
A private/public Donald-Ross-designed, 18-hole golf course located on the military base. The course includes a pro shop and a small restaurant. 

⛳ Gates Four Golf & Country Club | Address: 6775 Irongate Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306
A public, must-see 18-hole champion golf course with a range of family-friendly activities. 

⛳ Bayonet at Puppy Creek | Address: 349 S Parker Church Rd, Raeford, NC 28376
A newly renovated 18-hole golf course that is public and located on 15 acres.

Nature & Parks in Fayetteville NC

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 

Address: 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a gorgeous 80-acre garden situated between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek. Cape Fear Botanical Garden features miles of walking trails that explore many native flora and fauna and hundreds of different animals.

Tours of the garden are available, as well as plant workshops, day camps (for kids,) and holiday light shows. Admission costs $9.00 per adult. 

Clark Park Nature Center

Address: 631 Sherman Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Clark Park is a spacious public park that has something for everyone. Three loop trails can be walked along to explore the park, which has a playground, open fields, a waterfall, a nature center, wetlands, and lots of animals. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Cape Fear River Trail 

Address: 511 Sherman Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Cape Fear River Trail is a very popular, paved trail that starts in Clark Park and runs along the Cape Fear River for seven miles. The winding path is very flat and easy for most to walk, jog, stroll, or bike along. There are benches and rest stops throughout the trail.

Lake Rim Park

Address: 2214 Tar Kiln Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304

Lake Rim Park surrounds the lovely Bones Creek with a one-mile walking path, fields, and more. Visitors can enjoy amenities like a playground, sports areas, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, and a fun aquatic center for kids of all ages. 

Mazarick Park 

Address: 1400 Belvedere Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Mazarick Park is a lake park that borders Glenville Lake. The 80-acre park is popular for lake activities like paddling, swimming, and fishing, and there is also a disc golf course, sports areas, and walking paths.

Festival Park

Address: 335 Ray Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Festival Park is a downtown area named for being the host of many live music shows, events, and festivals. Apart from having a large front stage, the park also has a nice grassy area and seating areas. 

Cross Creek Linear Park

Address: Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Cross Creek Linear Park can be found in downtown Fayetteville and is more like a greenway path, offering a two-mile paved walkway connecting the Main Library and Festival Park.

Along the way are fountains, rest areas, benches, and historical plaques. This park offers a quiet and relaxing break from the hustle and bustle nearby.

Massey Hill Recreation Center & Park 

Address: 1612 Camden Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Massey Hill Recreation Center is the perfect place for kids and families. The recreation center offers youth programs, karate, a fitness room, and other kid/teen community-building activities. The park includes an exciting playground and sports fields.

Carvers Creek State Park, Sandhills Access 

Address: 995 McCloskey Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311

Carvers Creek is a large state park that encompasses over 4,000 acres of Cumberland County. The Sandhills access is the area of the park that is in Fayetteville. From this access, visitors can hop on to seven different hiking trails that are open to hikers, bikers, or horseback riders.

Freedom Park

Address: 111 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Road name changing to Liberty Blvd)

Freedom Park is a memorial park where those who served the country are honored. The park acts as the gateway to downtown Fayetteville.

Shopping in Fayetteville NC

Just Claying Around

Address: 201 South McPherson Church Road St, 109 McPherson Square, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Just Claying Around is a great pottery and paint studio that is the perfect place for families with older kids, first dates, and nights out with friends. Just Claying Around invites visitors to make their own pottery, fire their work, and then paint it. They also have a small gift shop with local pottery.

Leclair’s General Store

Address: 1212 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Leclair’s is an old-timey general store that sells mainly 18th, 19th, and 20th-century pieces of art. They also have books, modern art, jewelry, home decor, and more. While you are shopping, you can grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or beer.

Hummingbird Candle Co.

Address: 240 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Hummingbird Candle Co. is a black-owned/woman-owned candle and crafts store in downtown Fayetteville. They have a lovely variety of candles, and they also offer BYOB candle-making experiences. 

Greg’s Pottery

Address: 122 Maxwell St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Greg’s Pottery is a pick-and-paint pottery studio that is great for kids of all ages. They also have options to make your own pottery that will be fired and ready for you to paint on your own. Walk-ins are welcome, though allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience. 

Back Around Records

Address: 1 Market Square, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Fayetteville’s premier vintage vinyl trade and sell shop. They have a fascinating selection of classic cassette players, CDs, records, record players, stereos, amps, and more. 

Farmers Markets in Fayetteville NC

The Downtown Market

Address: 325 Blount St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Downtown Market, located in the warehouse district of Fayetteville, is a friendly farmers and artisans market open every week, Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are dozens of vendors selling produce, handmade items, clothing, flowers, jewelry, and more. 

T & T Farmers Market

Address: 3755 Cumberland Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

T & T Farmers Market is an indoor, year-round farmers market open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. They have such a wonderful selection of locally fresh produce, organic foods, canned goods, and more.

Pate’s Farm Market

Address: 6411 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304

Pate’s Farm Market seems almost like a grocery store upon walking in, but they only sell the best local, organic produce and fruits at reasonable prices. They are open year-round, six days per week (closed Sundays) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

City Market at the Museum

Address: 325 Franklin St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The City Market is a year-round indoor/outdoor market with tons of local vendors selling anything from canned goods to art, jewelry, candles, and more. You won’t find much produce at this market, but this is a great place to stop and get the perfect gift or souvenir. 

Dirtbag Ale’s Farmers Market 

Address: 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Dirtbag Ale’s is a famous brewery in Fayetteville. Their farmers market, located at their taproom, happens seasonally every Sunday. During these markets, you can get great produce from local farmers and sip on a tasty beer. There is also a playground for the kids, and they are dog-friendly.

Sports in Fayetteville NC

Segra Stadium | Fayetteville Woodpeckers

Address: 460 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Segra Stadium is a mid-sized baseball stadium, home to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a minor-league baseball team. The 4,600-seat stadium was recently opened in 2019 and is more than just a great place to catch a ball game. They also have public batting cages, a bar, a landing deck, luxury suites, and a veterans club.

Fayetteville Motor Speedway

Address: 3035 Whitman Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Fayetteville Motor Speedway is a staple of Fayetteville that has been open for over 50 years. The historic speedway is a stock-car racing center that holds races every Saturday night from March through October.

Fayetteville Marksmen

Address: Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306

The Fayetteville Marksmen are a veteran-owned and operated hockey club. The Fayetteville Marksmen’s schedule runs from October through March, with games held mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.

Climbing in Fayetteville NC

Triangle Rock Club – Fayetteville

Address: 5213 Raeford Rd #103, Fayetteville, NC 28304

The Triangle Rock Club is a state-of-the-art indoor climbing gym for people of all ages. They have top-rope, lead climbing, auto-belays, and top-out bouldering available, as well as a space for yoga and fitness. 

The Climbing Place 

Address: 436 W Russell St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

The Climbing Place is a family-favorite climbing gym that has been open for nearly 20 years. The spacious gym offers top-rope, bouldering, top-out, ledge and traverse climbs, Ninja Warrior obstacles, slacklines, military ropes, a cargo net, and more. Guests can help themselves with equipment rentals, birthday packages, classes, and themed nights.

Anyone of all ages is welcome to The Climbing Place! It is a very friendly environment for those brand new to climbing or those looking to strengthen their progress. 

Theaters in Fayetteville NC

AMC Fayetteville 14 | IMAX

Address: 4761 Lake Valley Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28303

AMC Fayetteville is a state-of-the-art movie theater with luxury AMC amenities. Guests have the chance to catch first-run films on a comfortable, reclining sofa or rocking seat. The concessions offer pizza, hot dogs, pasta dishes, snacks, treats, and candy, as well as wine and beer. 

Omni Cinemas 8 

Address: 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Omni Cinemas 8 is a family-favorite movie theater that has first-run showings of all the latest and greatest films. The movie theater also has an arcade and an indoor/outdoor mini-golf area that can be enjoyed after the film. Concessions are like your classic movie theater concessions, and they have Tuesday discounts/combo days.

Cameo Art House Theatre

Address: 225 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

For all the latest independent and art-house films, you’ll want to head over to Cameo Art House Theatre. This theater has old-timey, classic theater vibes with great concessions, including wine, beer, and tasty snacks. 

Millstone 14 

Address: 3400 Footbridge Ln, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Millstone 14 is a premium movie theater with brand-new seats, stadium seating, and 3D auditoriums. 

Cape Fear Regional Theatre 

Address: 1209 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28305

The Cape Fear Regional Theater is a famous performing arts theater with top-of-the-line theater productions in a three-story building. Each theater season includes five mainstage productions that can be seen from the over 300 seats below.

Local performers and kids groups work hard to present their plays and musicals that people of all ages will love and enjoy.

Gilbert Theater

Address: 116 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Gilbert Theater is a smaller neighborhood performing arts theater that works closely with the community and local actors to present quality plays and musicals. 

Breweries in Fayetteville NC & Nearby

✅ Bright Light Brewing Company
Address: 444 W Russell St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

A ten-barrel brewery with exciting flavors of craft beers in a dog and family-friendly environment. Bright Light often hosts live music and events, and they have regular food trucks.

✅ Gaston Brewing Company
Address: 124 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 & 421 Chicago Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Gaston Brewing is an award-winning, veteran-owned brewery with a full kitchen and comfortable taproom. Stop in for a mouth-watering burger and a beer flight! 

✅ Heckler Brewing Company
Address: 5780 Ramsey St STE #102, Fayetteville, NC 28311

A micro-brewery focused on craft beer and hard ciders. Heckler Brewing also has a full kitchen and is a great place to catch a game on TV.

✅ Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom
Address: 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Dirtbag Ales is a spacious, local favorite brewery and taproom located right off of I-95. Not only do they have great beer, but they are also the number one spot in Fayetteville for food trucks. Bring the family (and dogs!) for a great beer, delicious food, and live music.

✅ Huske Hardware Restaurant
Address: 405 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Huske Hardware Restaurant can be found in a 100-year-old historic building that has been transformed into a British-style pub and eatery with weekend DJs.

Coffee Shops in Fayetteville NC

✅ Rude Awakening Coffee House
Address: 227 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

A colorful, hip coffee house found in downtown Fayetteville. They have fabulous caffeinated beverages, baked goods, and desserts. Rude Awakening is open for late nights on weekends and until 10 p.m. during the week.

✅ The Coffee Scene at Prince Charles
Address: 450 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

An elegant coffee shop serving espresso drinks, pastries, beer, wine, and gelato. 

✅ The Coffee Scene
Address: 3818 Morganton Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314

The Coffee Scene’s first location. They opened in 1996 and have since been a popular place for relaxing drinks and live music in an inmate setting. 

✅ Vagabond Cafe
Address: 108 Hay St, Suite 1B, Fayetteville, NC 28301

Vagabond Cafe is Chicana-owned and embraces Mexican culture through each cup of delicious coffee. They serve unique coffee flavors and teas out of a 1974 converted camper van.

✅ Miller’s Brew Coffee Shop
Address: 1401 Morganton Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Miller’s Brew Coffee Shop is a new coffee shop opened with Miller’s Crew, a non-profit organization that helps those with developmental disabilities find jobs, job opportunities, and job training. Miller’s Brew Coffee Shop is a great way to support this organization and get great coffee while you’re at it.

✅ Personal Best Coffee | Blanc Coffee Roasters
Address: 103 Person St, Fayetteville, NC 28301

A comfortably modern coffee house serving locally roasted coffee drinks and pastries.

✅ Jumpin’ Java Coffee Shop
Address: 7737 Good Middling Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304

Jumpin’ Java is a veteran and family-owned coffee shop that serves delicious breakfasts and locally roasted coffee.

✅ Beans and Things Coffee
Address: 5554 Yadkin Rd #3162, Fayetteville, NC 28303

A spacious family-owned coffee bar with fun-flavored coffee drinks, lattes, teas, smoothies, and snacks.

✅ Dolce Aroma Coffee Bar
Address: 1800 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

A fun Italian-style coffee house with amazing authentic Italian espresso and desserts.

✅ 7 Brew Coffee
Address: 3307 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (Road name changing to Liberty Blvd)

A popular coffee chain for quick and delicious coffee drinks, smoothies, shakes, and more. 

✅ Just Love Coffee Cafe 
Address: 2737 Freedom Pkwy Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314

Just Love Coffee Cafe is a warm, community-building cafe and restaurant with all your favorite caffeinated drinks and breakfast/lunch meal options. Just Love Coffee Cafe is a great place to bring the whole family! 

✅ Game On! Cards and Coffee
Address: 560 N Reilly Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (Road Name changing to Rock Merritt Ave)

A unique gaming store/coffee shop where visitors can enjoy fresh cups of coffee while getting together to play popular games like Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh! They also have smoothies, lattes, teas, and more.

Things to do near Fayetteville NC

Fayetteville is in a wonderful location with things to do for miles in every direction. Here are some other activities to enjoy right outside of town.

✅ Stop Button Bar
Address: 4251 Legion Rd #127, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Stop Button Bar is a throwback arcade and hangout lounge located just under 15 minutes from central Fayetteville. Stop Button Bar features old-timey arcade classics, modern consoles, a full bar with themed drink specials, game tournaments, and more.

✅ 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum
Address: C-6841, 5108 Ardennes St, Fort Liberty, NC 28310

The 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is the second oldest Army Museum and tells the storied history of the 82nd Airborne Division from 1917 to today.

Please note this is located in Fort Liberty, and you need to be at least 17 years old and have a valid license or passport if you are a guest.  You will need to register before entering the gate’s visitors center and will receive a visitor’s pass to allow you to explore the museum.  

✅ Surge Adventure Park
Address: 3333 N Main St, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Surge Adventure Park is one of the best adventure/play centers for kids of all ages in North Carolina. They have everything from trampoline parks and foam pits to dodgeball, flying trapeze, rock wall climbing, ninja courses, and more.

✅ Fort Liberty Clay Target Center
Address: 651 E Manchester Rd, Spring Lake, NC 28390

One of the largest shotgun shooting facilities open to the public in North Carolina. They offer a skeet & trap shooting range with a full snack bar and a pro shop.

✅ Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving 
Address: 190 Paraclete Dr, Raeford, NC 28376

If you have ever been interested in skydiving, this is the perfect adventure for you! Paraclete is North Carolina’s largest indoor skydiving tunnel that is the number one choice for first-time flyers and kids. Anyone over three years old can be suited up and go into the state-of-the-art wind tunnel with a highly trained skydiving expert. 

Annual Events in Fayetteville NC 

Interested in the annual events that take place in Fayetteville? Here are the ones you don’t want to miss.

✅ Indoor Skydiving Nationals

Join the team at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving for a weekend of fun skydiving and competition. Top skydivers from around the country come early each year to test their skills as a team. Teams must be between four and eight. 

✅ Fort Liberty’s Fourth of July Celebration | July 4, 2025

The Fourth of July celebration is one of the biggest and brightest at Fort Liberty. Festivities usually start in the early afternoon with main parades, live music with big-name guests (past guests including Sheryl Crow and Gavin DeGraw), and the epic firework show to finish the night. Food trucks and vendors set up around the event. 

✅ National Airborne Day Celebration | TBD 2025

National Airborne Day is a special day to celebrate the U.S. Airborne Forces and the 48 who volunteered to join in the first parachute jump. The event features parachute jumps by the Golden Knights.

✅ Fayetteville Rose Garden | April- November 

The Fayetteville Rose Garden is a stunning rose garden with walking paths, a gazebo, a fountain, and over 1,000 rose bushes of all different colors. The rose bushes were carefully planted and are very well-maintained to provide one of the most glorious rose gardens you’ll ever see.

The rose garden is open year-round, though the best time to see the garden in all its glory is when the bushes are in full bloom. The first bloom usually happens around Mother’s Day and will continue through the summer and into the early fall. 

✅ Gallberry Corn Maze | September- mid-October

The Gallberry Corn Maze is 12 acres of fall-themed family fun. There are over 20 attractions, including a five-acre corn maze, a one-acre kids maze, donkeys, kids rides, the corn shack, pig races, hay rides, the Golden Goat Bridge, a pumpkin patch, and more. There is also lots of fantastic home-cooked food, fire pits, and drinks. 

✅ Cumberland County Fair | September 21 – 27, 2025

A classic county fair with all your favorite fair foods, games, rides, vendors, animals, and live music. Admission is $5 for kids ages 3-12, $10 for adults, and free for children three and under. 

✅ Dogwood Fall Festival | October 2025

The Dogwood Fall Festival is a fun fall festival that takes place on an October weekend each year. The festival happens at Festival Park and downtown Fayetteville. There will be downtown hayrides, children’s activities, lots of food trucks, vendors, live music, and more.

✅ A Dickens Holiday/Holidays on Hay | November 29, 2024

A Dickens Holiday is a great way to start the Christmas season. This is a local tradition that includes the transformation of downtown Fayetteville into a magical, Victorian-era-themed shopping experience. There are vendors, costume contests, a Christmas tea room, horse-drawn carriage rides, music, candlelight celebrations, and a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. 

✅ Holiday Lights in the Garden | December 6-22, 2024

Every year, the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens transforms into an extraordinary Christmas light show through the month of December. The show includes thousands of Christmas lights around the garden, Christmas decor and animatronics, meet and greets with Santa and the Grinch, holiday music, food vendors, drinks, fire pits, and more. There are limited tickets available, so make sure to purchase yours online as soon as possible. 

​​Where To Stay in Fayetteville NC

📍SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fayetteville – The SpringHill Suites by Marriott are perfect, easy, and affordable for families or those looking to take a quick weekend trip. The modern-designed hotel has all-new, up-to-date furniture and linens, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a full bar, a snack bar, and a fitness center. The SpringHill Suites are located right outside of downtown Fayetteville and are just miles away from recreation areas, Fort Liberty Military Base, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

📍Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I-95 – Tru By Hilton is a colorful, modern-looking hotel right off I-95 for easy access. The hotel is immaculate, and each guest has access to the game room, billiards, fitness center, continental breakfast, lounge area, and snack bar. Pets are welcome.

📍Embassy Suites by Hilton Fayetteville – If you are looking for a place a bit closer to downtown Fayetteville, the Embassy Suites is a great option. This spacious hotel has tons of amenities, including a hot tub, a swimming pool, a full bar, a fitness center, room service, and a lounge. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the on-site restaurant Flying Spoons. 

📍The Cozy Calvin – A great way to experience Fayetteville and everything it has to offer is by staying at this quaint apartment, located just three minutes from downtown. This is a great option for a couples’ escape or a friend’s weekend getaway. While the apartment is small (sleeping up to four guests), there is a spacious living area with a fireplace, a sizable kitchen, and a lovely backyard with a back porch. Pets are welcome.

Fayetteville, NC: FAQs

📌 Is Fayetteville, NC, worth visiting?
If you’re interested in American history, unique urban sprawls, a friendly community, exciting events, family activities, and outdoor adventures, then Fayetteville is worth visiting. 

📌 What is Fayetteville, NC, known for?
Fayetteville is known for being a very popular city with lots of activities and events. However, Fayetteville may be most known for being directly next to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) one of the largest military installations in the world.

📌 Why did Fort Bragg get changed to Fort Liberty?
The renaming of Fort Bragg was motivated by the George Floyd protests in 2020. Fort Bragg had been named after a Confederate General and was changed to Fort Liberty as a symbolic measure. 

📌 Does Fayetteville, NC, have a downtown?
Fayetteville has a large downtown with over 100 shops, restaurants, and businesses to explore.

📌 What is the famous street in Fayetteville?
Hay Street in Fayetteville is one of the most famous streets in the city. During the 60s and 70s, Hay Street was the place to go out for the evening, where there were tons of dive bars and evening entertainment clubs.

It is where many soldiers found themselves upon their return from the Vietnam War. Hay Street has undergone a lot of transformation to be a much safer and more approachable area.

📌 Is Fayetteville, NC, walkable?
Fayetteville has its ups and downs when it comes to being a walkable and bikeable city. There are many pedestrian pathways, sidewalks, and trail systems, though the city can be congested and have lots of vehicle traffic. 

📌 What celebrity is from Fayetteville, North Carolina?
Julianne Moore, J Cole, Brian Tyree Henry, and NBA player Dennis Smith Jr are among some of the many celebrities from Fayetteville, NC. 

📌 What is a fun fact about Fayetteville, NC?
George Herman “Babe” Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville in 1914 during spring training. This is also the city where he earned his nickname, Babe. The stadium no longer exists, but there is a historic marker commemorating the event.

📌 How far is Fayetteville, NC, from the beach?
Fayetteville is roughly two hours (or 103 miles) to the closest beach. Carolina Beach, NC, is the first beach town you will hit.

📌 What are winters like in Fayetteville, NC?
The winters are fairly mild and short in Fayetteville. The coldest months are January and February, where the temps are around the low 50s during the day and 30s at night. Fayetteville rarely sees any snow, and if they do, it isn’t usually more than two inches a year. 

📌 How far is Fayetteville from the Outer Banks?
Fayetteville is just under a four-hour drive to the Outer Banks. They are approximately 196.6 miles apart. You will find great places to explore, like Nags Heads, Kitty Hawk, Duck, Corolla, and Ocracoke Island to name a few.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide finds you well on your next trip to the city of Fayetteville. Whether you are just visiting for the day or you are planning a longer trip for the whole family, there is so much to do and explore. 

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