Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville is celebrating the 43rd Annual Dogwood Festival this weekend with free admission, live music, street food, carnival rides & art.

New Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez said the event brings together over 25 food trucks, 110 vendors and various community activities from today through Sunday.

Fayetteville homicides have increased again in 2025 after a sharp drop in 2024—22 murders tied to 20 incidents have prompted police to investigate root causes as most victims knew their attackers and 12 arrests have been made.

The Fayetteville Observer is running a survey to pick Cumberland County’s best tacos and margaritas as Cinco de Mayo approaches—readers can share their favorite local food spots, with results to be shared next week.

Crews began repair work on the nearly 200-year-old Market House on April 24 and will install scaffolding in early May as nearby streets close for three days.

The project will replace decayed wood and repaint the clock tower—detour routes will be posted during the closures.

Today the Cumberland County Department of Public Health is inviting proposals from nonprofits, government groups and health providers for five projects aimed at addressing the opioid crisis with funding of up to $800,000 each over four years—proposals are due by 2 p.m. on May 30 and questions must be submitted by 2 p.m. today.

UNC running back Omarion Hampton was selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 22 pick on April 24 in Green Bay — he is the first Tar Heel running back picked in the first round in 40 years and posted back-to-back seasons with over 1,500 rushing yards.

The UNC football program has seen 254 players drafted into the NFL and 25 picked in the first round, with legends like Drake Maye and Lawrence Taylor marking the program’s history.

Today, running back Omarion Hampton was selected by the Chargers during the ongoing NFL Draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay—more Tar Heels will be named as the three-day event continues.

RedCup HoDown Southern Soul Jam

12 PM – 12 AM — Thaggards pick N go — Kids 12 and under free, Ages 13-20 $10 — Experience a lively Southern Soul Jam with multiple DJs and local artists showcasing their talents.

Come Sunday Jazz Series: John Brown

2-4 p.m. — Weymouth Center For The Arts & Humanities — Cost info not provided — Experience the talent of Grammy and Emmy nominee John Brown in an afternoon of soulful jazz.

Annual Prayer Breakfast

9:30 a.m. — Christian Cultural Center — Free entry — Refresh and rejuvenate with the theme 'Restore - Revive - Renew'.

BBQ on Bingham – Community Cookout

3-5 p.m. — Brentwood Elementary School — Free entry — Enjoy delicious BBQ, music, and games at this community celebration.

North Carolina Team Scrimmage Poetry Slam

1:30-3:30 p.m. — 226 The Warehouse — $10 entry — Experience dynamic poetry teams compete in a heartfelt exchange of words and culture.

Timeless Fashion: A Mother's Day Tribute

2-4:30 p.m. — North Regional Public Library — Free admission — Celebrate motherhood and timeless style with a fashion show and awards.

AsONE Prayer Walk and Unity Fest

All day — Festival Park — Free entry — A celebration of faith and unity bringing the community together through prayer and festivities.

4th Friday Art & Music Festival

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Fayetteville — Free entry — Experience local arts, live music, and street performances in Fayetteville's vibrant district.

Sneaker Ball 'Golden Hour'

7-11:59 p.m. — The Moose Event Center — Check for entry fee — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with music, food, and a showcase of the freshest sneakers.

2025 E.E. Smith Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

5-9 p.m. — Crown Complex — Contact for ticket pricing — Celebrate and honor outstanding E.E. Smith alumni athletes in an evening of recognition and camaraderie.