Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville residents gathered May 13 at Crossroads Church to discuss concerns over ICE raids and detentions of immigrants.

Speakers from Siembra NC (offering hotlines for real-time ICE activity reports) and North Carolina Immigration Law & Justice Center (providing rights workshops and legal guidance) detailed community strategies to support immigrant families.

Cumberland County’s 14 free splash pads have been open since May 1 for daily water play, & four pools will open on Memorial Day with swimming fees that vary by age and residency.

Communities near Fayetteville marked Memorial Day with a Fort Bragg 5K on May 17 and a free concert today at Haymount United Methodist Church at 4 p.m.—upcoming events include a Fallen Heroes Memorial exhibit at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum May 20–22, a ceremony in Spring Lake on May 23, a Memorial Miles 5K on May 24, and gatherings on May 26 in Fayetteville, Aberdeen and Hope Mills.

The Fayetteville Observer is asking readers in North Carolina to share their favorite hidden treasures by completing an online survey—responses will be used for a guide of the state’s lesser-known gems—with the survey closing May 25.

On May 14, Cape Fear Valley Health broke ground on the expansion of its First Adventures Child Development Center at 1727 Roxie Ave in Fayetteville; the project will add 12 new classrooms + 30 staff positions to boost capacity by 200 children.

The center cares for children as young as 6 weeks through prekindergarten and offers care both before and after school to support hospital employees' families.

Fayetteville Academy girls lacrosse seniors, including Vanni Intini, Polly Miller, Campbell Burt, and Mary Reese Barkman, won their first NCISAA state championship.

The players said the win was a historic milestone+ and they plan to build on this success next season+.

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.

PWC Pre-Registration for Public Works Art Exhibit

12-8 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville — $15 for one artwork, $20 for two — Drop off your original art pieces for a chance to showcase them in a community-wide exhibit.

2025 Rockfish Open House

3-7 p.m. — Camp Rockfish — Free entry — Discover the beauty and fun of Camp Rockfish with delicious food options available.

Hills and Thrills Adventure Tour

12 PM – 1 PM — Sweet Valley Ranch — Tickets are Non Refundable — Experience a 60-minute guided ATV tour through the terrains of Sweet Valley Ranch!

2025 Monarch Baseball Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — Methodist University — Check website for pricing — Hone your baseball skills with expert coaching and competitive games.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 3-5 — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — $245 — Fast-track your basketball skills with expert coaching in Fayetteville.

Summer Day Camp - June Session II

8 AM – 4 PM — Methodist University — Registration required — Engage in a fun and educational basketball summer camp for boys.

Robin Hood

6:45 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — $ — Experience thrilling sword fighting and daring escapes in a captivating tale of justice and rebellion.