Good morning, Fayetteville.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host the Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase—an event where locals will taste curated bourbons, listen to live music from Whiskey Pines from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and enjoy family crafts and historical demonstrations at 536 N.

Eastern Blvd. This event will also feature insights from distilleries like Oaklore Distilling—giving attendees a festive look at Southern bourbon traditions.

The Korea Culture and Art Festival will take place Sept.

20 from 10 a.m.—6 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 421 Maiden Lane. The event features K-pop, K-Art, Zumba, traditional Korean displays, and a youth art competition with cash prizes and trophies.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden will host an adults-only event called Garden After Dark on Sept.

26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—the event will feature spooky science stations, haunted garden hikes, a live DJ with a foam fest, trivia sessions, glowing games and craft cocktails for a night of unique fun.

Fayetteville Tech broke ground on Monday, September 15 on a $21.2 million training center to teach truck driving and repair on 58 acres on Old Raeford Road.

The facility will open its training pad—phase I—in December and serve students from Fayetteville Tech, Bladen Community College and Robeson Community College while phase II goes out to bid in early 2026.

Fayetteville City Council primary candidates offered varied proposals today on curbing youth crime—some favoring a youth curfew as part of a comprehensive approach while others advocate for community programs, mentorship, and enhanced police involvement to provide better alternatives for young people.

Supporters are writing letters and putting up billboards at Fort Bragg to ask the Army to keep the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum open while plans to shrink 41 museums to 12 are still being worked out.

The museum—used by new soldiers for training and history lessons—may close if the plan is made final.

Fayetteville mayoral candidates today answered questions on how they will tackle budget gaps caused by federal funding cuts that could impact public services and infrastructure.

Their responses included plans to secure alternative funds, cut waste, and work with local and state officials—steps they say will help keep city services running smoothly.

Fayetteville City Council candidates said the city must fix its contractor vetting process following stalled projects like the Mazarick Park Tennis Center and Fire Station No. 4—each candidate offered ideas such as better screening, local hiring, and clear benchmarks to prevent wasted taxpayer money. This discussion comes as the city seeks new ways to restore public trust and ensure future projects are well managed.

Fayetteville City Council primary candidates shared their plans to address budget gaps caused by federal cuts—proposing measures such as budget audits, community partnerships, and diversified revenue streams to protect essential services.

They outlined specific actions for sectors like public safety, housing, and infrastructure during the campaign.

Mayoral candidates answered a question on Fayetteville's quality of life in a primary voter guide and submitted unedited grades ranging from an A to an F (highlighting issues like crime, housing and the economy).

Their responses give voters a clear view of a city praised for community strengths yet in need of improvements in public safety and affordability.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County officials recommended combining their 911 call centers with mental health support and no job losses—using the county’s facility as the new joint center.

They will discuss details such as shared costs and governance at upcoming meetings after the Sept. 15 presentation.

The Perfect Pairing: Charcuterie Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — Grapes & Hops-Craft Beer & Wine — Included in ticket — Craft a personalized charcuterie board while enjoying expertly curated wine pairings.

Fall Run Iron Mike Run 5K Run/Walk 2025

4 AM – 2 PM — 300 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC — Registration details available — Participate in a community-building fitness event while raising funds for future chapter activities.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

2:30-3:30 p.m. — E Melvin Honeycutt Elementary — Registration fee applies — Engage children in a healthy running program tailored for pre-K through 8th grade.

Nurse John Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Crown Theatre - The Crown Center — Tickets from $78 — Experience the unforgettable performance by Nurse John in Fayetteville.

Crowder & Passion Music Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crown Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience an uplifting evening with popular worship leaders and music from Passion City Church.