Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville’s first Fan Fest will take over the Crown Complex and downtown from Oct.

17 to 19 and will feature cosplay competitions, celebrity panels, gaming tournaments, and family-friendly activities. Organizers added the event will include a kickoff at The Sweet Palette with proceeds benefiting the Karen Chandler Trust—promising a new local celebration of pop culture.

Workers at the Second Harvest Food Bank said that empty shelves from funding cuts left 88,000 clients without enough food, and nonperishable donations were needed to restock supplies.

Donations will be accepted Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 406 Deep Creek Rd in Fayetteville.

BT Hale—a Cumberland native—will compete for a $100K prize on Jimmy Fallon's new reality series On Brand.

The show will blend marketing challenges with fun tasks and will debut at 9 p.m. Monday on WRAL.

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has begun a search for a new music director as Maestro Stefan Sanders will conclude his tenure at the end of the 2025–2026 season after leading the group since 2017.

Applications are open until Nov. 1 and finalists will guest conduct during the orchestra’s 70th anniversary season—ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Beardtoberfest is a facial hair contest hosted by Cape Beard that will take place at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom in Hope Mills on Oct.

18 — the event charges $15 for admission and offers free entry for competitors to support the Karen Chandler Trust, which aids cancer patients in Cumberland County. The contest features a Batman and Robin theme with 13 competition categories and keeps its tradition of playing the same opening music — drawing a unique mix of fun and charity to the local area.

B.T. Hale, a Cumberland County native, appeared on Jimmy Fallon's new marketing competition show On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, which aired September 30 at 10 p.m. on NBC — the 37-year-old Cape Fear High graduate now working as a marketing manager in Dallas said competing on the show proved that big ideas can come from small towns.

CityView Magazine’s October magazine lists 29 top events in Cumberland County including sports games, charity tournaments, concerts, and festivals scheduled from today onward — readers in Fayetteville can plan their weeks with detailed dates and venues provided.

Fayetteville State University renamed its School of Nursing to Cape Fear Valley School of Nursing after receiving a $2 million donation from Cape Fear Valley Health and announced plans to expand the program and scholarships.

Officials said the investment will boost capacity and clinical opportunities for students — helping address the regional nursing shortage.

On Tuesday, the NCDMV began certifying private driver education schools to offer teen road tests, which reduces wait times at DMV offices.

This new option lets teens complete the final license process with only an office visit—streamlining licensing for young drivers.

Mayor Mitch Colvin questioned if Council Member Mario Benavente meets the residency law as he says he stays in his District 3 home while his wife lives in District 5, raising concerns during the ongoing mayoral race.

Colvin said he will sign an affidavit—inviting other candidates to verify their addresses—while early and mail-in votes remain open until October 7.

Molding Young Moguls is hosting Beats & Brushes, a free youth mental health event on Oct.

14 at 270 New Freedom Church Road from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.—featuring trap music, guided painting, free food and a licensed mental health professional—to give youth a safe space for self-expression.

Cumberland County health officials are preparing for changes to COVID-19 vaccine guidance as the CDC is expected to release updated directions by early October.

County commissioners approved $200,000 for uninsured fee waivers, and a joint vaccine event is scheduled for Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Department of Public Health (1235 Ramsey St) to offer free shots (flu, RSV and COVID) in Fayetteville.

Fayetteville high school football fans can vote in the 910Preps poll for Midseason Offensive Player of the Year, which features 11 nominees chosen from conference games—voting will close Tuesday, October 7 at 8 a.m.

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.

The Pink Walk: Walk It Out for Breast Cancer

8 AM – 1 PM — The Gathering Place — Vendor spots available — Celebrate breast cancer awareness with a day of walking, community, and empowerment.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville

10 AM – 12 PM — Segra Stadium — Donations encouraged — Participate in the movement to combat Alzheimer’s with hope and action.