Good morning, Fayetteville.

More than 50 Halloween and fall events will take place this October across Fayetteville—featuring trunk-or-treats, festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches for all ages.

Local organizers are hosting free and ticketed celebrations in Cumberland County and nearby areas to offer fun community activities throughout the month.

Cookout plans to open at least 19 new restaurants this year—with locations listed across the mid-Atlantic and southeast—and will include openings in North Carolina, with new sites in Fayetteville and Charlotte, according to its website.

Fayetteville’s first renderings of the Black Voices Museum were unveiled at a public session at Segra Stadium—its design features two exhibition halls and an economic development hub meant to boost local opportunities.

Project leaders said the museum, which plans to begin construction in January and finish by September, will rely on community support and donations to meet its $10.2 million start-up and $175–$215 million design budget.

Molly Griggs, who got her start at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, made a breakthrough year in Fayetteville with roles on Netflix’s The Residence and on Broadway in John Proctor is the Villain—she credited her local theater with teaching her the skills that launched her acting career.

Fayetteville State University today renamed its School of Nursing as the Cape Fear Valley School of Nursing—after a $2 million gift from Cape Fear Valley Health—to expand facilities and double enrollment from 150 to 300 students, increase faculty, and boost hands-on training to tackle the nursing shortage in our region.

Fayetteville will hold a mayoral primary on Oct.

7 where voters will choose the top two candidates to face off in the Nov. 4 general election—front-runners include Mayor Mitch Colvin, Councilwoman Kathy Keefe Jensen, and Councilman Mario Benavente.

Fort Bragg reduced staffing at some offices because a government shutdown began Oct 1—essential services like emergency care, schools and shops remain open.

Some museums and programs have changed hours or closed while military families are advised to use available financial assistance.

Cumberland County announced updated parking options for the Judge E.

Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse after the front lot closed when the Crown Event Center was canceled — visitors now can park for free at the First Presbyterian Church lot, near the rear courthouse lot with ADA spaces, or on gravel lots at 334 Person and 125 S. Kennedy to keep parking available for staff and jurors.

A new law (House Bill 67) now lets NC pharmacists test and treat the flu without a prescription as of yesterday (Oct.

1), which is expected to cut time and cost for families. Pharmacists are set to offer point-of-care testing and write prescriptions based on test results.

High school boys soccer fans in Fayetteville are urged to vote for the midseason player of the year as seven nominees from public and private schools are announced—voting closes on October 8 at 8 a.m.

UNC football will play Clemson in the ACC opener at Kenan Stadium on Saturday, Oct.

4 at Noon on ESPN. UNC has lost most games against Clemson and may start backup Max Johnson if injured QB Gio Lopez does not improve (his lower-body injury remains a concern), and experts predict a 33-12 win for Clemson.

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.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

5-8:30 p.m. — Vagabond Cafe — Entry fee applicable — Experience an immersive evening of Mexican flavors, music, and hands-on tradition in honor of Dia de los Muertos.