Visitors to downtown Fayetteville can now park for free after 5 p.m. The new parking hours went into effect July 1, replacing the previous paid parking hours that ended at 7 p.m.

“This change will greatly benefit our residents and local businesses by making it more convenient to enjoy all that our vibrant downtown has to offer,” said Fayetteville City Manager Douglass J. Hewett in a press release. "We hope this decision by City Council fosters a more welcoming and accessible environment, encouraging more people to visit, shop, and dine in our downtown area.

The City Council passed the parking hours change in a consensus motion on June 24 in a city council regular meeting. This change to the paid parking time does not revise the rate for parking, or the special event rate. Parking is free in public spaces on federal holidays as well as Saturdays and Sundays unless there is a special event such as a baseball game.

To learn more about downtown Fayetteville parking, visit the City’s parking website.