44th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival brings a 90s & early 2000s throwback

By Staff Report, posted Feb 12, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is officially turning back the clock while taking meaningful steps forward for the future of the community as well as the Dogwood Festival.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival proudly announces that the 44th Annual Festival, taking place April 24–26, 2026, will feature a 90s and early 2000s throwback theme, headlined by iconic hip-hop duo Ying Yang Twins and high-energy tribute band Saved By the 90s.

In addition to exciting programming and entertainment, festival organizers are proud to share that the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival has officially transitioned from a 501(c)(4) organization to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

This change allows the festival to expand its impact by making donations tax-deductible, opening doors to new grants and funding opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. Most importantly, this shift ensures that more resources can be reinvested directly into free programming, educational opportunities, family-focused experiences, and long-term sustainability initiatives benefiting the entire community.

“This transition reflects our continued commitment to transparency, growth and serving Fayetteville in a deeper, more meaningful way,” Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez shared in a press release.

This year’s Kid Zone will be hosted in partnership with United Way of Cumberland County and Fascinate-U Children's Museum, bringing interactive, educational, and engaging experiences for children and families.

The festival is also proud to collaborate with Sustainable Sandhills, which will host their Earth Day Festival within the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, further expanding education and engagement around environmental stewardship.

Organizers shared that additional collaborations are in the works, with more announcements coming soon.

As part of the festival’s ongoing Green Initiative, several organizations will work alongside the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival to promote sustainability, reduce waste and encourage environmentally responsible practices throughout the weekend. Partners include:

NC Composting Council
Organic Life Amendments
Nature's Herbal Cabinet
Sustainable Sandhills

“I wanted for us to move forward with making a difference in every way possible. Simone Johnson, Dogwood’s chief operating officer, has done amazing with pulling our Green Initiative together. To say I am proud of her is an understatement,” added Suarez in a press release.

A Weekend Designed for Every Generation

Friday Night (April 24) kicks off with the Ying Yang Twins taking the stage to kick off the weekend with high energy and throwback favorites. Midway will be in full swing, with plenty of food, drinks, and more.
Saturday (April 25) shifts into a full family fun day, throwing it back to the 90s with Saved By the 90s, along with family-friendly programming, vendors, and classic festival attractions like the carshow.
Sunday (April 26) wraps up the weekend with a low-key, community-focused vibe, featuring the final day of midway rides, favorite food trucks, shopping with vendors, free classes in the park, local live music, and a fan-favorite wrestling showcase as the festival comes to a close.
Festival Improvements & Important Reminders

Festival organizers also announced a new, tighter festival footprint for 2026, designed to improve walkability, accessibility and overall flow. While more streamlined, attendees can expect the same number of vendors (if not more), making it easier for everyone to enjoy the festival.

Attendees are reminded that the City of Fayetteville implemented a clear bag policy last year, and the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival will continue to fully comply with this policy to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all.

With three days of music, memories, collaboration and hometown pride, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival remains free to attend and open to everyone.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival officially invites the public to the biggest event in Cumberland County, happening April 24–26, 2026, in downtown Fayetteville.

More announcements, schedules and surprises will be released in the coming weeks.

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