International Folk Festival, Fayetteville NC — September 25–26, 2026
2026 Festival Concluded — 2027 Dates TBA
The 48th Annual International Folk Festival concluded on September 26, 2026. Official dates for the 49th Annual 2027 festival will be announced by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Check our Downtown Guide for ongoing downtown events and Festival Park activations.
Short answer: The 48th Annual International Folk Festival was held at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville. The annual celebration is free, opens with the Parade of Nations, and features more than 30 cultural groups, an International Cafe, and an art market.
This page covers the 2026 edition. For the festival year to year (history, what to expect, parking, and future dates), see the International Folk Festival guide.
Schedule
| Day | Hours | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Sept 25 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Opening evening performances and International Cafe |
| Saturday, Sept 26 | Noon – 7:00 p.m. | Parade of Nations, full day of performances, International Cafe, and Art Market |
Parking and getting there
Festival Park sits at 335 Ray Avenue in downtown Fayetteville, within walking distance of Hay Street dining and downtown parking decks. Saturday's Parade of Nations typically drew the largest crowd of the weekend.
What it costs
General admission was free both days. Food and drink at the International Cafe and goods at the Art Market were sold separately by individual vendors.
Where to eat nearby
Festival Park backs onto the Hay Street dining strip, and these downtown restaurants were convenient dining stops during the festival weekend and remain year-round options:
- Antonella’s Italian Ristorante — 300 Hay Street, about a 5-minute walk from Festival Park.
- Circa 1800 — 108 Person Street, a short walk from the Festival Park entrance.
- Winterbloom Tea — 238 Hay Street, a lower-key stop between festival sets.
Frequently asked questions
- When was the 2026 International Folk Festival in Fayetteville?
- The 48th Annual International Folk Festival was held Friday, September 25 (6-9 p.m.) and Saturday, September 26 (noon-7 p.m.), 2026, at Festival Park, 335 Ray Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
- Was the 2026 International Folk Festival free to attend?
- Yes. The 2026 festival, presented by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, was free to attend, including the Parade of Nations, International Cafe, and art market.
- What time is the Parade of Nations?
- The Parade of Nations traditionally leads Saturday’s program, opening festivities at Festival Park ahead of cultural performances, the International Cafe, and the Art Market.