Friday, June 20: Welcome to Fayetteville
Let’s get this weekend started — but no rush. Ease in, check in, and soak up the warm hello.
Check-In + Chill Out
Roll into Fayetteville by mid-afternoon and check into one of our many affirming, weekend-ready accommodations. Find the best place to stay...the one with perks like indoor pools, on-site dining, and comfy common areas so you can settle in your own way — solo, as a couple, or with your full rainbow crew.
🧳 Pro tip: Many hotels are just minutes from the main festival venue.
Dinner at Pan
Start the weekend off right with dinner at Pan, a downtown Fayetteville favorite with bold, award-winning flavors and the perfect atmosphere for a quick bite. It’s where Pride and palate happily meet.
Evening Walk + Boutique Browsing
After dinner, take a sunset stroll through downtown. Local shops and galleries often feature rainbow displays or special weekend hours. Bring a reusable tote — there’s a good chance you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed. Our blog, LGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses in Fayetteville, is a good place to identify a couple of our rainbow community businesses.
Drinks, Laughs & Local Vibes
Cap the night with a stop at Stop Button Bar and Arcade with their welcoming environment, games, and unique mixed drinks; Archive Speakeasy for upscale cocktails; The Sip Room if wine towers and charcuterie are more your style; or The Church Entertainment Lounge for a game of pool, dancing, and maybe even comedy or karaoke. No matter which of these locations you choose you will be enjoying the best Greater Fayetteville has to offer.
Saturday, June 21: All-Day PrideFest Fun
Get ready for the main event: a full day of fun, flavor, and fierce community celebration — all indoors, all fabulous.
Head to Crown Expo Center starting at 10 AM for an indoor PrideFest experience filled with community, entertainment, and vibrant self-expression. With extended hours until 8 PM, you can come early and stay late — or come and go as you please. No matter when you show up, the energy will be high and the welcome even higher.
Here’s what to expect:
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Drag royalty, DJ, and dancers on stage throughout the day -
LGBTQ+ makers, artists, and vendors selling everything from art to affirming accessories -
Food trucks and sweet treat stations to keep you fueled -
Rainbow photo ops, rest zones, and chill areas for downtime -
Community booths with helpful resources, affirming services, and friendly faces
Sunday, June 22: Slow Down, Show Love
Ease into Sunday with good food, fresh air, and time to reflect.
Brunch at Blue Moon Café
Gather your people and head to Blue Moon Café, a cozy spot known for creative brunch dishes and generous mimosas. It’s the perfect place to share stories, photos, and laughter from the day before.
Local Love + Last-Minute Finds
Pop into affirming downtown spots like Greg’s Pottery or Turner Lane for a little creative fun or last-minute souvenirs before hitting the road.
Breathe It In
Before you hit the road, take a quiet walk-through Cape Fear Botanical Garden or the African American Heritage Trail. It’s a gentle, grounding way to close out the weekend — surrounded by beauty, history, and hope.
