Every May and June, Fayetteville and Cumberland County fill with caps, gowns, proud families, and a whole lot of celebration. With multiple high schools and several college campuses in the area—including Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and FTCC—our community hosts dozens of graduation ceremonies each year.

And if you’re coming to town to celebrate a graduate, welcome! We locals know how special this time is, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

The Graduation Lowdown

All of our public high school graduation ceremonies take place at the Crown Coliseum, typically within a packed one-to-two-week stretch in late May through early June. That means traffic, excitement, and lots of visitors! If you're visiting from out of town, it’s a great idea to plan ahead—not just for the ceremony, but for meals, activities, and downtime between events.

A Weekend Itinerary for Out-of-Town Guests

We've put together a potential itinerary to help you with your planning:

Friday Afternoon: Arrive in Fayetteville and get settled into your hotel. Grab a casual dinner downtown at Blue Moon Café or Haymount Truck Stop for a local favorite.

Saturday Morning: If your graduate’s ceremony is today, head to the Crown Coliseum early to find good parking. Before you go, swing by Jumpin' Java Coffee Shop or MaryBill’s Café to grab a snack or drink to enjoy in the car while you wait. After the ceremony, take a walk through Cape Fear Botanical Garden or explore the Airborne & Special Operations Museum to soak in some local history.

Saturday Evening: Time to celebrate! If your grad is high school-aged, enjoy a festive family meal at Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Mash House Brewing Company, or Circa 1800. For college grads (21+), toast to their future with a cocktail at Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar or a local brew at Dirtbag Ales in nearby Hope Mills.

Sunday Morning: Snap those must-have photos before heading home. Favorite local photo spots include:

  • The mural-lined walls of downtown Fayetteville

  • The scenic bridges and gardens at Cape Fear Botanical Garden

  • Cross Creek Park near the Market House

  • Their campus quad or graduation archway

Insider Tips

  • Make reservations early for dinner spots during graduation week—they fill up fast!

  • The Crown Complex can get crowded, so arrive at least 45 minutes early.

  • Want a unique local gift? Try Winterbloom Tea or one of the many shops in Downtown Fayetteville.

Ready to Celebrate?

There’s more to graduation weekend than just the ceremony. With Fayetteville’s welcoming charm, historic beauty, and locally loved spots, it’s the perfect place to mark a milestone.

 

Book your stay today and make this graduation one to remember.

Service Bell