This Juneteenth, Greater Fayetteville, NC welcomes you to honor history, celebrate culture, and enjoy a weekend of unforgettable experiences. From vibrant downtown events to meaningful stops along the African American Heritage Trail, this family-friendly itinerary is crafted for road-trippers seeking a celebration with purpose, flavor, and heart.
Friday: Kickstart the Celebration
Check-In and Unwind
Whether you’re arriving from Raleigh, Charlotte, or beyond, Fayetteville offers plenty of hotel options to make your weekend comfortable.
**HINT: Look for properties downtown or along Skibo Road to stay close to the action.
Evening: Food + Festivities
Head to downtown Fayetteville for the official kickoff of the Juneteenth Jubilee. Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Grab dinner from a Black-owned favorite like:
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Red, White & Blue BBQ - veteran owned and one of Fayetteville's many food trucks that we're famous for
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Circa 1800 – elevated Southern cuisine with a creative twist
Saturday: Dive Deeper
Morning: Explore Black Heritage Sites
Begin your day with a self-guided tour along the African American Heritage Trail. Highlights include:
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The historic E.E. Smith Monument, honoring the influential educator and community leader.
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Sandhills Family Heritage Center (Spring Lake) – where storytelling, history, and legacy intersect.
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Cumberland County’s United States Colored Troops Marker – part of the Freedom Trail and a sobering reminder of the fight for liberty.
Lunch
Refuel with soul food or Caribbean cuisine at:
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Big T’s for classic Southern comfort
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Taste of West Africa – authentic, flavorful, and welcoming
Afternoon: Jubilee Festivities Continue
The Juneteenth Jubilee continues with a Black artisan market, historical presentations, and live performances that reflect the depth and joy of Black culture.
Alt Option: Explore Hope Mills' Jubilee
Prefer a more laid-back afternoon? Head over to Hope Mills Municipal Park for their own Juneteenth Liberty & Legacy Celebration. This family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, cultural activities, and more — all in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Evening: Culture or Connection
Cap off your Saturday evening with a performance at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, or explore Fayetteville’s Black-owned shops like The Livery, known for unique finds and local flair. Families looking to keep the fun going can check out Omni Fun Center for movies, miniature golf, bowling, arcade games, and kid-approved entertainment.
African American Heritage Trail
The African-American Heritage Trail consists of sites that provide a historical…
Sunday: Reflect and Reconnect
Brunch & Culture
Wrap your weekend with brunch at:
Then, visit:
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Fayetteville History Museum – explore rotating exhibits with African American historical perspectives
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Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex – contextualizes the broader Southern experience
Optional Stop: Sweet Valley Ranch
If the kids still have energy to burn, make a quick stop at Sweet Valley Ranch for their Dog Days of Summer experience – petting zoos, rides, and smiles guaranteed.
Plan Your Juneteenth Getaway
Cumberland County offers more than just a celebration — it’s a community that honors its past while joyfully embracing the present. Whether you come for the history, the music, the food, or the feeling, your Juneteenth weekend here will be one to remember.
Helpful Resources:
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